Latest KFF Health News Stories
Senate Compounding Pharmacy Oversight Bill Faces ‘Obamacare’ Test
A Senate vote is planned for Tuesday on whether the federal government can exercise tighter control of compounding pharmacies like the one that killed more than 60 people last year. The vote faces an “Obamacare” hurdle, however, from Sen. David Vitter, R-La.
Tech Companies Ready New Tools To Cash In On Health Law Enrollment
Tech companies are preparing new software and apps to cash in on the million of Americans who will soon be making insurance decisions for the first time. In the meantime, how three 20-somethings were able to get an insurance-shopping website up and running when more than 50 contractors could not.
Lawmakers Face Their Own Health Law Reality: Navigating The Online Exchanges
Lawmakers and some of their aides are preparing to navigate the health law’s online insurance exchanges to buy coverage. An Alaskan senator is declining the employer contribution subsidy to buy coverage, and some senators will ask for a full investigation of the troubled startup of Healthcare.gov.
Oversight Investigation Turns Up CMS Memo About ‘High’ Website Security Risks
But news outlets are reporting that the project manager working on the healthcare.gov website was not made aware of these issues.
The Associated Press reports on the larger enrollment in states that are expanding their Medicaid programs. However, The New York Times points out that the snags on the marketplace websites may be holding up thousands of others who will be eligible for the state-federal program for low-income people.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, the District of Columbia and California.
Insuring Your Health: Prevention Programs For People Without Insurance Still Play Key Role
Although the health law could expand coverage to millions, many low-income people and others will not have insurance and will still have to rely on these programs for preventive care.
First Edition: November 12, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports and analysis about the number of people — an amount far fewer than the administration’s target — who enrolled during October in a health plan through the health law’s online insurance marketplaces.
GOP Sees Potential In Health Law’s Problems, As Roll-Out Takes Toll On Obama’s Ratings
Even as Republican lawmakers took a hard line during the weekend talk shows, Democrats still maintain the measure will, in the end, be a political advantage.
Zients Warned Years Ago About Problems With Federal IT
News outlets report on the various approaches being taken to healthcare.gov’s problems.
Health Law Overview: At The State Level, Divided Gov’t Still Appears To Function
Some states have had more success striking compromises that expand health insurance coverage.
State Highlights: Wide Variation In Indigent Care Among California Counties, Report Finds
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Oregon and Iowa.
More Numbers Expected This Week On October Health Law Enrollment
In related news, The New York Times reports that state and federal exchanges are using “happy talk” to market the new health coverage options available through the online insurance marketplaces, but they rarely mention the penalty. Other news outlets report on developments from Maryland, Oregon and Colorado.
In States Not Expanding Medicaid, Hospitals Face A Squeeze As Federal Funds Dry Up
The New York Times examines the dilemma for some safety-net hospitals that will not see a drop in the uninsured but will lose federal money that used to help pay for those patients. Meanwhile on another issue affecting the health law, a federal appeals court blocked the administration’s effort to require employers to provide contraception coverage.
Issa Issues Another Subpoena — His Target: Top White House Tech Officer
So far, the White House has resisted congressional Republican efforts to speak with chief technology officer Todd Park about the roll-out of healthcare.gov.
Administration’s Mental Health Parity Rule Is Part Of Effort To Curb Gun Violence
The long-awaited final regulation will guarantee most insurance coverage offers access to mental health services on par with physical health coverage.
FDA Proposes Change In Generic Drug Makers’ Labels
The change would allow generic manufacturers to put new safety information on the labels without having to get FDA permission.
The health law, and the problems in getting it off the ground, are stirring strong feelings.
Proposals Likely This Week To Respond To Health Law Policy Cancellations
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., is among those who are expected to advance legislation. Her measure would extend the open enrollment period by at least two months.
