Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Law Still A Hot Topic In Town Hall Meetings And On The Campaign Trail
During Congress’s August break, GOP lawmakers, armed with talking points, are maintaining strong positions against the overhaul and getting positive reinforcment from some of their constituents.
Talking Up The Health Law To Educate Consumers
News outlets report that a variety of health law advocates — ranging from federal, state and local officials to retirees and grassroots volunteers — are hitting the streets and knocking on doors to inform people about the law and counter what some say is “misinformation.”
Fla. Hospitals Reduce Hospital Readmissions By 15 Percent
The initiative headed by the Florida Hospital Association also reduced readmission rates for surgical complications and bloodstream infections and saved millions at 160 hospitals, it says.
Tax Credits: How Much Should Health Exchange Shoppers Expect?
A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation concludes that about half of the consumers who currently buy their own health insurance would qualify for federal subsidies to purchase coverage on the new online marketplaces.
Calif. Lawmakers Advance Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist Scope-Of-Practice Bills
The legislation will likely rally opposition over care quality concerns, even as the nurse bill loses a key supporter.
First Edition: August 14, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major media organizations, including news about a report that provides some insights into who will qualify for the health law’s insurance subsidies and how much those people might get.
The Countdown’s On To Opening Day, But Enrollment Challenges Persist
Stateline reports on Enroll America’s plan to focus on 10 states as it tries to get the uninsured enrolled in plans offered on the new online insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, the Senate’s top Republican, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is asking the administration to delay the exchanges because of data security concerns.
Administration Delays Health Law’s Limit On Some Out-Of-Pocket Consumer Costs
The New York Times reports that the change was included in a Department of Labor rule issued in February. Also in the news, KHN details the complex chocies the overhaul presents for people with disabilities and Bloomberg notes a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge allowing Oklahoma’s legal challenge to the law to proceed.
Sebelius Signals Openness To State Alternatives To Medicaid Expansion
Speaking to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said she is willing to work with states experimenting with new ways to insure poor Americans. Meanwhile, outlets in Virginia and Michigan report on the debate in those states about expanding the program.
State Highlights: Texas Waits For Feds’ OK On Higher Medicaid Payments
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas and Michigan.
AMA Criticizes Proposed 2014 Medicare Fee Schedule
Modern Healthcare reports the the doctors’ organization also advanced a defense of the controversial RUC.
Market Trends: Super-Sized Hospitals And The Emergence Of Free-Standing ERs
The New York Times reports on the current wave of hospital mergers while NPR notes that the emergency room experience is getting a makeover.
Lawmakers Brace For Health Law Issues During August Recess
With the overhaul continuing to be a divisive issue, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — as well as the measure’s advocates and opponents — have put in place messages and plans to keep their arguments strong.
Health Law Political Push Evident In Ad Spending, Enrollment Efforts
Some health law advocates even hope that Oprah Winfrey might join the effort to promote the overhaul.
Viewpoints: Gov. Jindal Skeptical Of Navigators Program; Scare Tactics Against Obamacare Growing
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Budget Deficit Down In Year’s First 10 Months
The Associated Press reports that, even with this news, congressional fiscal fights could still complicate the picture.
First Edition: August 13, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the status of the U.S. budget as well as developments in the hospital marketplace.
Obama’s Health Law Promises Put To The Test
The Hill checks up on five health law promises from the president as implementation continues. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News examines how some low-income people might gain insurance if their state doesn’t expand its Medicaid program, but the strategy will carry risks.
State Health Insurance Marketplaces Progress With Fits And Starts
The Washington Post reports on tools that will be available to residents in D.C., Maryland and Virginia to help them get up to speed on the health law, and The Associated Press details how some insurers are opening retail stores to help educate potential consumers about the health law. Other news outlets report on the latest developments in Georgia, Oregon, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Minnesota.
