Latest KFF Health News Stories
IG Report: Security Testing For Obamacare Data Hub Behind Schedule
News outlets report that a May review of the implementation of the health insurance exchange data hub found the contractor paid to develop security features is months behind on testing them. The Department of Health and Human Services responded that the review was several months old, “and significant progress has been made since then.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how deadlines have been missed regarding tests for the health cxchange privacy system.
Sebelius Disputes ‘Rate Shock,’ Assures Exchanges’ Readiness
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a call with reporters yesterday that the agency is “on target” to open new online marketplaces Oct. 1. She also spoke about personal “Obamacare” accounts which consumers can begin creating now in advance of being able to shop for plans.
State Highlights: Va. Governor Hopefuls Talk Mental Health, Medicaid Expansion
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and California.
In Maine, A First Look At Rates For Health Plans Available On The Exchange
News outlets also report on state efforts to implement the health law’s online insurance marketplaces in Connecticut and Hawaii.
Doc-Owned Hospitals Thriving In Texas Despite Ban From Medicare, Medicaid
In the meantime, Brooklyn deals with imminent hospital closures and what it means for care in the New York City borough.
Survey: Consumers Reluctant To Enter Health Care’s Digital Age
The Wall Street Journal reports on findings from a recent survey highligting this trend.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Marketing Challenge; GOP Not To Blame For Implementation Challenges
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Hospitals To Face More Severe Penalties For Patients’ Readmissions
News coverage continues regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ hospital readmissions reduction program with details of a final rule released Friday and a local look at how hospitals are faring in Georgia and Missouri.
Employers’ Coalition Seeks Mandate Delay ‘Clarity’
In addition, the Obama administration’s decision to delay the health law’s employer mandate is having a ripple effect regarding other initiatives.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the readiness of the health law’s insurance online marketplaces for the Oct. 1 enrollment kick-off date.
Consumers Can Take First Step To Enrolling In New Insurance Options Today
Consumers in most states can start the process of enrolling in Obamacare today, but they won’t be able to compare health insurance prices or buy coverage in the new federally run online insurance marketplaces until Oct. 1, administration officials said Monday.
GOP Still Embroiled In Intra-Party Split Over Govt. Shutdown And Efforts To Defund The Health Law
Some Republican governors are urging members of Congress to step away from the government shutdown threat. And while some GOP leaders are signaling that efforts to gut health law funding will not be considered in this fall’s budget battle, rank-and-file lawmakers have opinions of their own.
Democratic Governors See Political Advantage In Efforts To Implement The Health Law
News coverage of issues related to readiness and premium costs in the health exchanges could boost Democrats in some states.
Viewpoints: Republicans’ ‘Temper Tantrum’ On Health Care; ‘Mixed Message’ On Cancer
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Aetna Pulls Insurance Plans From Md.’s Health Law Exchange
In state health insurance marketplace news, Aetna won’t sell its plans on Maryland’s version of the exchange over concerns premiums wouldn’t cover costs. Officials in Colorado, Missouri, California and Oregon also face decisions about their marketplaces and the challenges to enrolling their residents in them.
Federal Judge Blocks Wisconsin Abortion Law
A federal judge blocked a Wisconsin abortion law from taking effect until a decision is made about its constitutionality. The law would require that women have an ultrasound before having the procedure, and that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
Public Unions Pushed To Accept Less Expensive Health Benefits
The New York Times explores how local governments are pressing unions to accept less expensive benefit packages to avoid the health law’s so-called Cadillac tax which goes into effect in 2018. Other news outlets examine health law outreach efforts, as well as how August might be a ‘steamy’ month of town hall meetings.
State Highlights: NYC To Gather Bids For Its Health Insurance Costs
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Texas, Arizona and California.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about state efforts to implement the health law.
