Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Putting Seniors In The Hospital Under ‘Observation’ May Cost Them Thousands
NPR and Kaiser Health News report how many seniors think Medicare made a mistake when they find out they were never admitted to the hospital despite a several-day stay. Instead, they were on “observation status,” meaning that they may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in subsequent nursing home costs. Former Medicare Chief Donald Berwick tells the Boston Globe the administration should abandon the rule.
Who Will Care For Older Americans As They Age — And Who Will Pay For It?
The implications of caring for aging Americans continues to worry many as news outlets examine workforce and cost issues related to treating older Americans.
First Edition: September 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Balitmore Ravens will be part of the effort to raise public awareness about Maryland’s health exchange.
Health Law Spurs Concerns From Allies, As Well As Enemies
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, continues his battle to undo the health law, while a House Democrat from the deep South angers both sides of the political aisle. In other news, labor unions are frustrated the administration hasn’t responded to their Obamacare concerns, while Republicans in tough re-election fights are wary of accepting big premium support to buy insurance in the exchanges.
Policies, Operations Taking Shape For Online Insurance Marketplaces
Three states plan to open callc enters today to aid consumers in finding their way around new health exchanges, slated to start business on Oct. 1. Meanwhile, in Alaska, federal officials and local organizations are working to try to get a marketplace up and running before this deadline, and California’s marketplace offers more details about premium rates for coverage that will be available.
Health Industry Stakeholders Promote Exchanges, Launch Consumer Advertising
USA Today reports that a coalition of providers and insurers are actively promoting the online insurance marketplaces in states that have opted against running their own health exchange. Meanwhile, The New York Times examines how some insurance companies are advertising the new insurance system.
N.C. Program Shows Promise In Reducing Hospital Readmissions
A statewide transitional care program in North Carolina may hold hope for reducing hospital readmissions in the U.S., a new study finds. In the meantime, readmissions’ financial stakes become clear for one Minnesota hospital.
Medicare News: When Nursing Home Benefits Run Out; Reforming Doc Pay Fix More Costly Than Repeal
News outlets examine what options nursing home patients have when their Medicare benefits run out and the latest challenge to reforming how doctors are paid by the program — the price tag.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif. Bill To Expand Nurse Role In Health Care Dies
A selection of health policy stories from California, Ohio, Mississippi and Washington.
Health Law Could Be Boon For Safety Net Providers — And Crooks
News outlets report on how the law might affect clinics serving the poor, concerns about scams and details about how the individual mandate will work.
Rural Poor Likely To Feel The Pinch Of State Decisions Not To Expand Medicaid
Economist says half of the rural poor who would be aided by expansion live in states that have opted not to take that step.
News outlets covered various studies about health costs and doctor earnings.
First Edition: September 3, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about interest in and action surrounding state health exchange call centers.
White House, GOP Senators Throw In The Towel On Budget Talks
Over the past weeks, the Republicans had moved away from the kind of “grand bargain” sought by the president, which would have combined higher tax revenues with cuts to programs like Medicare. Republicans said the talks had yielded “no common ground.”
White House Readies Major Health Law Push
The strategy will feature the president, as well as first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, appearing in key states over the next six months to encourage people to enroll in new coverage options. Politico also looks at how former President Bill Clinton will be part of the effort to sell the American public on the overhaul.
Health Exchange Rate Shock Not So Likely, Study Finds
A study by Rand Corp. researchers concludes that predictions of sharp jumps in insurance premiums for coverage purchased through the new online insurance marketplaces may be overstated.
Health Law Subsidies Present Calculation Challenges
The Wall Street Journal reports on the challenges of calculating future income and health insurance subsidies — both of which will have an impact on the health law’s new insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on how executive-branch and legislative-branch employees will have different experiences with the overhaul.
Calif. Releases Ads For Insurance Marketplace; Aetna Leaves N.Y. Exchange
Many of the California advertisements will be in Spanish to persuade consumers unfamiliar with the law to sign up, the Los Angeles Times reports. Meanwhile, Aetna did not give many details about its decision to not compete in New York’s exchange.
