Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 28, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the vote by Michigan lawmakers to expand Medicaid.
Health Law In Cross Hairs As Debt-Limit Deadline Approaches
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said Monday the nation will hit its debt limit in mid-October, setting up a potential clash between the White House and some House Republicans who say they will tie their votes on raising the debt ceiling to defunding the health law. Also in the news, a survey of business economists cites future deficits as the nation’s most pressing problem, which will be exacerbated by aging baby boomers reliant on Social Security and Medicare.
What’s The Real Start Date For Health Exchanges? Oct. 1 Or Jan. 1?
The Washington Post asks this question, and offers Jan. 1 as the answer because it is the day the health law’s individual mandate takes effect and the policies purchased from the new online insurance marketplaces kick in. The Oct. 1 date is the “soft launch.” Meanwhile, progress reports from Colorado, Washington and California on the health exchanges.
Use Of Antipsychotics Down Among Nursing Home Residents
The Wall Street Journal reports on a two-year federal effort to reach targets of reduced anti-psychotic drug use.
The Impact of Physicians’ Retirement On Access To Health Care
Fox News reports that many doctors are approaching the retirement age just as more people will have health insurance as a result of the health law.
Michigan Lawmakers Set To Vote On Medicaid Expansion
The Michigan Senate is weighing whether to expand Medicaid eligibility to allow 470,000 residents to qualify for the program in a closely-watched vote that has divided conservative Republicans and centrist Republican Gov. Rick Snyder. Lawmakers are slated to vote on three separate proposals Tuesday.
Legislation Proposed To End Federal Funding For Lawmaker’s Health Insurance
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she will introduce the bill when Congress returns from its five-week break in September. Veterans health care is also drawing attention on Capitol Hill.
Obama Administration Ties Health Law To Civil Rights
When President Barack Obama met with African-American religious leaders just before the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, he asked for their help in the final push to carry out the health law. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also noted the connection between access to health care and other opportunities.
Viewpoints: Sen. Cruz’s Strategy And A Looming Deadline; Michigan Republicans Face Key Test
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Steep Court Costs For States Defending New Abortion Limits
States often find the cost of defending new abortion limits in court can run in the millions. In the meantime, Calif. lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow some nurses to perform certain abortions.
State Highlights: N.H. Pushes Back At Health Care Costs Ahead Of Obamacare
A selection of health policy stories from New Hampshire, Kansas and California.
Conservatives Increase Pressure On McConnell Over Health Law Funding
Groups launch radio ads and tour aimed at key Senate Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in an effort to stop funding for the overhaul. Also, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will speak at an anti-Obamacare Capitol Hill rally when Congress returns.
First Edition: August 27, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports regarding the gathering storm as the White House and GOP lawmakers continue to hold firm in their positions regarding the looming debt limit. President Barack Obama says he won’t negotiate while some Republicans are pushing for to defund, or at least delay, the health law’s implementation.
Lobbying Efforts To Alter Obamacare Take On Urgency
Reuters reports how businesses, unions and advocacy groups continue to seek changes in the law, but lobbyists face uphill battles. Kaiser Health News reports on how bare-bones health plans are expected to survive the law, albeit in modified form, and also looks at the government’s efforts to inform seniors they shouldn’t seek coverage from new online insurance marketplaces.
States Scramble As Countdown Continues To The Launch Of Health Exchanges
The Washington Post reports that concerns are emerging that the tight deadline schedule has caused some states to take “shortcuts” regarding systems testing and contingency plans. But CNBC notes that the biggest threat to the success of these online insurance marketplaces may be consumers’ lack of awareness.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
VA Health System Scrutiny Draws Headlines
After a veteran commits suicide, his family takes on the challenge of improving the VA system.
A Fundraising Cause: Abortion Access
The Los Angeles Times reports on this trend.
GOP Push To Defund Health Law Spurs Capitol Hill Debate
During the weekend talk shows, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, acknowledged that he does not have the votes to be successful and that he will need the help of significant grassroots pressure to win the battle.
Examining Cost: Why Are Health Care Services So Expensive?
The New York Times looks at the cost of care and asks why it’s so difficult for consumers to find out what a service costs. In the meantime, new research shows ending copays and making medication easier to use drives lower rates of hypertension.
