Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid Expansion An Unsettled Issue For Some States
In Virginia, one member of the panel charged with exploring the idea of expanding the health insurance program for low-income people said any broadening of the program was unlikely to happen in the near future. In Mississippi, many low-income people will soon realize they won’t be eligible for Medicaid because the state opted against the expansion.
Congress, Their Staffs Face Scrutiny Around Exchange Plan Choice, Federal Gov’t Contribution
Some question if members of Congress and their staffs should continue getting a federal employer contribution toward the cost of buying insurance on the health law exchange. In the meantime, the Obama administration issues rules that would require members of Congress to buy the marketplace’s “gold” plans.
Shutdown To Stop Payments To D.C. Medicaid Providers
The District of Columbia’s payments to medical providers treating more than 200,000 poor people enrolled in Medicaid will stop until the federal shutdown ends, city officials said. In Virginia, GOP gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli called on Congress to reopen the federal government — and then cut off funding for the health law.
State Highlights: Calif. Gov. Signs Pharmacist Scope-Of-Practice Bill
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Delaware and California.
Commentators offer a variety of opinions on the government shutdown and the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Roles Of Insurance Brokers, Navigators Explored
News outlets examine how brokers, navigators and other counselors are supposed to help consumers understand their coverage options through the online insurance marketplaces.
Consumers Share Tales Of Success, Frustration Buying Coverage
A couple of consumers vaulted into the headlines as the first to complete the sign-up process for health coverage through new online marketplaces. Other shoppers, including those who have coverage but who are looking for better, lower-cost options, tell their stories, too.
Longer Looks: Chinese Medicine; Revolutionary Doctors; Frozen Embryos
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Atlantic and Elle.
Research Roundup: Health Law’s Effects On Consumer Spending
This week’s studies come from the Rand Corp., the Journal of Health Management, Policy and Innovation, the Annals of Oncology, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Stroke, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Internal Medicine, The Heritage Foundation and news outlets.
First Edition: October 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizatons, including continued status reports on state and federal health exchanges as well as the ongoing Capitol Hill budget drama.
Day 2: Consumers Shopping For Insurance On Exchanges Continue To Confront Delays, Challenges
Interest and demand appeared to overload websites and clog phone lines. Federal officials, who were taking steps to build additional capacity into the system, said traffic to the website exceeded expectations.
States Seek Ways To Address Marketplace Trouble Spots; Also Report Progress
News outlets report on the fits and starts of state online health insurance marketplaces in Maryland, New York, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, California and Colorado — just to name a few.
President Says He’ll Negotiate Budget Only After Gov’t Reopens Without Changes To Health Law
President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he will only compromise on the federal budget — including addressing long-term Medicare and Medicaid costs — after Republicans agree to reopen the federal government without changing the health law. Republicans may shift their focus to these budget battles and seek savings in entitlement programs and tax reform.
People Without Insurance Seek New Options From Insurance Marketplaces
For consumers who are seeking insurance through the new law, the marketplace’s technical problems have been frustrating, but many remain eager.
The Parts Played By Boehner And Reid In The Shutdown, The Health Law Defunding, And Party Dynamics
Media outlets examine how House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have contributed to the Capitol Hill tensions surrounding the government shutdown and Obamacare fight– both in their relationship with each other and their places within their respective parties.
Calif. Legislator Seeks To Move All State Lawmakers To Marketplace
Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande doesn’t like the health law but says state legislators should have to live with it. Meanwhile Gov. Jerry Brown signs a bill easing secrecy around the state agency overseeing the health law. In Virginia, Fairfax’s water authority says taxes on generous health plans will cause it to drop coverage for workers.
Security Specialists Say Obamacare Glitches Not Caused By Online Attack
The New York Times reports that the technical problems plaguing the federal exchange websites are not the work of hackers. Meanwhile, Politico looks at the playful security questions that some state exchanges are using.
States’ Refusal To Expand Medicaid Will Prevent Millions From Getting Coverage
The New York Times reports that the decision by about half the states to not expand Medicaid coverage will prevent two-thirds of poor black consumers and single mothers and more than half of low-wage workers from getting insurance.
State Highlights: Texas Ads To Target Wendy Davis
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Florida and Oregon.
