Latest KFF Health News Stories
Americans’ Experience With Health Law Depends On Where They Live
Some states that embraced the law, such as Oregon, have had difficulty enrolling residents because of glitch-ridden online marketplaces, while others like New Hampshire have seen unexpectedly strong enrollments despite prevailing critical views.
Maryland To Replace Troubled $125M Health Exchange With New System
Despite a late surge in sign-ups in the past week, Monday will mark the end of Maryland’s problematic health exchange system which encountered many technical issues. The exchange will be replaced with technology used in Connecticut’s system, one of the most successful in the country, The Washington Post reports.
Viewpoints: Coburn, USA Today, WSJ, New Yorker On Obamacare Deadline
A variety of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Artists Benefit From Health Law, But Rural Residents May Pay More
Self-employed Americans such as artists stand to gain under the health law, but rural residents may pay more for coverage because of the higher costs of delivering care in a sparsely populated area and the disproportionate number of older people. Other media outlets offer advice for consumers trying to make sense of the law.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations offer assessments of the administration’s campaign to get people signed up for health care and a look at the issues going forward after today’s deadline for most enrollments.
Late Surge In Obamacare Sign-Ups, White House Continues Push
With the deadline for most people on Monday, the administration says the website is dealing with heavy traffic.
As Deadline Approaches, Obamacare Sign-Ups Top 6 Million
Many questions remain about what this number means, though, including how many of those enrolling in new coverage had been uninsured before signing up and whether young and healthy people will be adequately represented.
States Work To Clarify Enrollment Rules, Untangle Technical Problems
News outlets also report that states are still conducting outreach efforts and offering the latest tallies of people who are signing up as well as information about subsidies.
In New Hampshire, Medicaid Expansion Becomes Law
Gov. Maggie Hassan signed a bill setting up a 2 and 1/2 year pilot program to provide health insurance to 50,000 low-income adults. The program will use federal Medicaid funds to pay private insurers.
Hospitals Find Better Care Means More Money Under The Health Law
Elsewhere, gay couples find that insurance coverage depends on where you live, and hospitals prepare to offer their own insurance plans.
House Passes 12-Month ‘Doc Fix’ By Voice Vote
The bill would avoid a 24 percent reduction in payment for doctors who treat Medicare patients, but the deal is still angering some Republican rank-and-file.
Beyond The Health Law Enrollment Numbers, State-By-State Disparities, Penalties Draw Headlines
The Wall Street Journal reports that federal officials have sent a “nudging” email to consumers who haven’t picked a plan yet. And the New York Times examines how the push to expand health coverage has taken the shape of a number of very different and uneven individual efforts instead of “a sweeping federal overhaul.”
Viewpoints: Nothing ‘Magical’ About 6 Million Enrollees; The High Cost Of Hep C Medicine
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
5 Senate Dems Seek Changes To Health Law
The Democrats, and one independent, want to modify a health law provision requiring companies to provide coverage if they have more than 50 employees. The senators want to make the cutoff 100 workers. Other proposals include offering consumers additional health plan choices, among them, a less-expensive “copper” option.
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan and Massachusetts.
This week’s studies come from JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, the Urban Institute, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Public Not Crazy About Health Law But Believes It’s Here To Stay
A new Associated Press-GfK survey finds that 26 percent of Americans say they support the health law, and a narrow majority expects it to be implemented with only minor changes. Another survey shows Hispanic support for the president and the health law declining, although nearly half still approve of both.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest health insurance enrollment figures from the White House as well as news on the Medicare ‘doc fix’ from Capitol Hill.
Surge Of Sign-Ups Expected To Hit Healthcare.gov Before March 31
Consumers who at least begin the enrollment process before Monday’s deadline can avoid the health law’s tax penalty, according to this week’s Obama administration decision. The change, which some are calling an extension, has triggered some worry from insurers and a round of new attacks from the overhaul’s opponents.
California, Oregon Also Make Deadline Accommodations
California officials say they will stick with the March 31 deadline for applying for health insurance but are granting those who start an application by then until April 15 to finish it. Oregon officials, meanwhile, gave residents another 30 days to get coverage through Cover Oregon. And in Texas, advocates continue their all-out push, despite the relaxation of the federal exchange deadline.
