Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of reports about the health law’s implementation as well as related developments from Capitol Hill.
GAO: Smooth And Timely Launch Of Health Exchanges Unsure
The report by the Government Accountability Office noted that the federal government has missed several deadlines, and there is a risk it won’t be ready to open the online marketplaces Oct. 1. But the report also noted some positive signs.
‘Get Covered America’ Campaign Launched By Nonproft Group
In an effort to sign up people for the new health coverage that will become available this fall, Enroll America is one of a number of organizations launching aggressive health law outreach campaigns.
A selection of health policy stories from Arkansas, New York, Massachusetts and California.
Report: Improper Prescription Drug Use Drives Up Cost Of Care
Doctors and hospitals could save the U.S. $213 billion annually if they used prescription drugs more wisely, according to IMS health.
Going against a recommendation by one of its committees to label it only a “major public health problem,” the American Medical Association has recognized obesity as a disease.
CBO Finds Immigration Bill Would Save Gov’t. Money
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the measure would save $175 billion dollars, but lawmakers question how this would play out for entitlement programs such as Medicare.
House Passes Ban On Abortion After 20 Weeks Of Pregnancy
House lawmakers Tuesday passed a nationwide ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy — one of the most far-reaching federal bills on abortion in years. The bill, which faces long odds in the Senate and even longer odds to get the president’s signature, is unlikely to ever become law.
Senate Finance Committee Examines Health Care Prices; Steven Brill Testifies
The journalist, who examined the issue of the high cost of health care in a much-quoted March 2013 Time magazine article, appeared during a Capitol Hill hearing.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Texas Senate Approves Abortion Restrictions, Prompting Access Fears
Texas lawmakers on Tuesday approved three pieces of legislation that tighten the state’s abortion restrictions, prompting worries that abortion clinics could close because of the changes.
Poll: Young Adults Consider Health Insurance Important
A poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found a strong majority of young adults believe health insurance is worth the money.
Medicaid Chief Signals That State Enrollments May Start Slowly
But Cindy Mann says that she is confident states will be ready by October to cover the new enrollees who will gain access to the safety net program.
Patients Press Forward With Health Apps
Fox News reports how one specific app is helping give patients more access to their doctors while Kaiser Health News and WBUR look at how the increase in available apps also raises questions about what works and doesn’t.
Improper Use Of Prescription Drugs Costs $200 Billion A Year, Report Finds
Much of those costs result from unneeded hospitalizations or doctor visits, according to a study by IMS Health’s Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including Today’s reports the development of the health law’s online marketplaces is falling behind schedule.
Grassroots Tactics Being Used In Health Law’s Roll-Out
An outside group backing the health law plans to air a series of ads this summer supporting the measure. The first ad, part of a million-dollar buy, touts parts of the law that are already in place.
Medicaid Expansion: Second Thoughts And Changes Of Heart?
PBS NewsHour reports on some states with GOP governors who opposed the health law but want to pursue the Medicaid expansion. In one such state, Arizona, the Republican governor signed expansion legislation after a bruising fight with conservatives in the legislature. But, in Maine, the governor vetoed such a measure for the second time while news outlets offer updates from Virginia, Michigan and Ohio.
House GOP Plans Vote Today On Abortion Bill
The measure, which would ban abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, has drawn a White House veto threat. In other Capitol Hill news, health care issues continue to be part of the immigration reform debate and some lawmakers have asked for a review of federal grants and programs designed to assist the severely mentally ill.
High Court: Feds Can Sue Pharmaceutical Companies Over Deals To Delay Generic Drug Sales
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Federal Trade Commission can challenge name brand drug makers for potential antitrust violations.
