Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospital Prices — Biggest Driver Of Medical Inflation — Remain Opaque
Nothing is more convoluted than hospital charges, which represent about a third of the nation’s $2.7 trillion annual health care bill, reports The New York Times. Reuters finds that hospitals may quote prices for parking but not for procedures. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News describes the trend in palliative care programs, designed to relieve pain and distress, regardless of how long a patient has to live.
First Edition: December 3, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the mixed reviews regarding healthcare.gov’s “relaunch” as well as the White House strategy to move past the website’s difficulties.
Administration Gives Thumbs Up To Website Fixes And Upgrades
The health law website reportedly now is operating 90 percent of the time, but more work still must be done, according to the Obama administration’s Sunday progress report on their efforts to correct healthcare.gov’s problems.
Insurers Worry About Back End Repairs To Healthcare.gov
The system that is supposed to deliver consumers’ information to insurers still needs to be repaired — with only 30 days to go before coverage is supposed to begin for many people. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reports that because of another software problem insurers will initially estimate what they are owed by the government rather than have the government calculate the bill.
Consumers, Employers Face New Round Of Health Coverage Challenges, Decisions
News outlets offer consumer tips for using healthcare.gov and take a look at where things stand in terms of obtaining coverage as of Jan. 1.
Other challenges to the law continue to work their way through courtrooms across the country.
Members Of Congress Get Different Health Marketplace Experience Than Most
The Los Angeles Times explores the experiences for lawmakers and their staffs as they leave the federal employee health insurance system and move to the new exchanges.
Medicaid Expansion Could Exacerbate Doctor Shortage
As more people gain access to coverage as a result of the health law’s expansion of the state-federal insurance program for the poor, finding doctors willing to treat them may be a challenge. Other stories look at how Americans in similar circumstances face vastly different health coverage options because of where they live. That’s because half the states opted against the health law’s expansion of Medicaid.
Oregon Struggles To Clear Health Insurance Exchange’s High-Tech Hurdle
Oregon’s state-based health law online insurance exchange is still struggling in its quest to sign people up, and officials there are using paper applications to get the job done — a time-consuming task. Exchanges also make news in Kentucky, California, Mississippi and Washington state.
Physicians Voice Concerns About What The Health Law Will Bring In January
News outlets report on some of the specific issues that are causing physician organizations to worry.
Obamacare ‘Navigators’ Hope For Do-Over
The groups charged with helping people sign up for health coverage are looking for a fresh start after experiencing the same difficulties getting plan information as many consumers. Other stories look at the challenges of enrolling Spanish-speaking consumers, as well as those living in rural areas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicare Looks To Narrow Discrepancy On What It Spends In Different Parts Of U.S.
Medicare wants to narrow the discrepancy on what it spends on some health services in different parts of the country. In the meantime, UnitedHealthcare is dropping hundreds of doctors from its Medicare Advantage plans and the Government Accountability Office says Medicare doesn’t know how well its contractors’ anti-fraud efforts are working.
State Highlights: States Push Mental Health Spending After Sandy Hook
A selection of health policy stories from the states including news from Connecticut and Wisconsin.
First Edition: December 2, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major new organizations, including reports about healthcare.gov’s status, the challenges that lie ahead and the concerns being expressed by consumers and insurers.
Administration Gives Positive Progress Report On Health Care Website Fixes
Obama administration officials announced Sunday morning that they had met their deadline in terms of making improvements to healthcare.gov.
Fixes For Health Website Running Up Against The Clock
Administration officials say the enrollment site has improved significantly but acknowledge that the work will continue past today’s deadline.
Administration To Small Businesses: Online Health Insurance Exchange Delayed
HHS says the SHOP online portal now won’t be available until Nov. 2014.
Nearly 400,000 Poor Americans Flock To Expanded Medicaid
The Washington Post reports the rollout of the law’s expanded Medicaid program appears to be ‘the silver lining’ in the health law’s implementation — signups of nearly 400,000 people appear to be going smoothly. Meanwhile, news outlets cover Medicaid developments in Wisconsin, Ohio and South Carolina.
Philadelphia Hospital Reaches Out To Homeless
The program helps reinforce the importance of health care for shelter residents and their children.
