Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lobbyists, Including Restaurant Owners, Looking To Make Changes In Health Law
The efforts, some from strident opponents of the law, suggests they may now believe that they have to learn to live with the measure, The Washington Post reports. Also, Politico examines how President Barack Obama came to embrace the notion of changing health care.
Exchange Dynamics Will Dictate Consumers’ Experiences, Costs
Health law advocates frequently say health insurance will cost less as a result of the health law, but news outlets report that a downside could be less choice.
Kan. Medicaid Debate May Resume Next Year As Feds Emphasize Flexibility
Kansas lawmakers may return to the question next year of whether to expand Medicaid. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the federal government welcomes state experimentation with how health coverage to the poor is provided.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
First Edition: September 23, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about what could happen on Capitol Hill this week as the count down to a government shut down continues.
Senate Republicans Split Over ‘Defunding Obamacare’ Strategy, Dems Defend Law
On the Sunday talk shows, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, pounded the law and said he has a new strategy to support the House bill, passed Friday.
House Approves Stopgap Funding Bill — Heating Up The Fight To Defund Obamacare
As House Republicans celebrated their win, they also ramped up pressure on Senate GOP lawmakers to take up the push to derail the health law.
House To Vote On Stopgap Funding Bill That Would Derail Health Law
The GOP-controlled chamber is expected to approve the bill, which will then face stiff opposition in the Senate. The White House has also threatened a veto.
As Defunding Vote Triggers GOP ‘Family Feud,’ Strong Personalities And Tough Talk Take Center Stage
Conservatives in the House have pressured Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to advance their goal of defunding the health law and criticized Senate conservative colleagues for caving on the issue. There are also threats of filibuster and concerns about the impact this strategy could have on the Republican Party.
Cases Of Elderly Dementia Projected To Triple By Mid-Century
NPR details this finding from a study by Alzheimer’s Disease Internationa.
25 Hospitals Ready Alliance In Response To Obamacare
A group of 25 hospitals across 7 hospital systems in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will form what it calls the nation’s largest health care alliance to improve care and lower costs — a reaction to Obamacare.
Obamacare And Coverage For Immigrants, Children
Media outlets look at the ways in which the law affects different immigrant groups and children.
Obama, Bill Clinton To Promote Health Law Next Week
A week before new health insurance marketplaces open for enrollment, President Barack Obama will join former President Bill Clinton in New York to have “a conversation about the benefits and future of health care reform.” An ABC analysis suggests they have a lot of work to do based on the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll showing that 62 percent of people say they lack the information to understand the law’s changes.
A selection of lively opinions and editorials from around the country.
HHS Warns Texas Gov. Against Adding ‘Cumbersome Requirements’ For Navigators
The federal letter comes in response to an effort by Gov. Perry to tighten rules to protect consumers’ confidential information. Also in news about the efforts to get the online marketplaces running, federal and some state officials again pledge that exchanges will be ready for operation on Oct. 1, but the Wall Street Journal reports on some new glitches.
Supreme Court May Hear Challenge To Obamacare’s Contraception Rules
Some companies object to the health law’s requirement that contraception services for women be provided free as part of a preventive care package.
‘Creepy Uncle Sam’ Urges Young To Stay Away From Obamacare
A Virginia-based conservative group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers launched a campaign this week urging young people to “opt-out” of the law’s mandate that all Americans have health insurance. Their first online ads feature young people going for doctor appointments, only to have a “Creepy Uncle Sam” pop up, ready to look them over.
Home Depot Will Send Part-Timers To Health Insurance Exchanges
The giant home improvement chain said it will send almost 20,000 part-time employees to the health law’s online marketplaces for insurance. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that small businesses are racing to renew their health policies before year’s end to avoid having to comply with the health law’s requirements, which take effect Jan. 1.
Research Roundup: ‘Cadillac’ Plan Taxes; Long-Term Care Services
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Commonwealth Fund, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Urban Institute, the Connecticut Health Foundation and news outlets.
