Latest KFF Health News Stories
Contractor Got Extra $8.7M Days Before Healthcare.gov Launch
Politico reports that federal officials made the emergency payment to Verizon Terremark after discovering the federal website was unable to handle sufficient traffic. Also in the news, the Maryland House is scheduled to vote on legislation to provide insurance to people who tried unsuccessfully to buy coverage through the state website. The state will also push back the launch of a website for small businesses.
Study Finds Health Law Offers Income Boost To Poorest People; Insurers’ Experiences Are Mixed
News coverage offers different looks at how the health law is impacting consumers and insurers.
First Edition: January 28, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the findings of a new poll, which sets the scene for tonight’s State of the Union Address by President Barack Obama.
How Will The President Handle Obamacare In State Of The Union?
The White House press secretary said that the law ‘is absolutely worth’ any past or future political repercussions.
Some Consumers Find Surprises As They Explore Health Law Plans
Many plans offered on the health marketplaces will take a chunk out of consumers’ wallets, Politico reports. Meanwhile, The Associated Press examines a dilemma for some parents who find their children qualify for Medicaid and can’t go on the same plan as their parents.
Federal Judge Rules Idaho Hospital Must Unwind Merger With Physicians Group
The court supported a case brought by the Federal Trade Commission that argued the merger reduced competition in the local marketplace.
Businesses Consider Best Strategies To Cover Part-Time Workers, Spouses
Target is the most recent in a line of large companies to drop health coverage for some workers and place the blame with the health law. But these decisions do not appear entirely straightforward.
States Use Waivers To Expand Medicaid Their Way
Also in the news is the Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s hiring of retired Republican Sen. Kit Bond to help the state’s Democratic governor lobby GOP state lawmakers to expand Medicaid.
A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that 71 percent of Americans who have tried to sign up for health coverage, or live with someone who tried, had difficulties with the insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, some GOP leaders are seeking a policy alternative to replace the overhaul.
The View From Two Counties With Soaring Uninsured Rates
The Texas Tribune looks at how Houston officials are using techniques honed in hurricanes and other public emergencies to try to enroll the uninsured. Kaiser Health News looks at the health law’s impact on the county in Florida that has the state’s highest uninsured rates.
State Lawmakers Consider Legislative Fixes For Health Insurance Exchange Problems
Lawmakers in Maryland and Oregon consider legislation that would help residents sign up for health insurance coverage — in some cases after deadlines to sign up have passed. In the meantime, the Obama administration reports more than 3 million people have signed up for coverage under the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Getting Obamacare To Harder-To-Reach Groups
Reaching underserved populations who are newly qualified for coverage remains a major concern and challenge to advocacy groups like Families USA. For insurers and government officials, the target is healthy people who will help balance new risk pools.
When Cut From Medicare Advantage Plans, Doctors Face Dilemma About Patients
Doctors are trying to find the best way to tell some of their patients that they have been cut from Medicare advantage plans — cuts they say threaten patient care. In the meantime, Medicare is trying to crack down on habitual overcharging by doctors.
High Court Gives Temporary Contraception Coverage Exemption To Nuns
The Little Sisters of The Poor doesn’t want to have an outside administrator for its health plan, which covers employees of their nursing facilities.
State Highlights: N.Y. Revises Its Request For Medicaid Adjustment
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Washington state, California, Virginia, Idaho, Connecticut and Georgia.
First Edition: January 27, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report about a new Associated Press poll that found some negative views of the health law may be easing.
Saga Ends: Texas Woman Disconnected From Ventilator
The devices that had kept a pregnant woman’s heart and lungs working were turned off this morning, after a court order.
Supreme Court Gives Nuns Temporary Reprieve On Health Law’s Contraceptive Mandate
The Little Sisters of the Poor will not have to meet the requirement to provide contraceptive coverage to employees while their case is being heard in the court system.
Health Law Enrollment Hits Approximately 3 Million In January
Though this number is shy of earlier projections, it is getting closer to hitting monthly expectations. The administration, though, did not provide data about payment.
