Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ariz. Gov. Claims A Win As House Approves Medicaid Expansion Plan
The Arizona House early Thursday passed an $8.8 billion state budget that includes a proposal to pursue the health law’s Medicaid expansion. News outlets also report on related action in Ohio and Michigan.
Nonsurgical Abortions To Resume In Wis. As Lawmakers There Pass Pre-Abortion Ultrasound Bill
In Wisconsin, a judge’s ruling is allowing nonsurgical abortions there to resume. In the state Senate, lawmakers passed a bill requiring women get an ultrasound before they get an abortion.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada and Oregon.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how employers are preparing for some parts of the health law to kick in.
Crunch Time For States Still On Fence About Medicaid Expansion
As states’ legislative sessions draw to a close, some lawmakers are pressing for action. Meanwhile, media outlets track updates in Michigan, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Colorado, Ohio and Alabama.
Early Signs That ACOs Are Boosting Care, Saving Money
Bloomberg reports that hospitals across the U.S. are improving care and saving millions by creating accountable care organizations, one of the least-touted provisions of the health care law. In other news, Politico reports on a town hall meeting on the health law in Baltimore. Also, the Wall Street Journal details the steps one company is taking in anticipation of the 2014 coverage mandate.
House Panel To Investigate Alleged IRS Seizure Of Medical Records
The House Energy and Commerce Committee contacted the Internal Revenue Service Tuesday to request information about a 2011 search and seizure of as many as 60 million medical records from a California health care provider.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Wis. Lawmakers Poised To OK Bill That Will Require Ultrasound Before Abortion
Elsewhere, New York lawmakers consider nurse-patient staffing ratios, and North Carolina grapples with AIDS care and Medicaid funding.
Privacy, Medicaid Fraud Lawsuits Yield Settlements In Calif., N.Y.
Parties in health care court cases in California and New York reach settlements after privacy and Medicaid fraud lawsuits.
Calif. Budget Agreement Seeks Balance, But Leaves Off Some Health Care Items
A budget agreement in California between lawmakers and Governor Jerry Brown seeks to strike a balance between spending restraint and providing more health care for the needy, the Los Angeles Times reports. But the agreement lacks several health care line items lawmakers bandied about in recent weeks — including repeal of a 10 percent provider cut to Medi-Cal.
Questions Emerge As Dust Settles Surrounding Plan B Policy Change
News outlets offer day-after coverage of the Obama administration’s reversal on the morning-after contraceptive pill.
What Drives Costs In The Health Care Marketplace?
The New York Times examines how hospital mergers might be one of the health sector’s overlooked cost factors while Reuters reports on a recent study that examines what variables cause physicians to order unnecessary tests.
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law’s implementation played in a recent town hall meeting as well as the action taken by one business in anticipation of its some of the requirements that will take effect in 2014.
Obama Administration Changes Course On Plan B
Monday afternoon, the Justice Department announced it would accept recent court rulings and begin putting into effect a judge’s order to have the Food and Drug Administration certify the Plan B pill for use without prescription and without age restrictions on sales.
The Health Law’s Implementation Gains And Pains
As Democrats begin campaigns to tout the health law’s benefits and states work to implement some of the overhaul’s central provisions, concerns about state budget pressures, program costs and civil liberties draw headlines.
Organ Transplant Board Calls For Review Of Child Policy, Creates New Appeal System
A panel of officials that decides matters on organ transplants called Monday for a review of the guidelines for issuing organs to children and created a special appeals process after two cases of children who need lung transplants drew congressional and judicial attention.
State Highlights: Medi-Cal Rate Cuts Loom; Latin American Docs Help Meet Need
A selection of health policy stories from California and Massachusetts.
Medicaid Expansion Decisions Still Brewing In Some GOP States
News outlets also report on the latest expansion news from Mississippi and Arizona.
