Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
California Exchange Shares Consumers’ Names Without Their Consent
Officials with Covered California said they gave insurance agents the contact information of thousands of people who went online but didn’t enroll in coverage as part of a pilot program to help people sign up by Dec. 23.
Drugmaker Pushes New Drug Over Cheaper Equivalent At Medicare’s Expense
The Washington Post explores the public impact of two equivalent drugs that both prevent blindness but which have very different prices. Other media report on the federal court decision in Connecticut that temporarily blocks UnitedHealthcare from dropping more than 2,000 doctors from its Medicare Advantage network in that state.
Maryland’s Online Insurance Marketplace Plagued By Technical Problems, Discord
The director of the state exchange resigned Friday. Meanwhile, the Web portal continues to be marked by operational difficulties that are undermining enrollment efforts.
GOP Uses Weekly Address To Reignite Obamacare Debate Ahead Of Election Season
In the GOP’s weekly address, Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., said the health law amounts to the Obama administration telling Americans what’s best for them and that it is also an example of the “war on women.” Elsewhere, the health law is figuring prominently in early election politics.
Two Governors Go ‘All In’ With Health Law’s Trials And Tribulations
In this pair of stories, Politico takes a look at how the health law decisions made by two governors in two very different states are playing.
State Highlights: Union, Calif. Hospital Assn. At Odds Over Organization, Ballot Issues
A selection of health policy stories from California, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida and Minnesota.
Viewpoints: Optimism About Obamacare; 834 Errors; Can-You-Keep-Your-Doctor Debate
A selection of opinions and editorial from around the country.
Former Obama Aide Phil Schiliro Returns To Help Oversee Obamacare
Schiliro, the president’s former congressional liaison, is expected to oversee the implementation of the landmark health care law and protect it from legislative attacks.
First Edition: December 9, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about new sticker-shock concerns over costs for coverage purchased through the health law’s new online insurance marketplaces.
New Problems Hit D.C., Md. Health Insurance Exchanges
In Washington, some people trying to get coverage are being scammed. In Maryland, the executive director resigns under fire.
Does Knowing Medical Prices Save Money? CalPERS Experiment Says Yes
The fact that the cost of a hip replacement can ring up as $15,000 or $100,000 — depending on the hospital — makes a lot of people uncomfortable. But that’s only if they know about the wide price tag variations.
Healthcare.gov Is On The Mend, What’s Next?
News outlets report on the key tasks ahead — enrolling enough people to stabilize the insurance market and covering people whose policies were canceled.
