Latest KFF Health News Stories
Sign-Up Surge Brings Health Law’s Enrollment Tally To 5 Million
In the past two weeks, an estimated 800,000 people have used the health law’s online marketplaces to select health insurance. But doubts persist as to whether the number of enrollees will come close to the Obama administration’s latest target, and questions continue about how many of these shoppers have actually paid their premiums.
In Texas, Enrollment Push Lags
Although the number of uninsured is high in the Lone Star State, concerns about cost and opposition to the law have stymied efforts to get people to sign up for policies on the online marketplace.
Viewpoints: NRA Shouldn’t Derail Surgeon General Nominee; Democrats Need To Stand Up For Health Law
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, Connecticut, California and Georgia.
House Democrats Ask Treasury To Help Domestic Violence Victims Get Health Subsidies
Advocates for domestic violence victims and chronically ill people urge the Obama administration to issue rules enabling them to enroll in subsidized insurance. Meanwhile, doctors say they shouldn’t be left holding the bag for new health plan enrollees who have 90-day grace periods.
Former La. Gov. Edwin Edwards Is Running For Congress
The once disgraced politician says expanding health care accessibility will be a key part of his campaign. He finds fault with part of the health law but is more critical of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s decision not to expand Medicaid.
House GOP Will Seek Health Alternatives At April Town-Hall Meetings
As Republicans struggle to find an alternative to President Barack Obama’s health law, they will test some of their ideas at party meetings.
Analysis Finds Health Law Having Mixed Impact On Insurance Marketplace Competition
A seven-state snapshot of enrollment by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that the overhaul has not significantly boosted competition.
Mass. Cutting Ties With Insurance Exchange Website Vendor After Problems
The contractor, CGI Group, is also the lead contractor on the federal marketplace website.
Obama Administration Highlights ‘Sweet Sixteen’ Bracket Full Of Reasons To Get Health Insurance
The White House is hoping to attract the interest of young people in the health law’s coverage options by using unorthodox approaches such as linking insurance to March Madness and reaching out to “digital influencers.”
Attorneys General From 28 States Call On Big Retailers To Stop Selling Tobacco
The retailers include large national chains like Walgreens and Walmart that have pharmacies and sell tobacco products.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Obama administration announcement that more than 5 million people have enrolled in coverage under the health law — an increase of about 800,000 in the last two weeks.
Maine’s New Co-Op Plan Wins 80 Percent Of Market Share
In Maine, a new startup beats a well-known Blue Cross plan in the competition for enrollees, while enrollment in Oregon’s exchange continues despite the website’s troubles. The success of California’s exchange, meanwhile, is marred by slow progress in reaching Latinos and young people.
Administration Eyes ‘The Big Dance’ As Opportunity To Sell Obamacare Health Plans
Officials will launch a marketing campaign in conjunction with the NCAA college basketball tournaments — events they view as offering great potential for reaching young people and urging them to get health insurance.
GOP, Dems Predict Fall Victories; Boehner’s ‘Absurd’ Claim On Enrollments
Republicans are continuing their offensive against Obamacare.
Study Estimates A Third Of Uninsured Won’t Enroll In Health Plans
The Fiscal Times reports that the study by Bankrate.com shows government outreach efforts are falling short. Meanwhile, news outlets look at enrollment efforts in New Jersey, Montana, Maine, Washington, Pennsylvania, Ohio and California.
House Ties ‘Doc Fix’ To A Delay In The Individual Mandate
The Senate is expected to refuse to accept the Republican plan to fix the way Medicare pays doctors and that could fray a bipartisan effort to find a long-term solution to the problem.
Sickest May Keep ‘High-Risk’ Coverage For Additional Month, Officials Say
The program to cover those with pre-existing health conditions was initially set to expire at the end of 2013, but officials have extended it for the third time.
White House To Expand Federal Marketplace Plan Standards in 2015, Broaden Choices
The Obama administration will rely less on state insurance regulators and private groups in determining which plans will meet standards to sell insurance on the federal marketplace.
NRA Opposition May Sink Obama Pick For Surgeon General
Intense lobbying by the National Rifle Association has made Senate confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy difficult, if not impossible, media outlets report. Murthy has advocated for stricter gun control laws, calling it a public health issue.
