Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 3, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a new study examining how Oregon’s ER usage increased after expanding Medicaid.
Research Roundup: A Primer On Medicaid Expansion
This week’s studies come from the Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Psychiatry, The Kaiser Family Foundation, the American Journal of Critical Care and the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
A selection of opinions and editorials on health policy from around the country.
After Bumpy Launch, Consumers Start Using Health Law Coverage
Nearly four years after passage of the health law, its major provisions finally took effect Jan. 1, and millions of Americans are about to see how it really works. Media outlets offer tip sheets to consumers and report on the challenges that lie ahead.
Detailing The Numbers: Parsing The Latest HHS Tally Of New Enrollees
According to reports, 2.1 million people have signed up for new insurance coverage, and 3.9 million have been found eligible for Medicaid. Who are these people and what do the numbers mean?
State Roundup: ‘Hope’ For Texas’ Mental Health System
A selection of health policy news from Oregon, Texas, Maryland, California, Georgia and Wisconsin.
Winners And Losers: Some Will See Big Benefits, Others May Take Hits
USA Today reports midsize businesses may be the ones having the hardest time absorbing health care costs, while other groups — for instance, newly released prisoners — could finally be eligible for health coverage.
Temporary Halt To Obamacare Birth Control Rule From Justice Sotomayor
The Supreme Court justice’s ruling affects a number of faith-based groups. She asked for an administration response by tomorrow.
Second Administration Official Resigns After Troubled Healthcare.gov Rollout
Michelle Snyder oversaw technology experts who helped build healthcare.gov and is the second administration official to leave after problems with the website where Americans can buy health insurance.
Medicare Shapes What Others Pay For Health Care
In the meantime, the program continues to look for ways to prevent inappropriate prescribing by its doctors.
2014’s Health Law Tactics:GOP Midterm Hopes, Democrats Re-Selling Law
The health law will be a major factor in 2014’s midterm elections, with Republicans — including some candidates who are doctors — hoping to use its rocky rollout to their advantage in holding the House and re-taking the Senate. In the meantime, the White House and President Barack Obama look to use feel-good health care stories, celebrities and even moms to sell the overhaul.
With Implementation Of Health Law, Medicaid Expands To Broader Role
The Washington Post examines how the health overhaul moves many middle-class Americans into the program that has long been viewed as insurance for the poor. Meanwhile, Virginia Republicans downplay the issue in a recent survey.
Evaluating The Rollout In The States
Media outlets track how the health law is being implemented in Texas, Iowa, Mississippi, Florida, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois and Minnesota.
The early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about what to expect of the health law in 2014.
Justice Sotomayor Blocks Obamacare Contraceptive Rule
The rule, which requires employers to provide free contraceptive coverage, was slated to go into effect today.
White House: More Than 1 Million Now Enrolled In Obamacare
News outlets reported on the numbers as Democrats weighed in about what they think should happen next.
In State-Run Exchanges, Last Minute Rush To Enroll In Coverage
States who run their own health insurance exchanges are trying to cope with people attempting to enroll before the deadline to get coverage that would begin Jan. 1.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Texas and Minnesota.
Parsing Obamacare’s Impact On Business, Insurers And Parolees
Media outlets explore how the law might affect those buying less expensive policies, businesses anxious about new investments and those recently released from prison.
Medicare Drug Program Gets Senator’s Scrutiny After Vulnerability Report
Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., intends to ask the HHS inspector general to examine the specifics of the prescribing scams targeting the program.
