Latest KFF Health News Stories
Moody’s Downgrades Outlook For Health Insurers
The credit-rating firm shifted health insurers from stable to negative, citing the health law’s troubled rollout. Meanwhile, Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini predicted that companies would soon spend billions on consumer advertising. And The New York Times explores allegations that Health Management Associates, a for-profit hospital chain based in Naples, Fla., pursued strategies to increase admissions, regardless of whether a patient needed hospital care.
Huckabee Takes Aim At Health Law’s Birth Control Requirement
The former Arkansas governor’s comments, offered as part of a speech to the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting, drew harsh responses from Planned Parenthood and Democratic Party committees.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mayors Also Have A Stake In The Medicaid Expansion’s ‘Promise And Pitfalls’
This health law topic is high on the agenda of this week’s U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington. Meanwhile, Utah’s Gov. Gary Herbert said he will pursue some form of the expansion. Also in the news, related developments in Montana and Missouri.
State Highlights: Hearing Friday On Battle Over Texas Woman On Life Support
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Kansas and Oregon.
Research Roundup: Patient Safety Measure Results ‘Disappointing’
This week’s studies come from The New England Journal of Medicine, the Annals of Internal Medicine, the Annals of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, JAMA Surgery, Brookings Institution, The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
First Edition: January 24, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that a federal district court judge in Missouri has blocked state officials from restricting groups efforts to help people sign up for coverage as part of the federal health law.
Survey Finds Modest Drop In January Uninsured Rate
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index found that the uninsured rate for U.S. adults dropped by 1.2 percentage points in January as the health law’s coverage expansion took effect, with the biggest change seen among unemployed people and nonwhites.
In Calif., Anthem Leads In Enrollment; Md. Glitches Blamed On IBM Software
News outlets report on how state health exchanges and enrollment outreach efforts are proceeding.
Big Jump In Medicaid Signups Reported
More than 6.3 million people were found eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program since October, but it is unclear how many are newly insured since recipients must re-enroll each year. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urges mayors to push their states to expand the program. News outlets also look at developments in Virginia and Florida.
Checking The Facts: Policy Cancellations And Healthcare.gov Enrollment
The Washington Post examines the landmines associated with these statistics. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports on a new lawsuit in which a man claims Humana raised his premiums and then refused to honor his request to cancel the policy.
Abortion Opponents Mark Roe V. Wade Anniversary With D.C. Protest
The annual March for Life rally was held amidst frigid temperatures on the National Mall, marking the decision’s 41st anniversary.
Aetna CEO: Americans Have ‘Unsustainable Attitude’ About Increasing Health Care Costs
Bloomberg reports on comments made by Mark Bertolini about the U.S. health care system.
State Highlights: Minn. Improves Hospital Safety
A selection of health policy news from Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Iowa and Virginia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Experts predict that more employers with large numbers of part-time workers will follow as they attempt to keep costs low.
Looking Ahead: The President’s State Of The Union Address Talking Points
The Washington Post notes that key among President Barack Obama’s messages will be the defense of the health law.
Longer Looks: Leaving Antidepressants; The Lack Of Tech-Savvy Doctors
This week’s articles come from Al Jazeera, The Atlantic, Medscape, KevinMD and The New Yorker.
First Edition: January 23, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new survey indicating that the nation’s uninsured rate dropped modestly this month.
Target To Drop Health Coverage For Part-Time Workers
A corporate blog post by the company’s human resources chief cited the health plans now available on public health exchanges as part of Target’s decision, as well as the fact that only about 10 percent of its estimated 360,000 employees participated in the plan that is being discontinued. Those workers will be given $500 because their current coverage is ending.
