Latest KFF Health News Stories
Former CMS Head Berwick Enters Mass. Gov Race
Donald Berwick, a former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced Monday that he will run for governor of Massachusetts. Berwick served for a year and a half as head of CMS and had since then expressed interest in remaining in the public arena.
Viewpoints: Controlling Costs; Health Law’s Guarantee Of Coverage; ACO Liability
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Texas Pharmacists Want Medicaid Price Transparency
A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and California.
PwC: Slowdown In Health Care Costs May Be Turning Into A Trend
The accounting and consulting company PricewaterhouseCoopers projects lower overall growth in costs for next year — a finding that is good news for companies that provide health benefits to their employees.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new publicity push in support of the health law.
Health Law’s Impact On Premiums Still A Question
Meanwhile, news outlets report on the Obama administration’s challenge to educate a largely uninformed public about the law’s benefits.
Health Exchanges: Choice Of Plans Will Vary Sharply From State To State
The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices — or lack thereof — will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.
Michigan Inches Toward Medicaid Expansion
Also in the news, Virginia remains undecided on the expansion as a legislative panel, called the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission, holds its first meeting, and The Arizona Republic details how Gov. Jan Brewer closed the deal in that state.
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?
