Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including Kathleen Sebelius’ outreach to Texans and a look at Americans’ comprehension of health insurance.
Govt. Will Continue To Pay For Capitol Hill Staffer Health Coverage, But Mostly In Exchanges
New details from the Obama administration clear a way for the government to continue to pay for the bulk of the costs associated with providing health coverage to Capitol Hill staffers, though most must buy coverage on Obamacare exchanges.
Sizing Up Health Law Politics And Policies
News outlets detail the political landscape surrounding the overhaul’s implementation and provide user’s guides to help consumers navigate changes. Coverage also highlights health law provisions that could impact coverage for small businesses and union members, and how the law is helping drive marketplace developments.
Democratic Opposition To Cost-Cutting Board Gains Momentum
Also in the news, The Wall Street Journal profiles the White House staffer who is negotiating with congressional Republicans on the budget.
Start-Up Company Specializes In Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates
In addition, a new study finds that there’s hope for black people who are hospitalized with heart failure.
12 Insurers Sign Contracts For California Exchange – But One Plan Opts Out
Reports also detail how health exchanges are taking shape in Maryland, Wisconsin, Oregon, Iowa, D.C. and Connecticut.
In California, Latinos Are Focus Of Effort To Raise Awareness About The Health Law
Even as health officials work to meet this educational challenge, other forces who oppose the overhaul are involved in aggressive campaigns to urge people, especially young people, not to sign up for health insurance. In addition, Grover Norquist, as part of the Obamacare Repeal Coalition, is pressing for a one-year delay in all 2014 Affordable Care Act provisions.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Battle Over Brooklyn Hospital’s Fate Widens In Court
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, Minnesota and California.
WellCare’s Profits Up; Consumer Complaints Resolved With Social Media
WellCare’s earnings increase topped Wall Street’s expectations. Many health insurers are using Twitter to hear about customer problems.
Longer Looks: Medical Tourism; Meeting Your Pathologist
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The Motley Fool, Slate, KUOW and WBUR.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the proposed rule released Wednesday by the Obama administration allowing the government to continue to pay for a significant portion of health insurance for lawmakers and Hill staffers.
Some States Say They Won’t Enforce The Health Law’s Insurance Reforms
Six states have taken this position, according to the Texas Tribune. Meanwhile, media outlets report on new developments regarding state activity on the health law’s Medicaid expansion and health exchanges.
Romney Warns Against Linking Efforts To Undo Health Law To Govt. Shutdown Threat
The former GOP presidential hopeful warned fellow Republicans that the party will “suffer” if some lawmakers continue to pursue this strategy.
State Highlights: Wis. AG Says Hospitals Can’t Deny Admitting Privileges To Abortion Docs
A selection of health policy stories from Wisconsin, New York, Oregon, Connecticut, California, Pennsylvania and Nevada.
CDC: Some States Report Decreasing Rates Of Childhood Obesity
Small but significant declines in obesity among low-income preschoolers were found in 18 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands from 2008 to 2011.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Isn’t A ‘Job-Killing’ Law; Hometown Insurer Aetna Pulls Out Of Conn. Exchange
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mostashari Steps Down From Top Federal Health IT Post
Dr. Farzad Mostashari, the national coordinator for health information technology, announced Tuesday he will step down this fall.
IG Report: Security Testing For Obamacare Data Hub Behind Schedule
News outlets report that a May review of the implementation of the health insurance exchange data hub found the contractor paid to develop security features is months behind on testing them. The Department of Health and Human Services responded that the review was several months old, “and significant progress has been made since then.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how deadlines have been missed regarding tests for the health cxchange privacy system.
