Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Reads: Hospice Drains Medicare; False Obamacare ‘Horror Stories’
This week’s articles come from The Washington Post, The Weekly Standard, Health Insurance, Cincinnati Magazine, Slate and The New York Times.
First Edition: January 9, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the politics of the health law continue to play out on Capitol Hill.
Jobless Benefits For Health Law Suspension? Dems Say No.
Republicans are pushing proposals involving suspending parts of the health law in return for extending unemployment aid. Lawmakers also are making progress on a $1 trillion spending bill, again with health law negotiations at the center.
RNC Launches ‘Obamacare’ Attack Ads
The advertisements, which will run in 12 states this week, target Democratic senators and representatives who supported the health law by attempting to link them to President Barack Obama’s failed promise that people who like their coverage could keep it. The administration, meanwhile, will run ads during the Winter Olympics, urging people to sign up for coverage.
Feds Develop ‘Workarounds’ To Make Sure People Who Are Eligible Get Covered By Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid officials have developed methods to get around healthcare.gov’s limitations in transmitting applications to state agencies, Modern Healthcare reports. But as election-year politics begin to heat up, some states continue to wrestle with the concept of expanding the low-income health insurance program.
A selection of editorials and opinion on health care from around the country.
Federal Report Finds Electronic Health Records Push Lacks Key Safeguards
The New York Times reports on this development.
A New Health Insurer Raises Funds After Rapid Growth
A new health insurer is betting that it can enter a crowded, but lucrative market. In the meantime, health care stocks helped markets surge Tuesday.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Florida and Minnesota.
170,000 Oregon Residents Enrolled In Coverage
Cover Oregon officials reported that 170,000 residents signed up for new health coverage effective Jan. 1 despite problems with that state’s site. Meanwhile, Anthem Blue Cross extended the payment deadline for Connecticut applicants until Jan. 15, and MNsure officials are under pressure to get their site working smoothly.
The Challenge Of Spreading Positive Obamacare News
Politico reports on the uphill climb faced by the White House as it attempts to make sure the overhaul’s satisfied customers get as much attention as those who have faced difficulties. Meanwhile, one administration official says the measure is making a comeback from its touch start.
