Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democrats Launch New Messaging Offensive On Law’s 4th Anniversary
Democrats gear up a social media campaign as part of “health care strike teams.” In the meantime, the GOP and tea party members use the law in their campaign messaging.
March 31 Health Law Deadline Questions Answered
Some might be surprised that if they don’t sign up for health insurance by the March 31 deadline, they’ll owe more than $95.
Even While Traveling, Obamas Are Plugging Health Enrollment
With just a week to go before the sign-up deadline, The Washington Post looks at the White House’s systematic effort to get more people signed up for insurance. But consumers still confront some obstacles.
Viewpoints: McConnell, Wasserman Schultz, Barasso On 4th Anniversary
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Va. Lawmakers Head Back To Richmond On Medicaid Expansion
While the Virginia Legislature tries again to break an impasse over Medicaid expansion which has blocked passage of a state budget, Vice President Joseph Biden predicts that political pressure will eventually force GOP officials in every state to accept the expansion. And in Florida, Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, said he’s talked with federal officials about a plan to go around the GOP-controlled state legislature, which opposes the expansion, but federal officials say their hands are tied.
Certain Drugs In Obamacare Plans Carry Hefty Price Tags
Insurers selling Obamacare plans have set drug prices according to a tiered system that in some cases requires consumers to pay as much as 50 percent of the cost, The Associated Press writes. Meanwhile, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that although a glitch that had disseminated incorrect subsidy information on healthcare.gov has been fixed, wrong information might still be given out by independent sites. Also, the administration signaled it would allow people to enroll in health plans after March 31 if they had tried but been unable to sign up because of glitches.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations examine the final week for health law enrollment, the Supreme Court case this week about the law’s contraceptive mandate and the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the controversial overhaul.
Calif. Marketplace Reports Half Of Callers Hang Up Before Getting Help
Officials also said that the online insurance exchange is attracting more Hispanic customers, a key constituency for the marketing effort. Also, in Minnesota, officials announce an effort to boost enrollment of young adults.
FDA Finds Medical Device Recalls Nearly Doubled In 10 Years
The Wall Street Journal says a report to be released today will spotlight the increasing number of problems.
Gov. Kitzhaber Sweeps Out Cover Oregon Leadership, Promises Reforms
An analysis of the state marketplace by First Data released Thursday found serious problems with management and communications.
Pelosi On Obamacare Anniversary: The Law Is ‘A Winner’ For Democrats
The House minority leader marks the anniversary of the law’s passage by expressing confidence that the law will help Democratic candidates this fall.
Emanuel’s Book Suggests Health Law Could Create Shift From Job-Based Plans
Although Ezekiel Emanuel was a key White House adviser on the law, other Democrats dispute his view about transitions in how Americans get coverage. Meanwhile, the Associated Press examines some workers’ desire to leave jobs now that they can get insurance elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Predictions Of Rising Premiums; Health Law Anniversary
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Obama Presses Campaign For Health Law Enrollment
The president continues his many media appearances to help draw attention to the enrollment deadline at the end of March. Meanwhile, a new Pew poll finds that younger Americans are somewhat more interested in the law but support among Hispanics has dropped.
Marketplace Reportedly Using Wrong Guidelines For Subsidies
An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer notes the problem. In other implementation news, recent statements by a Treasury official are being touted by Republicans as evidence the Obama administration has overstepped its statutory authority.
Ark. Court Reverses $1.2B Medicaid Ruling; Fla. Overhaulings Child Welfare
News outlets report on health care news in Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri and Washington.
Research Roundup: New Medical Coding System; Choosing A Hospice
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, the Annals of Family Medicine, JAMA Psychiatry, The Kaiser Family Foundation, Texas A&M University’s Private Enterprise Research Center and the National Center for Policy Analysis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a new examination of Ezekiel Emanuel’s book about the crafting of the health law and President Obama’s latest push to boost enrollment.
High Court To Hear Religious Freedom Challenge To Contraceptive Mandate
The health law returns to the Supreme Court next week when justices consider a challenge by two companies seeking relief from the contraceptive coverage requirement.
Obama Uses March Madness To Pitch Health Law Enrollment
The president ties his NCAA picks to a campaign aimed at enrolling young people in health insurance before the March 31 deadline.
