Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Computer Database ‘Hub’ Links 7 Agencies, Spurs Privacy Concerns
A computer system designed to determine which Americans get subsidies to help them buy health coverage will be hugely important to the success or failure of Obamacare, Bloomberg reports. Also, new federal data show doctors have filed more than 190 million prescriptions electronically.
The Massachusetts analysis, funded by the insurance industry, predicts the law will add an average of 3.7 percent to premiums, while in New York, state officials will likely announce Wednesday the expected premium tumble.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Poll Says N.C. Abortion Bill Hurting Governor Support
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, California and Virginia.
States, Feds Continue To Scramble On Health Exchanges, Medicaid Expansion
The Obama administration hires a credit reporting agency to verify the incomes of people who apply for federal subsidies to buy health insurance. Meanwhile, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signs a bill that could make it more difficult to do enrollment outreach there, as federal officials consider ways to implement the law in states led by officials opposed to it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report about how the delay of the health law’s employer mandate might undermine enforcement of the measure’s individual mandate.
How Will Health Exchanges Work? Business Versions May Offer Clues
News outlets look at how the health law’s new online insurance marketplaces might work and examine the experiences of employees participating in private corporate exchanges. Others examine what some critics view as opportunities for fraud and bad actors.
Some Employers Continue To Offer ‘Skinny’ Plans
Even though the Obama administration will not enforce the mandate requiring large employers to offer coverage for another year, some companies still plan to offer so-called “skinny,” or limited benefit plans — and the federal government will permit them, according to Politico. Other reports look at the growth in part-time jobs and whether that is a result of the health care law.
New Mexico Medicaid Overhaul OK’d
Other news outlets look at the delay in increasing pay rates for primary care doctors who participate in Medicaid and the limited access to medications for people addicted to painkillers enrolled in the health care program for the poor.
U.S. News Issues Its Hospital Honor Roll
This year’s rankings cover nearly 5,000 medical centers across the country and span 16 medical specialties.
Study: EHRs Cut Some Costs, But May Not Show Savings Everywhere
In the meantime, medical practices and officials in Colorado and California scramble to get federal incentive payments for adopting electronic health records.
Obama Issues Order To Step Up Efforts To Combat HIV/AIDS
President Barack Obama’s executive order said a working group chaired by Office of National AIDS Policy Director Grant Colfax and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius would have 180 days to deliver its recommendations.
Self-Referred Biopsies Cost Taxpayers Millions, GAO Reports
Physicians who prepare and examine tissue samples within their own practices, or who use services in which they have a financial interest, report higher use of these services, which could be driving up costs to Medicare, according to the Government Accountability Office.
North Dakota Judge Strikes Down State Law On Nonsurgical Abortion Drugs
In the meantime, new abortion and “personhood” proposals in that state rankle some medical professionals.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
House Subcommittee Schedules Markup Of ‘Doc Fix’ Bill
The panel on July 22 will consider a measure repealing the current Medicare physician payment formula. Also in the news, some fact-checking on House GOP efforts to repeal the health law.
State Highlights: Minn. Health Plans Stockpile Nearly $2B In Cash
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
Pilot Program Finds Improving Quality Easier Than Lowering Health Care Costs
The Wall Street Journal reports on the first-year mixed results of the health law’s pilot project, known as the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization program.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a look at how the health law will really work.
Health Exchange Countdown: Insurers, Regulators Test Drive New Plans, TV Ads
News outlets report on how the health law’s online health insurance marketplaces will work, the products that will be available through them and the efforts to enroll millions of uninsured or underinsured people.
