Latest KFF Health News Stories
Heritage Action Kicks Off Its ‘Defunding’ Tour
Heritage Action’s push, which is being called the “last, best chance” to block the health law, features a bleak assessment of Republican Party’s willingness to fight the measure. Meanwhile, at this summer’s town hall meetings, it appears that neither the law’s advocates nor opponents are safe. Also in the headlines, a new ad is released by Crossroads GPS targeting the employer mandate.
Survey: Premium Costs Increase Slightly But Wages Don’t Keep Pace
A Kaiser Family Foundation survey concluded that, for the second year in a row, employer-provided insurance costs went up only moderately in 2012. But employee wages still didn’t keep up.
Are They Talking? Mixed Messages On Whether Texas Is Seeking Health Law Funds
News outlets try to pin down whether Texas officials are in discussions with the Obama administration to gain access to an estimated $100 million in health law funds. Meanwhile, a South Dakota panel lays out the pros and cons of expanding Medicaid in that state.
State Highlights: Judge Nullifies 2011 Brooklyn Hospital Deal
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Alaska, Georgia and Texas.
Analyzing Businesses’ Benefit Decisions — Is Obamacare Really To Blame?
News outlets explore whether employer decisions are the result of the health law or part of long-term trends, as well as how agricultural businesses are preparing for the employer mandate, now delayed until 2015.
State Insurance Exchanges Go For Flashy (Or Not) Branding
A new ad in New York, released Tuesday, brands the state’s health exchange and advances a new name and logo. In Idaho, the state’s GOP governor, a vocal opponent of the health law, lauds his state’s health insurance marketplace. Meanwhile, Florida officials express concerns about the federal exchange’s “navigator” concept.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
USA Today Probe Finds Thousands Of Docs Practicing Despite Misconduct
Also, a study finds that Medicare patients leaving the hospital can’t always remember what was wrong with them and how to follow up.
First Edition: August 21, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the push to defund the health law is playing as members of Congress hold town hall meetings in their districts, as well as coverage of a survey released yesterday showing that employer-provided health insurance premiums rose slightly in 2012.
With A Nod To Billy Joel, N.Y. Brands Obamacare Marketplace
Officials running the N.Y. exchange announce that they have chosen “New York State of Health” as the marketplace’s brand name.
Selling The Idea Of Health Insurance To ‘Young Invincibles’
The Obama administration is launching a national video contest designed to convince young people to sign up for coverage, spending $30,000 on prizes to draw the YouTube generation.
Virginia’s Medicaid Panel Meets, But Covers Little New Ground
During a Monday planning meeting, a Virginia Medicaid policymaking panel examined what other states are doing in terms of expanding the program. Hundreds of conservative activists who oppose this health law provision rallied at the state capitol.
The Associated Press reports on this development.
Kronick Named To AHRQ Top Spot
Medpage Today reports that Richard Kronick, PhD, will become the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality later this month.
Telemedicine Boosts ER Care For Kids In Rural Areas
New research shows that rural emergency room physicians are increasingly using videoconferences to gain access to specialty care.
GAO: Postal Health Plan Could Add To Retired Workers’ Costs, Impact Medicare
The proposal to opt out of the federal health plan would save billions of dollars but could bring uncertainties for employees.
Keeping NYC Hospitals Open Becomes New Issue In Mayoral Race
In the meantime, New York state health officials have posted a plethora of data online about the state’s hospitals and doctors.
State Highlights: Mental Health Contract Raised Costs In La., Audit Says
A selection of health policy stories from California, Louisiana and the District of Columbia.
Sebelius Urges Texas Leaders To Pitch Plan To Cover Poor
Speaking in Texas, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said it was up to state leaders to propose alternative ways to expand health coverage to the poor. Meanwhile, in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott raised privacy concerns related to so-called navigators, who will be trained to walk people through their insurance options under the health law.
More States Release Prices For Obamacare Plans
The Associated Press reports that Montana released monthly premiums for health insurance plans that will be sold on that state’s exchange while the Connecticut Mirror reports on rates in that state and how the exchange will enable consumers to comparison shop. Also in the news, Kansas insurance agents are encouraged to take an online course so they can sell plans that will be available in Kansas’ online marketplace.
