Latest KFF Health News Stories
Deals Between Surgeons, Medical-Device Makers Draw Scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal reports on a civil investigation into a network of physician-owned spinal-implant distributorships. Also, the Center for Public Integrity notes that budget cuts could cause several high-profile federal health-care fraud and abuse investigations to be scaled back.
Florida Blue To Get Reorganization Hearing Despite Conflict Worries
In the meantime, Georgia officials plan to change a bid process for a state employees health benefits contract after UnitedHealthcare protested one contract award.
Look Who Is Talking About Obamacare …
The Obama administration is enlisting help in educating the public about the health law from a range of sources — female bloggers, a comedy website and even the Washington Nationals’ presidential mascot.
New Poll Gauges ‘Politically Precarious’ Status Of Health Law
Also in the news, the vice president of a popular restaurant chain discusses how his business might respond to the health law’s coverage mandates.
CVS To Help Customers Learn About Health Law’s Coverage Options
CVS Caremark plans to launch an outreach campaign this fall that will include having so-called “navigators,” or specially trained guides, working in stores to give people individualized help.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about an effort by some GOP lawmakers to force a government showdown over health law funding.
Success Of Health Law’s Exchanges Rides On Young People
Meanwhile, the Associated Press estimates that outreach and advertising for the law will cost more than $684 million.
Crunch Time In The Countdown To Health Exchanges’ Opening Day
News reports also offer insights to how these online marketplaces are taking shape in Oregon and Connecticut.
WellPoint 2nd Quarter Earnings Jump 24%; Company Lists Future Possibilities
The nation’s second-largest health insurer also outlined the benefits it expects to reap from the health law and other growth opportunities.
Two GOP Senators Push To Choke Off IRS Health Law Implementation Funds
Also in the news, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is positioning himself to be the lead sponsor of legislation that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. Meanwhile, the nursing home industry is stepping up its lobbying efforts to protect its Medicare funding.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
IOM Urges Congress Not To Shift Medicare Payments To Pay More In Areas With Low Costs
A panel of experts says the government should by wary of suggestions that cutting payments to high cost areas and rewarding low-cost areas would help improve care and reduce Medicare costs.
GAO Analysis: Health Premiums Vary Widely
The Government Accountability Office report, which is based on prices reported by insurers, shows that consumers face a wide range of premium prices, deductibles and annual exposure to out-of-pocket costs.
Some Warn Of ‘Overwhelming’ Mental Illness Care Cost Without New Research Investment
News outlets also look at treatment and new models for caring for mental health patients. In the meantime, a former congressman says the Obama administration will soon issue final rules to implement the 2008 Mental Health Parity Act.
For Many States, Medicaid Expansion Plans Remain Unsettled
Federal officials remind Florida lawmakers that it is not too late to opt into the program, while in Virginia, Politico reports the issue could be decided by this fall’s gubernatorial election. Also, an Arizona push to get the issue on the ballot in November may fail because of paperwork errors and the Michigan Senate considers a tweaked expansion bill that requires co-pays for new Medicaid enrollees.
State Highlights: D.C. To Use Cash Reserves To Pay Medicaid Providers Off
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Texas, California, Oregon, Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
This week’s articles come from The New Yorker, the Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Slate and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about WellPoint’s second-quarter profits and the Insitute of Medicine’s findings about geographic varitions in Medicare spending.
Fierce Battle Shaping Up Over Health Law’s Rollout
The White House believes a successful rollout of the health law will help determine President Barack Obama’s legacy, while Republicans appear equally intent on reaping political benefits by gutting this and other administration priorities.
Michelle Obama Seeks Latino Activists’ Assistance With Insurance Enrollment
Speaking Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza, the first lady urged the organization’s members to encourage their friends and families to enroll in new coverage options.
