Latest KFF Health News Stories
Feds Shut Down More Than 1,600 Fake Online Pharmacies
Authorities from the Food and Drug Administration closed these illegal pharmacy websites and sent letters to hundreds more that sell counterfeit prescription drugs and dangerous supplements.
CMS Proposes Medicare Payment Adjustment For Home Health Agencies
A proposed rule released Thursday would cause home health agencies to experience a 1.5 percent reduction in their Medicare payments for 2014, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates could reduce payments to these facilities by $290 million next year.
Panel Studying Long-Term Care Issues Holds First Meeting
The commission, established by Congress in January, faces some hurdles in getting a report done by September.
High Court Moves Tentatively Toward Hearing Case On Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The Supreme Court asked Oklahoma’s Supreme Court to clarify a law that state judges had struck down as an unwarranted curb on medical practice and the right to abortion.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Appeals Court Green Lights Hobby Lobby’s Legal Challenge To Contraceptive Rule
A federal appeals court in Denver said Thursday that companies, whether they are for profit or not, have religious rights and that the challenge brought by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. and its sister company can go forward.
Texas Steels For New Abortion Bill Fight — Set For Monday
A special session set for Monday in Texas will reignite debate over a controversial abortion bill that was blocked this week after a marathon filibuster and shouting fracas by the bill’s detractors. Texas Gov. Rick Perry was critical of the lawmaker who led the filibuster.
If No Medicaid Expansion, Low-Income State Residents Won’t Face Mandate
A rule published Wednesday exempts low-income people from the health law’s requirement to buy insurance if they live in states that decide against expanding Medicaid. News outlets also report on the latest related developments from Ohio, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Oklahoma and California.
D.C. Officials Plan $47M Medicaid Payback After Claims Processor Collapse
The collapse of a company that managed Medicaid claims in the District of Columbia — D.C. Chartered Health — left health care providers without any way to be reimbursed for care they gave under the District’s Medicaid program.
State Highlights: Maine To Permit Rx Drugs From Canada
A selection of health policy stories from Maine, Oregon, Georgia, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, Missouri and California.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the high court sent a tentative signal Thursday that it was moving toward hearing a case on the regulation of abortion-inducing drugs.
High Court’s DOMA Ruling Will Impact Health Benefits For Gay Couples
The decision will affect benefits for federal employees, as well as people eligible for new coverage under the health law, and will likely lead employers in the states that recognize same-sex marriages to review employee-benefit packages to make sure they don’t discriminate against gay spouses and comply with the law.
Democrats To Sebelius: Confusion Over Health Law Persists
Politico reports that congressional Democrats shared concerns with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that seniors, among others, remain fearful about the health law’s impact on their benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times explores a loophole that could allow insurers to avoid some of the law’s provisions for another year and The Associated Press reports the individual mandate exemption has been broadened for Native Americans.
Texas Abortion Fight Inspires Activists
The victory of Texas abortion-rights activists may be shortlived — Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced he would reconvene lawmakers next week to vote again on the measure — but it is rallying people across the country on both sides of the issue.
Former CMS Head: Tie Doc Payment Reforms To Patient Outcomes
A former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator told the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday that Medicare should focus on fewer quality measures in their assessments, letting patient outcomes dictate what constitutes quality care instead.
Treating People In Docs’ Offices Instead Of ERs May Not Save As Much As Thought
Helping people avoid the ER and caring for them in doctors’ offices instead may not help save as much money to the health care system as initially thought, a new study suggests.
Florida Firm Gets Religious Reprieve From Health Law’s Contraception Rule
An update on employers’ legal challenges to the provisions requiring contraceptive coverage.
When States Reject Medicaid Expansion, Safety-Net Hospitals In A Bind
The Washington Post highlights a Georgia hospital to illustrate the choices safety net hospitals will face if their states opt against the health law’s Medicaid exansion. Also, a number of states continue to grapple with debate and decisions related to the expansion issue.
Exchanges Look To Software And Sports Teams
News outlets report on enrollment activities, including efforts to recruit sports teams, as well as the testing of software for the new online insurance marketplaces.
Viewpoints: Late Hospital Bills Perplex Consumers; Personal Health Data Can ‘Revolutionize’ Care
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
