Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: September 5, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about former President Bill Clinton — dubbed the “explainer in chief” — drumming up support for the health law and scolding Republicans for their efforts to repeal it.
NFL’s Ravens To Aid Maryland’s Health Exchange Enrollment Push
The state’s online insurance marketplace, which is scheduled to begin operating in October, enlisted the help of the Super Bowl champs as part of an advertising campaign unveiled Tuesday.
Call Centers Open In Several States As Exchanges Ramp Up
Reports on developments regarding federal and state exchanges in Texas, Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin and California.
NIH, Other Agencies Feel Burden Of Budget Strife
The New York Times reports that agencies like the National Institutes of Health struggle in the uncertainty created by the federal fiscal battles.
The New Norm? Businesses Setting Up Private Exchanges For Insurance
The Wall Street Journal examines private health insurance marketplaces in which many employees of small and mid-size businesses can expect to receive health benefits from their employer.
Michigan Gives Final Green Light To Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, the federal government approved a one-year waiver for the Healthy Indiana Plan as the state continues to negotiate an alternative plan for expanding Medicaid. Indiana rejected the federal government’s incentives to expand the Medicaid health program for the poor and declined to set up a health insurance exchange to allow consumers to shop for insurance.
The Washington Post Fact Checker assesses the Texas senator’s TV ads that seek to drum up support for defunding the health law, while in some southern campaigns, some Democrats hope to portray their opponents as ideologically opposed to progress on issues such as health care.
Seniors Make Bigger Gains Against Heart Disease Than Younger People
Media outlets report that rates for so-called avoidable deaths from cardiovascular disease declined among people under age 75, but the rates of decline were substantially slower among adults under age 65 and among blacks, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State Highlights: At Least 58 U.S. Abortion Clinics Close After New, Tighter Laws
A selection of health policy news from Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina, Connecticut and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Putting Seniors In The Hospital Under ‘Observation’ May Cost Them Thousands
NPR and Kaiser Health News report how many seniors think Medicare made a mistake when they find out they were never admitted to the hospital despite a several-day stay. Instead, they were on “observation status,” meaning that they may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in subsequent nursing home costs. Former Medicare Chief Donald Berwick tells the Boston Globe the administration should abandon the rule.
Who Will Care For Older Americans As They Age — And Who Will Pay For It?
The implications of caring for aging Americans continues to worry many as news outlets examine workforce and cost issues related to treating older Americans.
First Edition: September 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Balitmore Ravens will be part of the effort to raise public awareness about Maryland’s health exchange.
Health Law Spurs Concerns From Allies, As Well As Enemies
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, continues his battle to undo the health law, while a House Democrat from the deep South angers both sides of the political aisle. In other news, labor unions are frustrated the administration hasn’t responded to their Obamacare concerns, while Republicans in tough re-election fights are wary of accepting big premium support to buy insurance in the exchanges.
Policies, Operations Taking Shape For Online Insurance Marketplaces
Three states plan to open callc enters today to aid consumers in finding their way around new health exchanges, slated to start business on Oct. 1. Meanwhile, in Alaska, federal officials and local organizations are working to try to get a marketplace up and running before this deadline, and California’s marketplace offers more details about premium rates for coverage that will be available.
Health Industry Stakeholders Promote Exchanges, Launch Consumer Advertising
USA Today reports that a coalition of providers and insurers are actively promoting the online insurance marketplaces in states that have opted against running their own health exchange. Meanwhile, The New York Times examines how some insurance companies are advertising the new insurance system.
N.C. Program Shows Promise In Reducing Hospital Readmissions
A statewide transitional care program in North Carolina may hold hope for reducing hospital readmissions in the U.S., a new study finds. In the meantime, readmissions’ financial stakes become clear for one Minnesota hospital.
Medicare News: When Nursing Home Benefits Run Out; Reforming Doc Pay Fix More Costly Than Repeal
News outlets examine what options nursing home patients have when their Medicare benefits run out and the latest challenge to reforming how doctors are paid by the program — the price tag.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif. Bill To Expand Nurse Role In Health Care Dies
A selection of health policy stories from California, Ohio, Mississippi and Washington.
