Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Insurance Exchanges Wrestle With Rollout Issues
In Iowa, an insurer that chose not to sell policies through the federal website pokes fun at its mishaps in a TV ad, while in Minnesota, insurers list the problems they say may keep consumers who think they’ve enrolled in a plan from being covered on Jan.1. Developments in Oregon and Colorado are also scrutinized.
Lawmakers Close In On ‘Cease-Fire’ Budget Deal
Lawmakers are close to finding accord on a budget that would undo only a few parts of the government cuts known as “sequester.” In addition, the proposed budget wouldn’t lower the debt or change the costs involved with health care programs in addition to leaving other programs intact.
Capitol Hill Experiences Same Online Insurance Exchange Successes, Failures As All Americans
Members of Congress are a microcosm of what’s happening for people trying to sign up for health coverage in the health law’s online insurance exchanges across the nation — some are getting through, some are seeing glitches still and some are avoiding it altogether.
California Exchange Shares Consumers’ Names Without Their Consent
Officials with Covered California said they gave insurance agents the contact information of thousands of people who went online but didn’t enroll in coverage as part of a pilot program to help people sign up by Dec. 23.
Drugmaker Pushes New Drug Over Cheaper Equivalent At Medicare’s Expense
The Washington Post explores the public impact of two equivalent drugs that both prevent blindness but which have very different prices. Other media report on the federal court decision in Connecticut that temporarily blocks UnitedHealthcare from dropping more than 2,000 doctors from its Medicare Advantage network in that state.
Maryland’s Online Insurance Marketplace Plagued By Technical Problems, Discord
The director of the state exchange resigned Friday. Meanwhile, the Web portal continues to be marked by operational difficulties that are undermining enrollment efforts.
GOP Uses Weekly Address To Reignite Obamacare Debate Ahead Of Election Season
In the GOP’s weekly address, Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., said the health law amounts to the Obama administration telling Americans what’s best for them and that it is also an example of the “war on women.” Elsewhere, the health law is figuring prominently in early election politics.
Two Governors Go ‘All In’ With Health Law’s Trials And Tribulations
In this pair of stories, Politico takes a look at how the health law decisions made by two governors in two very different states are playing.
State Highlights: Union, Calif. Hospital Assn. At Odds Over Organization, Ballot Issues
A selection of health policy stories from California, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida and Minnesota.
Viewpoints: Optimism About Obamacare; 834 Errors; Can-You-Keep-Your-Doctor Debate
A selection of opinions and editorial from around the country.
Former Obama Aide Phil Schiliro Returns To Help Oversee Obamacare
Schiliro, the president’s former congressional liaison, is expected to oversee the implementation of the landmark health care law and protect it from legislative attacks.
First Edition: December 9, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about new sticker-shock concerns over costs for coverage purchased through the health law’s new online insurance marketplaces.
New Problems Hit D.C., Md. Health Insurance Exchanges
In Washington, some people trying to get coverage are being scammed. In Maryland, the executive director resigns under fire.
Does Knowing Medical Prices Save Money? CalPERS Experiment Says Yes
The fact that the cost of a hip replacement can ring up as $15,000 or $100,000 — depending on the hospital — makes a lot of people uncomfortable. But that’s only if they know about the wide price tag variations.
Healthcare.gov Is On The Mend, What’s Next?
News outlets report on the key tasks ahead — enrolling enough people to stabilize the insurance market and covering people whose policies were canceled.
Snags Emerge Even In States Where Exchanges Are Working
Insurers are reporting behind-the-scenes technical glitches that could undermine Jan. 1 coverage. In addition, news outlets offer progress reports from California, Connecticut, North Carolina, D.C., Minnesota and Oregon.
Capitol Hill Workers Have Extra Month To Get Health Insurance
Washington D.C.’s insurance exchange has been having problems.
Consumers Are Not Insured Until They Pay 1st Premium
CNN cautions that it’s not enough to sign up for a health law policy — you need to make that first payment to your insurer. Elsewhere, ProPublica looks at healthcare.gov’s back-end system to provide your sign-up information to insurers, and the Obama administration awards $55 million in grants to bolster the health care workforce.
Refusing Medicaid Expansion To Cost States Billions, Study Says
The decision not to participate will costs states billions over the next decade which will be passed onto taxpayers, according to a study by the pro-reform Commonwealth Fund. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett begins the process of seeking federal approval for his proposal to use expansion money to help the poor buy private insurance. And the Wisconsin Assembly votes to give those losing Medicaid three more months to sign up for private plans.
Viewpoints: Health Law Is Here To Stay; Problems For Obamacare Go Beyond Website; Future ‘Doc Shock’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
