Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: September 25, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about projected health insurance premium costs on the health law’s new online marketplaces, as well as news from Capitol Hill and a joint appearance by President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton to talk about the overhaul.
Senate GOP Leader Poised To Block Cruz’ Defunding Strategy
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he won’t support the pledge made by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to use parliamentary procedures as he tries to stop Democrats from stripping a provision cutting money from the health law.
Cruz Makes Republican And Democratic Enemies With Defunding Fight
The freshman senator from Texas has led the charge to tie government financing to defunding the health law. The New York Times looks at the role of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the effort. Other media outlets explore Sen. Rand Paul’s suggestions of a compromise and Karl Rove calling out Cruz for misstatements.
As Opening Day Approaches, Confusion Continues About Health Exchanges
With the Oct. 1 launch of the health law’s online insurance marketplaces just days away, news outlets examine questions such as who will use them, what will make them a success, how long will it take to judge whether they are working, and other key issues.
States Question Exchange Readiness, Appropriateness And Effects
Officials in some states are expressing pessimism that the new Obamacare health insurance exchanges will be the place for residents to buy health coverage or are questioning their readiness. In Missouri, the lieutenant governor is telling residents to stay away from the exchanges.
State Political Dynamics Shaping Obamacare Implementation In The States
The fights over Obamacare are far from over in Florida — where a burgeoning Latino population is complicating opposition — and Alabama, where the governor’s stance against the Medicaid expansion and the health insurance exchange is showcasing their resistance.
Battles Have Reduced Health Law’s Impact For Consumers
Politico looks at the how the law squares with what it promised and talks to consumers in Kentucky about their expectations. Also, the Wall Street Journal examines one of the tactics health insurers are using to keep healthy customers.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
A federal court judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday which was filed against the government by 14 Medicare beneficiaries who were denied nursing home coverage because they had been kept in the hospital under “observation status.” Meanwhile, an analysis shows that Medicare penalized every hospital in D.C. and five in the Virginia suburbs for readmission rates, and Healthy Cal looks at efforts to reduce the costs of dual eligible patients.
Battle Brewing Over New Regulations For Compounding Pharmacies
In addition, a bill that would require professional drivers to be tested for sleep apnea flies through the House.
Obama, Bill Clinton To Tout Law In Joint Appearance
The two are slated to appear together Tuesday afternoon to discuss the health care law at an event sponsored by the Clinton Global Initiative, the former president’s foundation, exactly one week before open enrollment begins in new insurance marketplaces.
FDA Says Most Smartphone Health Apps Won’t Get Regulatory Scrutiny
The federal agency will reserve its attention for apps that function like medical devices.
State Highlights: Ohio Readies Funding For New Medicaid Computer System
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, Ohio, Maryland, Arkansas, New York, Colorado, South Dakota, Florida, Kansas and California.
First Edition: September 24, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Senate action on the effort to defund the health law as well as a scheduled appearance by former President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama to kick off the roll out of a key part of the overhaul.
Budget Battle Flashpoints Highlight Debt And Health Law Issues
News outlets report on what could happen in the next eight days as congressional leaders and the White House posture around the looming government shutdown.
Why A Gov’t Shutdown Won’t Stop The Health Law’s Implementation
News outlets report that government officials involved in the launch of the health law’s online insurance marketplaces on Oct. 1 say they expect to have access to funding even if the federal government stops operating.
The Health Law: Asking Questions And Getting Answers
News outlets detail some frequently asked health law questions and also note some of the places people will turn to find out how the overhaul will work.
New Study Finds The Tally For Medical Mistakes Much Higher Than Previous Estimates
Pro Publica reports that the study, which was published in the Journal of Patient Safety, estimates the number of patients who die after suffering some type of preventable error related to their care.
New Ad Campaigns Compete Over Obamacare Enrollment
The Obama administration and its opponents in implementing the health law are readying ad campaigns aimed at getting people to sign up for or stay away from new online health insurance exchanges that open Oct. 1. Many of the ads are airing in swing states, but they are also aimed at the young and uninsured in California and Texas who are uninsured in the largest numbers.
Health Law Divide Opens Among GOP Presidential Hopefuls
Obamacare is dividing the GOP in the race for that party’s 2016 presidential nomination and playing a pivotal role in a House special election in Alabama.
