Latest KFF Health News Stories
Who Enrolled In Health Law Coverage And What Do They Bring To The Risk Pool?
The final days of open enrollment were marked by a surge that helped the Obama administration clear a key milepost. But not yet known is what this population actually looks like. Were these people previously uninsured? Did young people sign up in big enough numbers? And will the insurance model actually work?
Fight Over Medicaid Expansion Intensifies In Virginia, Other States
The battle for the future of Medicaid in Virginia is expected to heat up, with both sides of the divide paying close attention to a proposal to expand the program through the state budget.
Maryland Scraps Exchange Software, Will Buy Connecticut’s System
Now that the enrollment period has ended, the board that runs Maryland’s troubled online insurance marketplace has opted to start over with a system that worked well in Connecticut.
Ryan Plan Would Repeal Health Law, Offer Private Option Medicare
The budget proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, House Budget chairman and a possible Republican contender for the White House in 2016, would repeal the health law but maintain its savings and taxes. Beginning with those who turn 65 in 2024, it would offer seniors a fixed amount to purchase a private plan or traditional fee for service Medicare.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Abortion Restrictions In Mississippi, Arizona
And in Hawaii and Los Angeles, some advocacy groups are worrying about providing health insurance to migrant workers and undocumented workers.
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.
