Latest KFF Health News Stories
Oregon To Join Federal Health Insurance Exchange
Oregon built what is widely regarded as the worst-functioning state exchange in the nation.
Consumers In High-Risk Pools Can Sign Up For Plans Until June 30
The federal program that provided coverage for people with chronic health problems, which often prevented them from being able to buy private insurance, is shutting at the end of the month, but participants can buy coverage through the exchanges until the end of June.
Study: Health Plans Dropped After Health Law May Have Been Canceled Anyway
A new study says the health law didn’t lead to more cancellations of health plans than what typically occurs every year as part of the normal churn of the individual policy market.
Doctors, Dentists Adjusting To Ups And Downs Of Changing U.S. Health Care System
Several news outlets covered trends in the industry – including how dentists who treat Medicaid patients are coping.
Drug Companies That Are High Medicare Earners Spend Big On Lobbying Activities
USA Today reports on lobbying activities.
Poll Finds Drop In Support For Virginia Medicaid Expansion
A survey conducted by the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University finds that 53 percent of Virginia voters oppose enrolling more people in Medicaid.
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Arizona.
On The Campaign Trail, Some Democrats Embrace Health Law
One of the most notable examples is taking place in the Pennsylvania primary, where Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls are expressing support for the law.
FDA Approves New HPV Cervical Cancer Test
The test was approved despite objections from some groups that the screening had not been adequately tested.
Aetna Wary About Exchange Expansion As Earnings Climb
The insurer, which is participating in health insurance exchanges in 16 states and the District of Columbia, reported strong growth in the first quarter tied to its acquisition of Coventry Health Care Inc. The company said it expected to seek premium increases for next year’s exchange plans ranging from “low single digits to over double digits.”
Viewpoints: ‘Pinocchios’ For The Koch Brothers; Obamacare ‘Miracle’; The Law’s Effect On Hiring
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Structural Concerns In ACOs; Public’s View Of Mandated Contraception Coverage
This week’s studies come from JAMA Internal Medicine, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, JAMA, Health Affairs and The Gerontologist.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a recommendation that Oregon switch its troubled health exchange from a state-run marketplace to healthcare.gov.
Poll Finds Dislike Of Health Law, But Lack Of Support For Its Repeal
In the run up to the midterm congressional elections, this and other polls find hope for Democratic incumbents while also probing the factors that continue to make the health law unpopular among many Americans. Also in the headlines, new ads from Americans for Prosperity take on the overhaul.
Health Law Influences Small Business Owners’ Decisions
The Wall Street Journal reports that even though the mandate was delayed requiring businesses with more than 50 employees to provide coverage for their workers, the overhaul is affecting how companies are run. In addition, Fox News reports that doctors could be left with unpaid bills if enrollees don’t pay their premiums, and Politico writes about a study that challenges the notion that the health law resulted in millions of canceled policies.
Washington, Minnesota Tout Exchange Sign-Ups, While Oregon Official Exits
Another top official for the Cover Oregon exchange submitted her resignation this week, while a technology committee decides whether the state should participate in the federal exchange or fix the existing website with the help of a new contractor. Meanwhile, some consumers decline to buy coverage because they say they cannot afford the policies sold on the exchange.
Viewpoints: Blum’s Departure Is A Serious Loss; GOP Fighting Medicaid Expansion With New Tactic
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
In other market news, coverage continues of the cost and effectiveness of Sovaldi, a new drug to treat hepatitis C, and the related earnings gained by Gilead Sciences, its manufacturer.
Employers Increasingly See Positives In Wellness Programs
The Associated Press reports on this development.
CBO Lowers Spending Forecast For States That Expand Medicaid Coverage
The Congressional Budget Office updated its February forecast, which pegged the cost at $70 billion over the next 10 years. The new figure puts the cost at $46 billion. In other Medicaid expansion news, Virginia’s charged debate on this question appears to be spilling over to other issues before the General Assembly, Louisiana rejects expansion again and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer continues to confront opposition.
