Latest KFF Health News Stories
Federal Officials Give Final OK For Florida’s Medicaid Managed Care Plan
Approval by the Obama administration was expected after it gave its initial go-ahead just hours before Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced his support for the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
Some GOP Lawmakers See Health Law As Means To Stall Immigration Reform Efforts
On Capitol Hill, immigration reform, sequester cuts and abortion issues continue to grab headlines.
Report Examines Medicare Spending Issues, Geographic Disparities And Hospital Payments
The report from the congressional advisory group MedPAC assesses a variety of issues, including penalties that Medicare has recently begun imposing on hospitals and how that affects facilities largely serving poor patients.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Political Battles Congeal Around IRS Scandals, Implementation Questions
The Associated Press reports that the funding sought by the Obama administration for the Internal Revenue Service’s health law activities could be in jeopardy as a result of recent scandals. Meanwhile, The Hill reports that GOP lawmakers are developing plans for handling constituents’ questions about the health law.
N.M. Project Aims To Electronically Connect Primary Care, Mental Health Providers
A new health care project in New Mexico — with an eye on expanding the project nationwide — will allow primary care doctors and mental health experts to connect electronically to provide better mental health care to the state’s residents.
Patients Opt For Walk-In Clinics Because Of Price, Wait Concerns
Retail and urgent care clinics are gaining steam as a way for people to see a doctor without the long waits or higher cost of getting care in traditional settings. In the meantime, Kaiser Health News reports on CEO bonus pay and how some CEOs are rewarded for increasing patient volume.
State Highlights: States Urge Using Life Insurance For Long-Term Care
A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Oregon.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law.
Florida’s Win: Feds Grant Medicaid Managed Care Waiver
Friday’s announcement, while not a surprise, was a victory for Gov. Rick Scott and Republican lawmakers who in 2011 approved the proposal to move to statewide Medicaid managed care.
Arizona Legislature Approves Medicaid Expansion
After a months-long, high-stakes political battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.
Employers’ Challenge: Offering ‘Affordable’ Coverage
The Associated Press reports on the health law’s requirement that employers with more than 50 workers provide affordable health coverage or face fines. But what is affordable? And will workers be helped or hindered by the rule?
Supreme Court DNA Ruling Leaves Questions Unanswered
Editorial boards weigh in on what Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling means for medical research and for the medical industry.
Viewpoints: Good News From Medicare Trustees; Medicaid No ‘Cure-All’ For Access To Care
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Complications Emerge To Administration’s Plan B Proposal
NPR reports on Judge Edward Korman’s response to the Obama administration’s Plan B proposal while CNN Money explores how the “conscience clause” creates challenges for drugstores as they sell the morning-after pill over the counter.
State Highlights: Ga. Ponders Higher Health Plan Rates For Employees
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, Virginia, California and Oregon.
Texas Scrambles To Find Money For Approved Health Care Projects
In Texas, revenue woes are hampering a series of health care experiments, including how the state gives health care to its poor and uninsured, though federal approval for the projects came in May. In California, lawmakers get set to add some dental coverage for the state’s poorest residents.
In Unanimous Decision, Supreme Court Justices Rule Genes Can’t Be Patented
The decision was applauded by many researchers and drew speculation that it could likely boost patient care. Meanwhile, the stock of Myriad Genetics tumbled after the court’s finding invalidated the company’s hold on testing for two breast cancer genes.
Calif. Regulator Seeks To Bar Anthem From Small Business Health Exchange
Meanwhile, Minnesota officials announce the opening of a call center Sept. 3 to answer consumer questions about the state’s online insurance marketplace, which will begin enrolling people a month later.
Immigrants’ Health Care Costs Are Hot Topic On Capitol Hill
Other media reports detail Sen. Ron Wyden’s proposal to allow accountable care organizations to focus on the sickest, most costly patients; questions from Rep. Darrell Issa, R.-Calif., about the navigator program’s funding; and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., angry response to a reporter’s question about late-term abortions.
