Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors, Hospitals, Insurers Prepare As Health Law Implementation Nears
The New York Times profiles a Louisville clinic’s efforts to be ready for changes, while several outlets look at the progress of the health exchanges where consumers will be able to buy insurance plans.
Companies Examine Ways To Cut Health Costs, Deal With Obamacare
The New York Times explores how employers are wrestling with approaches to health costs, as well as the health law’s new requirements.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including articles about the 100-day sprint toward opening the online health insurance marketplaces.
After Months Of Debate, Iowa Gov. Signs Health Care Expansion Into Law
Media outlets offer coverage of developments In Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and Pennsylvania regarding the Medicaid expansion.
Health Law Rebates Paid By Insurers Tally $500 Million
About 8.5 million Americans will receive rebates, which come out to be about $50 less per family than last year. The Obama administration says the decrease is a good thing because it indicates insurers are getting more efficient.
Nonprofit Group Launches PR Push About Health Exchanges
This weekend marks 100 days until the new online insurance marketplaces created by the health law should be up and running. With the count down to Oct. 1, the effort to educate the public, especially those eligible for new coverage, becomes increasingly important. Meanwhile, news outlets examine the development of the marketplaces.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s ‘Premium Joy;’ John Kerry’s Hidden Surprise; The Heartbreak Of Abortion
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Coverage A Divisive Issue In Immigration Debate
As Congress considers an immigration law overhaul, health care for newly legalized residents is a sticking point. The proposed deal would bar such residents from receiving Medicaid or buying coverage in new health exchanges for more than a decade after they qualify for legal status. Meanwhile, budget issues and sequestration cuts are also hot topics.
FDA Approves Plan B Pill, Ends Long Fight
The FDA on Thursday approved over-the-counter sales without age restriction for the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill, ending a decade-long fight over the pill.
More Caring For Sick Or Elderly Family As Long-Term Care Costs Increase
Long-term care is an increasingly expensive necessity, Marketplace reports. In the meantime, a new study says four in 10 adults in the U.S. are caring for a sick or elderly family member.
WellPoint To Pay L.A. $6M To Settle Rescission Lawsuit
WellPoint has agreed to pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the city of Los Angeles that alleged the insurer improperly dropped people from coverage when they got sick.
Miss. Health Law Fight Could Shutter Medicaid Program
The state’s attorney general says Gov. Phil Bryant cannot single-handedly reauthorize the state’s Medicaid program, setting up a showdown with Democrats who have blocked the program’s reauthorization to force the governor’s hand on expanding Medicaid.
Republicans Question Privacy Protections In Health Law’s Navigator Program
Nine GOP senators said that a proposed rule on navigators, who are supposed to help consumers buy coverage through online health insurance marketplaces, does not include enough safeguards.
State Highlights: Weiner Wants Single-Payer For NYC Workers
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas.
Longer Looks: A Nurse’s Hardening Approach To Death; Preventing Diabetes
This week’s articles come from Slate, the Los Angeles Times, National Journal and NPR.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the rebates some insurers will provide to consumers as a result of a health law provision.
State Highlights: Calif. State Legislative Panel Considers Bill On Health Exchange Secrecy
A selection of health policy stories from California, Virginia and Massachusetts.
Reviews Highlight Harmful Prescriptions And Unnecessary Surgeries
ProPublica takes a look at a Medicare drug program report detailing the prescription writing practices of some physicians while USA Today reports on its findings regarding unnecessary surgeries based on a review of government records and medical databases.
A Status Check On Small Business Health Exchanges
News outlets examine key points about the health law, including a progress report on implementation issues by the Government Acountability Office.
Bill Offered That Would Soften Health Law’s Employer Mandate
The measure is designed to address a part of the health overhaul that requires employers to offer coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours per week.
