Latest KFF Health News Stories
Steep Court Costs For States Defending New Abortion Limits
States often find the cost of defending new abortion limits in court can run in the millions. In the meantime, Calif. lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow some nurses to perform certain abortions.
State Highlights: N.H. Pushes Back At Health Care Costs Ahead Of Obamacare
A selection of health policy stories from New Hampshire, Kansas and California.
Conservatives Increase Pressure On McConnell Over Health Law Funding
Groups launch radio ads and tour aimed at key Senate Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in an effort to stop funding for the overhaul. Also, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will speak at an anti-Obamacare Capitol Hill rally when Congress returns.
First Edition: August 27, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports regarding the gathering storm as the White House and GOP lawmakers continue to hold firm in their positions regarding the looming debt limit. President Barack Obama says he won’t negotiate while some Republicans are pushing for to defund, or at least delay, the health law’s implementation.
Lobbying Efforts To Alter Obamacare Take On Urgency
Reuters reports how businesses, unions and advocacy groups continue to seek changes in the law, but lobbyists face uphill battles. Kaiser Health News reports on how bare-bones health plans are expected to survive the law, albeit in modified form, and also looks at the government’s efforts to inform seniors they shouldn’t seek coverage from new online insurance marketplaces.
States Scramble As Countdown Continues To The Launch Of Health Exchanges
The Washington Post reports that concerns are emerging that the tight deadline schedule has caused some states to take “shortcuts” regarding systems testing and contingency plans. But CNBC notes that the biggest threat to the success of these online insurance marketplaces may be consumers’ lack of awareness.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
VA Health System Scrutiny Draws Headlines
After a veteran commits suicide, his family takes on the challenge of improving the VA system.
A Fundraising Cause: Abortion Access
The Los Angeles Times reports on this trend.
GOP Push To Defund Health Law Spurs Capitol Hill Debate
During the weekend talk shows, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, acknowledged that he does not have the votes to be successful and that he will need the help of significant grassroots pressure to win the battle.
Examining Cost: Why Are Health Care Services So Expensive?
The New York Times looks at the cost of care and asks why it’s so difficult for consumers to find out what a service costs. In the meantime, new research shows ending copays and making medication easier to use drives lower rates of hypertension.
Sorting Out End-Of-Life, Long-Term Care Issues As America Ages
One doctor is helping families cope with end-of-life care while a looming shortage of caregivers worries some.
Medicare: Docs Not Leaving Program; Sen. Baldwin Pushes To Protect Rural Hospital Funds
In Medicare news, doctors may not be leaving the Medicare program in droves as some think. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is pushing back against Medicare cuts to rural hospital reimbursement, and some hospitals are making follow-up care changes to lower readmission rates.
State Highlights: Iowa Asks For Federal Waiver For State Health Coverage Plan
A selection of health policy news from Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Georgia and Kansas.
Medicaid Expansion Still Unsettled In Some States
State legislators in Michigan could vote as early as Tuesday on a bill to expand the health insurance program for the poor. In Wyoming, lawmakers consider an alternative approach developed by Arkansas. And in Arizona, a group trying to block the expansion faces a deadline to put the matter on the ballot.
First Edition: August 26, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the ongoing battles between those who support the implementation of the health law, and those who oppose it.
Republicans Continue To Pound Obamacare, Threaten Budget Vote
News outlets covered the ongoing “defunding” controversy.
80 House GOP Members Urge Boehner To Defund Obamacare
House Speaker John Boehner floated the idea of a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown in October. But conservatives in his caucus expressed opposition, insisting that funds be stripped from the health care law even if that forces a government shutdown.
State Laws Could Upend Elements Of The Health Law Enrollment Effort
Twelve states have passed such laws, including measures that could undermine funding for “navigators.” Also, news outlets report on the latest from California, Wisconsin and Florida regarding this and other issues related to health exchanges.
Congressional Obamacare Sparring Matches Continue At Home
Both sides of the political aisle in Washington are continuing their Obamacare sparring sessions at home in their districts during the August recess with town hall meetings and debates on the law taking spotlight.
