Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Says Most Smartphone Health Apps Won’t Get Regulatory Scrutiny
The federal agency will reserve its attention for apps that function like medical devices.
State Highlights: Ohio Readies Funding For New Medicaid Computer System
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, Ohio, Maryland, Arkansas, New York, Colorado, South Dakota, Florida, Kansas and California.
First Edition: September 24, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Senate action on the effort to defund the health law as well as a scheduled appearance by former President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama to kick off the roll out of a key part of the overhaul.
Budget Battle Flashpoints Highlight Debt And Health Law Issues
News outlets report on what could happen in the next eight days as congressional leaders and the White House posture around the looming government shutdown.
Why A Gov’t Shutdown Won’t Stop The Health Law’s Implementation
News outlets report that government officials involved in the launch of the health law’s online insurance marketplaces on Oct. 1 say they expect to have access to funding even if the federal government stops operating.
The Health Law: Asking Questions And Getting Answers
News outlets detail some frequently asked health law questions and also note some of the places people will turn to find out how the overhaul will work.
New Study Finds The Tally For Medical Mistakes Much Higher Than Previous Estimates
Pro Publica reports that the study, which was published in the Journal of Patient Safety, estimates the number of patients who die after suffering some type of preventable error related to their care.
New Ad Campaigns Compete Over Obamacare Enrollment
The Obama administration and its opponents in implementing the health law are readying ad campaigns aimed at getting people to sign up for or stay away from new online health insurance exchanges that open Oct. 1. Many of the ads are airing in swing states, but they are also aimed at the young and uninsured in California and Texas who are uninsured in the largest numbers.
Health Law Divide Opens Among GOP Presidential Hopefuls
Obamacare is dividing the GOP in the race for that party’s 2016 presidential nomination and playing a pivotal role in a House special election in Alabama.
Lobbyists, Including Restaurant Owners, Looking To Make Changes In Health Law
The efforts, some from strident opponents of the law, suggests they may now believe that they have to learn to live with the measure, The Washington Post reports. Also, Politico examines how President Barack Obama came to embrace the notion of changing health care.
Exchange Dynamics Will Dictate Consumers’ Experiences, Costs
Health law advocates frequently say health insurance will cost less as a result of the health law, but news outlets report that a downside could be less choice.
Kan. Medicaid Debate May Resume Next Year As Feds Emphasize Flexibility
Kansas lawmakers may return to the question next year of whether to expand Medicaid. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the federal government welcomes state experimentation with how health coverage to the poor is provided.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
First Edition: September 23, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about what could happen on Capitol Hill this week as the count down to a government shut down continues.
Senate Republicans Split Over ‘Defunding Obamacare’ Strategy, Dems Defend Law
On the Sunday talk shows, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, pounded the law and said he has a new strategy to support the House bill, passed Friday.
House Approves Stopgap Funding Bill — Heating Up The Fight To Defund Obamacare
As House Republicans celebrated their win, they also ramped up pressure on Senate GOP lawmakers to take up the push to derail the health law.
House To Vote On Stopgap Funding Bill That Would Derail Health Law
The GOP-controlled chamber is expected to approve the bill, which will then face stiff opposition in the Senate. The White House has also threatened a veto.
As Defunding Vote Triggers GOP ‘Family Feud,’ Strong Personalities And Tough Talk Take Center Stage
Conservatives in the House have pressured Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to advance their goal of defunding the health law and criticized Senate conservative colleagues for caving on the issue. There are also threats of filibuster and concerns about the impact this strategy could have on the Republican Party.
Cases Of Elderly Dementia Projected To Triple By Mid-Century
NPR details this finding from a study by Alzheimer’s Disease Internationa.
25 Hospitals Ready Alliance In Response To Obamacare
A group of 25 hospitals across 7 hospital systems in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will form what it calls the nation’s largest health care alliance to improve care and lower costs — a reaction to Obamacare.
