Latest KFF Health News Stories
Most Uninsured Unaware Of Tax Credits, Survey Finds
More than two-thirds of uninsured Americans don’t know they might be eligible for financial assistance to buy health coverage and therefore haven’t visited new online marketplaces, according to a survey of the uninsured released Thursday by Enroll America, a nonprofit with close ties to the Obama administration. Meanwhile, media outlets report on developments in Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Minnesota.
Medicaid Expansion News: Wis. Gov. Wins Federal Nod For Controversial Plan
Gov. Scott Walker announces that the Obama administration has agreed to his plan that would expand coverage to 83,000 low-income childless adults but shift 77,000 others to the health law’s new insurance marketplace.
Maryland Moves Forward With Bold Hospital Spending Plan
Some say the deal will eventually change the way hospitals in all the states are paid for delivering health care and could become a national model for controlling health care costs.
Observation Care Status: The High Costs Of This Fine Print
NBC News explores this Medicare issue.
Sen. Reid’s Plan To Cut Payments To Medicare Providers Sets Up Showdown On Jobless Aid
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s proposal to pay for reinstating jobless benefits by extending $17 billion in so-called sequestration cuts has set up a fight with Republicans. The Reid plan would cut Medicare provider pay — but not until 2024.
Could The High Court Be Divided Over Contraception Case?
The Los Angeles Times reports on this possibility.
House To Vote Today On GOP’s Healthcare.gov Security Bill
Consideration of the measure, which would require the Obama administration to notify Americans within 48 hours if their identity is compromised via the Obamacare website, is a part of the GOP’s strategy to keep their focus on troubling parts of the health law.
Fact-Checking Rand Paul’s Claims; GOP Attacks Sen. Udall’s Insurance Cancellation Numbers
Politicians’ assertions about the health law come under scrutiny.
State Highlights: Md. Expected To Give Retroactive Health Coverage After Exchange Problems
A selection of health policy stories from Maryland, California, Texas, Vermont, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin and Georgia.
Medicines To Prevent Breast Cancer To Be Free For Some Women
HHS decided that drugs like Tamoxifen should be part of the health law’s preventive services rule.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Impact Of Early Medicaid Expansion
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Neurology, JAMA Psychology, The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
First Edition: January 10, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Maryland’s plan to reduce hospital spending.
More Insurers Extend Premium Payment Deadlines
The relaxed timetables reflect efforts by the insurance industry, as well as the Obama administration, to “coax” people towards “cementing” their 2014 coverage, reports Bloomberg News. In addition, a Commonwealth survey finds more people are shopping on the new health insurance marketplaces.
As Workers’ Insurance Costs Rise, Bosses (Sometimes Wrongly) Blame Obamacare
A new study shows how employers are cost-shifting. Democratic politicians are pointing fingers as well.
State Highlights: Mass. Launches New Electronic Health Records Updates
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Texas and Georgia.
Take Over By Community Health Approved By Health Management Associates Shareholders
The Wall Street Journal reports on this marketplace development.
Bipartisan Commission: States Should Lead Efforts To Cut Health Costs
State leaders have significant power to curb rising health care costs and they should lead the effort, advises a commission co-chaired by two former governors. Meanwhile, a Massachusetts state report concludes that more than a third of health care spending in that state each year may be wasteful.
As House Readies First 2014 Vote On Health Law, Sen. Cruz Renews His Attack On The Overhaul
The House Republican leadership seems intent this year on keeping the pressure on the health law, Politico reports. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Cruz says Republicans must use “every leverage point available” to get rid of the law.
Chamber Of Commerce Details Updated Strategy For Health Law Trouble Spots
The Chamber’s President and CEO Thomas Donohue vowed first and foremost to fight against the overhaul’s employer mandate, but noted that in other cases the organization will work to fix flaws rather than repeal the measure.
