Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Continues To Trigger Friction Across Party Lines, And Among Democrats
After a weekend of high-profile action related to the health law, news outlets note that polls indicate it remains a divisive issue — a point that was evident with this week’s House vote to delay the employer and individual mandates, as well as Democrats’ reactions to it.
Community Health Faces New Subpoena Into Medicare Admissions Practices
Community Health has received a subpoena for two executives to testify in an investigation into its Medicare admissions. The hospital operator also reports its income fell 57 percent on weak patient volume and debt.
Texas Gov. Perry Signs Abortion Restrictions Into Law; Fights Still Likely
Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed controversial abortion restrictions into law Thursday, even as abortion-rights supporters readied challenges and said the law will force all but five of the state’s abortion providers to close. Reuters, in the meantime, reports why that might not be true.
State Highlights: Court Hears Arguments On Fla. ‘Gun-Gag’ Law
A selection of health policy news from Florida, Minnesota, Utah, Oregon, Georgia, Wisconsin and California.
Research Roundup: The Cost To States Opting Against Medicaid Expansion
This week’s studies come from JAMA Ophthalmology, Spine, the Annals of Family Medicine, the Urban Institute, The Kaiser Family Foundation and news outlets.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of President Barack Obama’s Thursday speech pitching the positives of the health law.
House Votes To Delay Health Law’s Mandates
Despite White House veto threats, House lawmakers on Wednesday OK’d two separate bills amending portions of the Affordable Care Act, the latest GOP moves to scuttle the health law. A measure putting off the employer mandate was approved 264-161, while a bill delaying the individual mandate was passed 251-174.
Obama’s Thursday Speech To Tout Health Law Benefits
The president’s chief spokesman said the speech will focus on how the overhaul is helping keep health-insurance rates low and resulting in rebates to some Americans.
Funding For Native Americans’ Mental Health Services Hit Hard By Sequestration
Marketplace reports on how mental health services within Indian country are feeling a deep pinch as a result of sequestration.
State Highlights: D.C. Health Care Providers Continue Wait For Payments
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, the District of Columbia, California, Wisconsin, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Michigan Senate Leader Says Medicaid Expansion Vote Could Come In August
Republican Randy Richardville says the debate will have to wait until a group of senators studying the issue submit their proposal.
Testing Requirements Could Delay Launch Of State Health Exchanges
Government officials said Wednesday during a Capitol Hill hearing that the Oct. 1 deadline may not allow enough time to test the systems that are being put in place to run these online insurance marketplaces.
Coverage Campaign: The White House Effort ‘To Sell’ The Health Law
The Washington Post details how the White House plans to sell the health law and to persuade young people to buy health insurance. Meanwhile, The Hill reports on how a public relations contract related to Obamacare is being boosted by $33 million.
Health Law Backers Hail N.Y. News That Insurance Rates Will Drop
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that premiums for health policies purchased by individuals in the state’s new online marketplace will fall on average 50 percent in 2014.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Small Business Owners Anxious About Health Law, Chamber Survey Finds
Small business owners are increasingly concerned about the law’s impact, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, while Karen Ignagni of the nation’s biggest trade group of insurers says the nation’s focus must move to reducing the cost of health care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the House vote to delay the health law’s mandates as well as advance coverage of President Barack Obama’s Thursday speech in which he touts the overhaul’s benefits.
House Slated To Take Another Run At Scrapping The Health Law
Republican leaders in the House have scheduled votes Wednesday on bills that would delay implementation of the overhaul’s employer and individual mandates. According to the Associated Press, these efforts mark the 38th time the GOP majority has tried to undo the law or major provisions.
The Associated Press reports that delaying the enforcement of the employer mandate may undermine the individual mandate, too, while the National Journal reports on a study weighing which of these provisioins has the most weight.
Pioneer ACO Results Include Improved Quality, Lowered Medicare Costs
Even with these marks, nine of the health systems — nearly a third of those participating in the program — have decided to leave after the first year.
