Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: February 25, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories exploring the political dynamics governors face regarding the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
Health Law Deadlines, And Even Statistics, Still In Flux
News outlets report on the changes that have been made to the health law and whether these tweaks may be adding new layers of complications. Meanwhile, stories also center on enrollment efforts and the current tally of enrollment numbers.
Maryland’s Health Exchange Goals Revised After Research Error
The initial goal was reportedly based on flawed data, and the newly set milepost has already been met. Still, The Baltimore Sun reports that the state has halted work on its small business marketplace and that Maryland will charge for work related to public information requests about what went wrong with the website.
States Face Challenges With Attempts To ‘Customize’ Medicaid Expansion Plans
Stateline reports that the efforts to tailor the program take time, among other things. Meanwhile, the Washington Post examines the Obama administration claim about the number of Americans who have, for the first time, gained access to health care because of the expansion. In addition, news outlets offer updates from Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida and Indiana.
GOP Readies New Votes On Health Law Mandate Repeal, Medicare Advantage Cuts
In the meantime, one Democratic senator is pulling back from comments he made on repealing the health law.
Pediatricians Argue Against Retail Health Care Clinics
In the meantime, a big push for greater health care price transparency is readied, and the prominence of palliative care grows.
Federal Court Rules Against Notre Dame In Contraception Case
The Catholic university must now provide birth control coverage to students and employees as mandated in the health law.
State Exchanges: Vt. Gov. Shumlin Says Fixes Are Working
News outlets report on the operating issues for the online exchanges.
Regulators Propose 1.9% Cut To Medicare Advantage Payments
Federal regulators late Friday proposed cutting payments to private Medicare plans by 1.9 percent after recent lower health care spending growth. Insurers worry the cut could be much deeper than that after health law fees and other payment changes take effect, however, and say another cut could affect benefits for seniors.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Wisconsin, Kansas, Virginia, Oregon, Georgia, North Carolina and Maine.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: February 24, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of Medicare Advantage payment rates, as well as a range of stories about the health law’s Medicaid expansion and online insurance marketplaces.
Feds Propose Medicare Advantage Payment Cuts, Could Have Election Impact
Medicare Advantage is the managed care program, run by private insurance companies, for seniors and disabled people.
Appeals Court Rules Against Notre Dame In Contraception Lawsuit
The 2-1 decision was handed down late Friday.
Public Sector Reduces Part-Time Shifts To Avoid Health Law
Despite the administration’s delays of the employer mandate, cities, counties and public schools have limited part-timers’ work hours so they don’t have to offer health insurance, reports The New York Times. Other media outlets report on targeted enrollment pitches to taxicab drivers, restaurant workers and artists, and on the GOP’s probe of an Accenture contract for work on healthcare.gov.
Private Exchange Benefiting From Health Law; Some State-Run Marketplaces Still Struggling
eHealthInsurance reports that interest in health coverage ginned up by the new federal law has helped new memberships rise 50 percent. Meanwhile, NPR examines the mixed record of the 14 states running their own marketplaces.
Doctors’ Groups Urge Members To Reduce Number Of C-Sections
The move is designed to reduce the risk of unnecessary surgery, but some physicians may resist the effort.
GOP Strategists Prepare To Pounce On Medicare Advantage Payment Changes
The new payment rates for private Medicare Advantage plans — expected to be announced Friday — are likely to become political fodder in the midterm elections, reports Politico. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans come out against proposed changes in the Medicare prescription drug program which they say would increase seniors’ costs.
Justice Dept. Joins In Whistleblower Suit Against Two Hospital Operators
This suit alleges that hospitals operated by Tenet Healthcare and Health Management Associates paid kickbacks to obstetrics clinics for referring certain patients.
