Latest KFF Health News Stories
Iowa Wins Approval To Expand Medicaid Using Private Plans
Federal officials approved much of Iowa’s proposal to expand low-income health care, but refused to allow the state to charge premiums for those who earn less than the federal poverty level. Iowa becomes the second state after Arkansas to win such a waiver.
First Edition: December 11, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on how the health law’s implementation is impacting President Barack Obama’s public approval ratings.
To Bridge Trust Gap, Some Health Law Supporters Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
News outlets report on the new approaches and strategies that are emerging as advocates move on from the troubled launch of healthcare.gov.
Healthcare.gov ‘Vastly Improved,’ But Back-End Problems Persist
A little over a week after the deadline that President Barack Obama gave for fixing the federal health care exchange, the system serving 36 states is far more user friendly, according to consumers and navigators. But it is unclear how many of those who enroll in plans may have had garbled or incomplete information sent to insurers because of continuing back-end problems. Problems with the Spanish-language version of the website are also identified.
Senate Finance Committee Scheduled To Vote Thursday On ‘Doc Fix’ Legislation
The measure would permanently change how Medicare pays providers for their services. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office has reduced the price tag associated with repealing the current Medicare payment formula.
Tax Employer Health Care Plans? GOP Rethinks Proposal, Continues Health Law Barrage
A GOP proposal to begin taxing employer-based health care benefits is worrying some Republicans that such a move could hurt the party politically ahead of 2014’s elections. In the meantime, Republicans are continuing their attack on Democrats over the health law, using phrases like “broken promise” and “extraordinary disruption” to describe the law.
Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber To Seek 4th Term; Health Care Will Likely Be A Campaign Issue
John Kitzhaber announced he intends to seek an unprecedented fourth term. In the background, his state continues to experience difficulties with Cover Oregon, the state’s online insurance marketplace.
John Podesta Reportedly Ready To Join White House Team
A former aide to President Bill Clinton is expected to help President Barack Obama as he seeks to recover public support on the health law.
Cost And Quality: Consumers Continue To Face Obstacles
A new report finds that states generally do a poor job in communicating physician quality ratings to consumers, while a Gallup poll finds that cost issues continue to be a reason some people delay care.
Democrats Press N.C. To Expand Medicaid; Ohio Launches Medicaid Signup Site
The White House asks two top North Carolina Democrats to urge Gov. Pat McCrory and state lawmakers to reconsider a health law provision to cover more low income people. Meanwhile, Ohio reports that more than 1,100 residents signed up for Medicaid on the first day a signup site went live.
Simplicity, Testing: Key To Why Some State-Run Exchanges Work
Stateline explores why some insurance exchanges function well and others — including the one operated by the federal government — are struggling. Meanwhile, California Democrats say a lookalike GOP health insurance website is confusing consumers, and Maryland faces a self-imposed mid-December deadline to repair its site.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California and North Carolina.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: December 10, 2103
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how health law advocates are developing new messaging strategies.
Deductibles, Other Health Plan Costs May Surprise Consumers
News outlets report that, as more details become available, some people may find that their health insurance in 2014 will cost more than they hoped.
Implementation Issues: Optimism, Winners, Losers And What About Those Paper Applications?
A range of health law issues are examined, including a look at some of the consumers who approach the overhaul with a sense of relief and optimism. Meanwhile, while insurance agents are feeling left out, public relations firms see the law as a boon.
New Federal Exchange Hiccup: Sending Unqualified People To Medicaid
USA Today reports that the National Association of State Medicaid Directors may release more information this week, after reviewing reports from around the nation, about how the federal exchange may be incorrectly determining that some people are eligible for Medicaid.
State Insurance Exchanges Wrestle With Rollout Issues
In Iowa, an insurer that chose not to sell policies through the federal website pokes fun at its mishaps in a TV ad, while in Minnesota, insurers list the problems they say may keep consumers who think they’ve enrolled in a plan from being covered on Jan.1. Developments in Oregon and Colorado are also scrutinized.
Lawmakers Close In On ‘Cease-Fire’ Budget Deal
Lawmakers are close to finding accord on a budget that would undo only a few parts of the government cuts known as “sequester.” In addition, the proposed budget wouldn’t lower the debt or change the costs involved with health care programs in addition to leaving other programs intact.
Capitol Hill Experiences Same Online Insurance Exchange Successes, Failures As All Americans
Members of Congress are a microcosm of what’s happening for people trying to sign up for health coverage in the health law’s online insurance exchanges across the nation — some are getting through, some are seeing glitches still and some are avoiding it altogether.
