Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories previewing today’s Supreme Court action regarding the health law’s contraception coverage mandate.
Enrollment Push Is Tough In Mississippi
Politico reports on efforts to sign people up for health care as Humana sends a lime green bus through some of the state’s poorest areas. Other outlets look at enrollment campaigns in Maine, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Colorado.
Effort To Fix SGR Formula Snagged Over Cost
Prospects are growing dim that Congress will permanently fix Medicare’s outdated payment formula this year because lawmakers have been unable to agree on a way to pay for it. Meanwhile, federal officials have drafted rules to protect seniors when Medicare Advantage plans cut doctors from their networks.
Supreme Court To Hear Health Law Contraceptive Case Tuesday
At issue is whether for-profit companies, such as Hobby Lobby, are entitled to the same religious protections as individuals or religious organizations.
State Highlights: Fla. Employees’ Unequal Premiums; Abuse By Calif. Doctor Alleged
News media report on a variety of health care issues in Florida, Texas, California, Wisconsin, New York, Massachusetts and Minnesota.
Democratic Lawmakers Ask Hepatitis C Drugmaker To Justify Price
The pill’s developer, Gilead Sciences, sells it for $1,000 per pill.
Viewpoints On Challenge To Contraceptive Coverage Mandate
A variety of opinions about the Hobby Lobby lawsuit challenging a provision of the health law which will be heard Tuesday by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Democrats Launch New Messaging Offensive On Law’s 4th Anniversary
Democrats gear up a social media campaign as part of “health care strike teams.” In the meantime, the GOP and tea party members use the law in their campaign messaging.
March 31 Health Law Deadline Questions Answered
Some might be surprised that if they don’t sign up for health insurance by the March 31 deadline, they’ll owe more than $95.
Even While Traveling, Obamas Are Plugging Health Enrollment
With just a week to go before the sign-up deadline, The Washington Post looks at the White House’s systematic effort to get more people signed up for insurance. But consumers still confront some obstacles.
Viewpoints: McConnell, Wasserman Schultz, Barasso On 4th Anniversary
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Va. Lawmakers Head Back To Richmond On Medicaid Expansion
While the Virginia Legislature tries again to break an impasse over Medicaid expansion which has blocked passage of a state budget, Vice President Joseph Biden predicts that political pressure will eventually force GOP officials in every state to accept the expansion. And in Florida, Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, said he’s talked with federal officials about a plan to go around the GOP-controlled state legislature, which opposes the expansion, but federal officials say their hands are tied.
Certain Drugs In Obamacare Plans Carry Hefty Price Tags
Insurers selling Obamacare plans have set drug prices according to a tiered system that in some cases requires consumers to pay as much as 50 percent of the cost, The Associated Press writes. Meanwhile, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that although a glitch that had disseminated incorrect subsidy information on healthcare.gov has been fixed, wrong information might still be given out by independent sites. Also, the administration signaled it would allow people to enroll in health plans after March 31 if they had tried but been unable to sign up because of glitches.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations examine the final week for health law enrollment, the Supreme Court case this week about the law’s contraceptive mandate and the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the controversial overhaul.
Calif. Marketplace Reports Half Of Callers Hang Up Before Getting Help
Officials also said that the online insurance exchange is attracting more Hispanic customers, a key constituency for the marketing effort. Also, in Minnesota, officials announce an effort to boost enrollment of young adults.
FDA Finds Medical Device Recalls Nearly Doubled In 10 Years
The Wall Street Journal says a report to be released today will spotlight the increasing number of problems.
Gov. Kitzhaber Sweeps Out Cover Oregon Leadership, Promises Reforms
An analysis of the state marketplace by First Data released Thursday found serious problems with management and communications.
Pelosi On Obamacare Anniversary: The Law Is ‘A Winner’ For Democrats
The House minority leader marks the anniversary of the law’s passage by expressing confidence that the law will help Democratic candidates this fall.
Emanuel’s Book Suggests Health Law Could Create Shift From Job-Based Plans
Although Ezekiel Emanuel was a key White House adviser on the law, other Democrats dispute his view about transitions in how Americans get coverage. Meanwhile, the Associated Press examines some workers’ desire to leave jobs now that they can get insurance elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Predictions Of Rising Premiums; Health Law Anniversary
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
