Latest KFF Health News Stories
Surge Of Sign-Ups Expected To Hit Healthcare.gov Before March 31
Consumers who at least begin the enrollment process before Monday’s deadline can avoid the health law’s tax penalty, according to this week’s Obama administration decision. The change, which some are calling an extension, has triggered some worry from insurers and a round of new attacks from the overhaul’s opponents.
California, Oregon Also Make Deadline Accommodations
California officials say they will stick with the March 31 deadline for applying for health insurance but are granting those who start an application by then until April 15 to finish it. Oregon officials, meanwhile, gave residents another 30 days to get coverage through Cover Oregon. And in Texas, advocates continue their all-out push, despite the relaxation of the federal exchange deadline.
Viewpoints: Generic Drug Warnings; Medicare Advantage ‘Scam’
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
People are waiting in line in Maryland while Minnesota’s exchange is now enrolling about 2,000 people a day. Elsewhere, California has trouble getting African Americans to sign up, and Florida’s enrollment numbers swell.
Medicaid Expansion ‘Private Option’ Plans Drawing Increasing Concern From Advocates
Stateline reports that backers of the health law and the expansion increasingly are worried that alternative approaches being developed by some states could undermine the Medicaid program.
Boehner Ridicules Extension, While Advocates Maintain Urgency
The Obama administration’s decision to give some people more time to sign up for coverage drew criticism from Republicans, while advocates continued to hit hard on the formal deadline to maintain their momentum.
6 Million Enrollees In Sight, Some Analysts Say
Three million of those enrollees alone are in California, while Georgia enrollment moves up slightly to more than 177,000.
Hospital Infection Rates Down, But Patients Still Dying Of Preventable Causes
Hospitals and nursing homes have been trying to cut facility-acquired infection rates, which has worked better for some conditions than others.
Lawmakers Up Against March 31 ‘Doc Fix’ Deadline
The House is expected to vote Thursday to avoid a 24 percent pay cut to doctors who treat Medicare patients, but some dissent in their ranks could hamper their efforts. A reprieve would be the 17th time Congress has avoided the cut in 10 years.
A variety of opinions about the health law.
Senate Democrats Ready Health Law Changes
The lawmakers, many of whom are up for re-election this fall, will likely meet this week to set principles for the changes, which could include allowing lower coverage, “copper,” insurance plans.
State Highlights: Parents Of Disabled Kids Blast Minnesota Gov.; N.Y. Reins In Tanning Salon Claims
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota and New York.
Study: Just 1 In 5 Eligible For Premium Subsidies Seek Coverage
Sign-up rates varied greatly by state, with more than half of the $10 billion allotted so far going to consumers in California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and New York, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation study. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department allows battered spouses filing separate income taxes to claim subsidies. Also, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline hold off on helping Obamacare enrollees with copays.
This week’s articles are from The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, Mosaic Science, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Wired.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more coverage of the emerging details of the Obama administration’s decision to allow some consumers to enroll in health coverage after the March 31 deadline.
Obama Administration Will Extend Healthcare.gov Sign-Up Period Beyond March 31 Deadline
People who began the enrollment process but were not able to finish it because of technical problems will be given additional time to enroll in a health plan. In recent weeks, some of the states operating their own health exchanges have taken similar steps.
States Say Federal Exchange Stalling Medicaid And CHIP Applications
CQ HealthBeat is reporting that more than 400,000 people who qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program are waiting for their applications to be sent from the federal insurance exchange website to states for processing.
Challenge To Health Insurance Subsidies At Center Of Appeals Court Hearing
News outlets report that a split federal appeals court on Tuesday debated whether individuals buying health insurance in the federal marketplace should be eligible for tax subsidies, presenting a potentially serious legal challenge to a central part of President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Cost Controls Key For Insurers Participating In Federal Employee Health Plan
The Washington Post reports on the development.
Democrats Focus On Pocketbook Issues After Rocky Health Law Rollout
On the defensive about health law missteps, the White House and congressional Democrats are stepping up attacks on the GOP over pocketbook issues like the minimum wage. Meanwhile, The Washington Post’s Fact Checker looks at a new attack ad.
