Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: What’s Next For Employer Mandate; SCOTUS And Retiree Health Plans; The ‘Next Big Issue’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the insurance marketplace is taking shape for 2015.
Virginia Filings Offer Preview Of 2015 Premium Increases
The proposals, detailed in official filings to the state’s insurance department, show all health plans in that state opting for some increases. Meanwhile, nearly a half billion dollars were spent on failed exchanges in Massachusetts, Oregon, Nevada and Maryland, according to Politico, while the chief of Hawaii’s largest insurer calls on that state to shut down its troubled exchange.
New Paper Suggests Scrapping The Health Law’s Employer Mandate
The paper, published by the Urban Institute, makes the case that this requirement will not lead to more people getting coverage because those firms that don’t provide it will likely opt for the penalty. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on how the health law has become an earnings’ report scapegoat as well as how premium calculations are causing small businesses confusion.
Delayed Care For Veterans Is A Hot Topic On Sunday News Shows, In Headlines
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said what is now a scandal should have been examined years ago. Meanwhile, USA Today and the Arizona Republic have more tales of delayed care.
Republicans Look For New Battles As Health Law Fight Quiets
In the meantime, some sparring continues over the law, a new poll looks at Americans’ attitudes on Obamacare, and Democrats continue their push to try to drum up support for the overhaul.
Study: In States That Didn’t Expand Medicaid, Community Health Centers Will Likely Take A Hit
News outlets examine the cost and benefits states must weigh as they contemplate expanding the Medicaid program. Also, news outlets report on the latest related developments in Georgia and North Carolina.
Health Law Adds To Financial Squeeze For Rural Hospitals
The Wall Street Journal reports on how a number of policies and market forces are combining to put added pressure on rural hospitals. Meanwhile, other news outlets report on the challenge of making the health system affordable and the health law’s new options for pregnant women.
State Highlights: Calif. Immigrant Licensing; Calif. Offenders Mental Health Treatment
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Iowa, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, New Hampshire and Florida.
Medicare Roundup: Alabama Pain Clinic Spending ‘Hotspot’; Quality Improvement Program Scrutinized
Also, the controversy about paying for a hepatitis-C cure and reinstating physicians who lost their licenses.
Viewpoints: Heath Insurance And Mortality; Newly Insured Vs. Previously Insured On Marketplaces
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about the inner-workings of some state-based health exchanges.
Hagan Defends Medicaid Expansion, Criticizes GOP Rival In Burwell Hearing
During a nomination hearing Thursday for Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Sen. Kay Hagan — a North Carolina Democrat in a tough re-election battle — criticized North Carolina Republicans for declining to expand the Medicaid program under the health law. Her GOP opponent, Thom Tillis, is the state House speaker.
Mass. Plan For New Health Insurance Exchange Has Estimated Price Tag Of $121 Million
After millions of dollars have already been spent on attempts to fix Massachusetts’ online marketplace, known as the Health Connector, insurers and some exchange board members say the cost is too high. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on developments from Connecticut, Maryland, California, Oregon and Illinois.
Obama’s Pick To Head HHS Draws Bipartisan Praise In Confirmation Hearing
Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who has been nominated by the White House to become the next Health and Human Services secretary, also faced tough questions about the health law’s implementation and the trouble-plagued healthcare.gov.
VA Secretary Shinseki Subpoenaed In VA Wait List Probe
The subpoena asks for all email and other correspondence to look into the alleged secret wait list that sought to make wait times at a Phoenix VA hospital seem shorter than they really were.
Senate To Vote On Exempting Veterans From Employer Mandate
Meanwhile, USA Today looks at Congress’ failure to pass legislation that would address the fragmentation of mental health services following the 2012 shootings in Newtown, Conn., and Sen. Lindsey Graham plans to push a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Virtual Doctors Visits Await Regulation, Grow In Popularity
And recommendations on digital privacy protections for electronic health records could come as early as June.
Viewpoints: House Chairman Calls For Shinseki Resignation; Hagan’s Case For Obamacare
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Federal Judges Hear ‘Origination Clause’ Challenge To Health Law
The case, brought by the Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento, Calif., argues the law’s insurance mandate is unconstitutional because the Constitution’s origination clause requires all revenue-raising measures to originate in the House of Representatives and this legislation began in the Senate.
