Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: Will Doc Cuts Like Those In Conn. Become More Common?
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, California, Vermont, Minnesota, Virginia and Georgia.
First Edition: January 29, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law played in last night’s State-of-the-Union address by President Barack Obama.
Health Law Launch Frustrations Set Scene For State Of Union
News outlets analyze the challenges and opportunities in the president’s annual address to Congress while assessing his record on fulfilling past proposals.
Three GOP Senators Offer Plan To Replace Obamacare
The measure, dubbed the Patient Choice, Affordability, Responsibility and Empowerment Act, is being advanced by Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. It may provide a window into how Republicans plan to handle health reform issues in the upcoming election cycle and beyond.
The survey, released by the National Center for Health Statistics, also found that one in 10 families face medical costs they can’t pay at all. Meanwhile, in other developments related to the cost of coverage, SunTrust cancels its health plan for Medicare-eligible retirees and is offering them an alternative.
Virginia Legislators Harden Line Against Medicaid Expansion
And in Georgia, protesters are arrested after conducting a “sit in” at Gov. Nathan Deal’s office to press him to accept a letter urging expansion of the state’s Medicaid program.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, Kansas, Florida, Rhode Island and Georgia.
Contractor Got Extra $8.7M Days Before Healthcare.gov Launch
Politico reports that federal officials made the emergency payment to Verizon Terremark after discovering the federal website was unable to handle sufficient traffic. Also in the news, the Maryland House is scheduled to vote on legislation to provide insurance to people who tried unsuccessfully to buy coverage through the state website. The state will also push back the launch of a website for small businesses.
Study Finds Health Law Offers Income Boost To Poorest People; Insurers’ Experiences Are Mixed
News coverage offers different looks at how the health law is impacting consumers and insurers.
First Edition: January 28, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the findings of a new poll, which sets the scene for tonight’s State of the Union Address by President Barack Obama.
How Will The President Handle Obamacare In State Of The Union?
The White House press secretary said that the law ‘is absolutely worth’ any past or future political repercussions.
Some Consumers Find Surprises As They Explore Health Law Plans
Many plans offered on the health marketplaces will take a chunk out of consumers’ wallets, Politico reports. Meanwhile, The Associated Press examines a dilemma for some parents who find their children qualify for Medicaid and can’t go on the same plan as their parents.
Federal Judge Rules Idaho Hospital Must Unwind Merger With Physicians Group
The court supported a case brought by the Federal Trade Commission that argued the merger reduced competition in the local marketplace.
Businesses Consider Best Strategies To Cover Part-Time Workers, Spouses
Target is the most recent in a line of large companies to drop health coverage for some workers and place the blame with the health law. But these decisions do not appear entirely straightforward.
States Use Waivers To Expand Medicaid Their Way
Also in the news is the Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s hiring of retired Republican Sen. Kit Bond to help the state’s Democratic governor lobby GOP state lawmakers to expand Medicaid.
A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that 71 percent of Americans who have tried to sign up for health coverage, or live with someone who tried, had difficulties with the insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, some GOP leaders are seeking a policy alternative to replace the overhaul.
The View From Two Counties With Soaring Uninsured Rates
The Texas Tribune looks at how Houston officials are using techniques honed in hurricanes and other public emergencies to try to enroll the uninsured. Kaiser Health News looks at the health law’s impact on the county in Florida that has the state’s highest uninsured rates.
State Lawmakers Consider Legislative Fixes For Health Insurance Exchange Problems
Lawmakers in Maryland and Oregon consider legislation that would help residents sign up for health insurance coverage — in some cases after deadlines to sign up have passed. In the meantime, the Obama administration reports more than 3 million people have signed up for coverage under the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
