Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news and analysis about the 7 million insurance enrollment tally.
White House Touts Breaking Original Enrollment Target
The health law “has made our broken system a lot better,” the president says in a Rose Garden ceremony marking the end of the enrollment period and the announcement that 7 million people signed up for coverage on the marketplaces.
Dust Settles As First Enrollment Period Comes To A Close
Though March 31 is increasingly viewed as a somewhat soft deadline, it’s come and gone amidst last-day technical troubles. In its wake, lots of analysis and speculation about where the ultimate tally — now estimated to have topped 7 million — may fall, as well as how many of those new enrollees were previously uninsured and how many will pay their premiums.
Enrollment Dramas Ripple Through The States
As the health overhaul’s first open enrollment period drew to a close, states experienced triumphs as well as tribulations — whether they were running their own websites or using the federal exchange. News outlets offer updates from California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin and Kansas.
Looking Forward: How To Judge The Rollout; Challenges To Come
Following the official end of the enrollment season, some outlets turn their attention to the upcoming issues surrounding the law.
Expensive Hepatitis Drug Draws Huge Sales
The demand for Gilead Sciences’ Sovaldi, which costs $1,000 a pill, indicates how hard it is for insurers to curb the use of life-saving medicines. Meanwhile Humana names a former Goldman Sachs executive as finance chief.
Poll: Obamacare Hits A New High — Especially Among Democrats
At 49 percent public support, the health law reached a new high in the latest ABC/Washington Post poll, while criticism of Barack Obama’s handling of the law’s rollout- although still substantial- has eased. However, Republicans believe that they can use voter frustration over the measure in the upcoming election.
State Roundup: Federal Judge Lets Ariz. Abortion Rules Stand; Mich. Medicaid Expands
News organizations report on health care developments in Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia.
Viewpoints: ‘Thrice-Buried’ Obamacare ‘Looks Very Much Alive;’ Ted Cruz ‘Gets An Earful’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Michigan Rep. Dave Camp Won’t Seek Re-Election
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich, announced on Monday that he will retire in 2014, ending a 12-term congressional career. Camp was a powerful voice in federal health, welfare trade policy and tax reform.
For 17th Time In 11 Years, Congress Passes ‘Doc Fix’ Measure
The legislation gives doctors temporary relief from a flawed Medicare payment formula but fails to revamp it because of disagreements over how to pay for the change. Meanwhile, House Republicans are expected to unveil a budget that resurrects their proposal to privatize Medicare but in a more politically palatable way.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, an array of stories as the health law’s enrollment period comes to a close.
Marketplace Website Has A Rocky Day As Thousands Try To Beat Enrollment Deadline
Federal officials took the healthcare.gov marketplace offline twice to deal with problems that surfaced under the heavy use.
Looking Ahead At Health Law Milestones
With open enrollment for 2014 set to formally close today, analysts note that it will take years to assess whether the health law succeeds at creating stable markets for those without employer-sponsored insurance. Several look at likely victories and hurdles.
Veterans Struggle With Mental Health Problems
More than half of the 2.6 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans say they struggle with physical or mental health problems as a result of their service and feel detached from civilian life, according to a poll conducted by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
L.A. Times: More Than 9 Million Uninsured Gain Coverage
The newspaper’s tally draws on state and federal enrollment reports, surveys by consultants and interviews with insurance and government officials. Meanwhile, insurers and others intensify efforts to sign up young customers.
Utah’s Medicaid Efforts May Pave Route For Other Red States
Gov. Gary Herbert and aides have been meeting with federal officials to find a different option. Meanwhile, news outlets look at the Medicaid expansion battles in Virginia and Florida and Republican concerns in Illinois.
Health Care Spending Growth Hits Decade High
In other news, health care stocks have emerged as robust gainers in a resilient U.S. stock market.
Assessing The Possible Impact Of Obamacare On Nov. Elections
A variety of news organizations analyzed what might happen in the fall, because of political campaigns built around the health law.
Roundup: W.Va. Gov. Vetoes Abortion Ban; N.Y. Curbs Medical Bill Surprises
A selection of health policy stories from California, Illinois, New York, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
