Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama To Tout California As Health Law Model
President Barack Obama is slated to speak in San Jose, Calif., about the implementation of the health law and point to the coordination among public and private groups there as a model for the rest of the country. Latinos — in California and across the nation — will be one of his target audiences.
Tech Experts Brace For Glitches When Health Exchange Websites Come Online
As planners race to finish building the online marketplaces that consumers can begin using Oct. 1 to shop for health insurance, experts expect some difficulties, according to The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, CQ HealthBeat examines whether the deductibles and out-of-pocket caps applied in these marketplaces will be too high.
Costs And Coverage: Trying To Discern Who Will Experience Health Law Gains Or Feel Its Pinch
The Wall Street Journal reports on how the law might impact small businesses that employ young and healthy workers as well as whether the measure’s new coverage might be too expensive for low-paid employees. Also in the news, a report concludes that U.S. consumers who purchase health insurance on the individual market saved $2.1 billion last year due to the overhaul’s rules.
Debate Over A Dying Child And A Lack Of Transplant Organs
Several columnists explore the difficult questions raised by the case of Sarah Murnaghan, a 10-year-old with cystic fibrosis who needs a lung transplant to survive.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
‘Medical Home’ Experiment Reduced Costs, Improved Care Even More In Second Year
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s experiment with the new health care delivery model improved on its first-year showing, it said.
FDA Panel Loosens Avandia Safety Restrictions
Despite some concern over whether the diabetes drug Avandia can increase heart problems, an FDA panel Thursday loosened restrictions on how doctors can prescribe the drug.
Prominent Republican Leaves Immigration Overhaul Talks Over Immigrant Health Care
Also, CMS announces that it cannot stop sequestration cuts to Medicare’s reimbursement for cancer drugs.
State Highlights: Ore. Schools Face Insurance Exchange Choice
A selection of health policy stories from Wisconsin, Oregon, Arizona, New York, Minnesota and California.
Judge’s Second Ruling On Child Transplants Prompts Ethical, Political Questions
A federal judge issued a second ruling in as many days allowing another dying child onto an adult transplant list — a move that could have ramifications for thousands of adults waiting for donated organs.
Research Roundup: Health Spending On Kids With Special Needs
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Heritage Foundation, JAMA Pediatrics and news sources.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including previews of the speech President Barack Obama is expected to deliver today in California as well as news about particular health law implementation issues.
Poll: Health Law’s Support Sliding
A new Wall Street Journal/NBC survey concludes that more Americans than ever before view the health law as a bad idea. Just as these numbers are rolling out, the White House is launching its own messaging effort to get people to sign up for coverage through the overhaul’s new online insurance exchanges.
State Decisions On Medicaid Expansion Deepen Health Care Divide
The Fiscal Times examines how political dynamics are leading to a red state-blue state divide in the availability of health care coverage. Politico reports on how Ariz. Gov. Jan Brewer, a former foe of Obamacare, is confounding that pattern by battling lawmakers in her own party to expand Medicaid. Media outlets also report on developments in Mississippi and Ohio.
Feds Step Up Medicare Anti-Fraud Efforts
Department of Health and Human Services statistics to be released Thursday show that, in the past two years, the federal government has revoked the ability of 14,663 providers and suppliers to bill Medicare, according to USA Today.
Health Law Provisions Spur Business Partnerships, New Opportunities
The New York Times reports that the Betty Ford Center and the Hazelden Foundation are pursuing an alliance while Kaiser Health News reports on how hospitals are sometimes caught in the middle of competing incentives.
Reports Highlight Impacts Of Proposed Entitlement Changes, Reduced Health Care Spending
The Washington Post highlights a new report that finds elderly Americans are “economically vulnerable” to even modest changes in Medicare and other entitlement programs. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare notes another report analyzing “the great debate” over health spending.
Judge Orders Sebelius To Put Girl Who Needs Lung On Transplant List
A federal judge intervened in the case of a 10-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis who needs a lung transplant, ordering HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to provide an exception and place the girl on the adult lung transplant list.
GOP Eyes Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Bill For Summer, Obamacare Replacement
House Republicans move forward on replacing Medicare’s payment system for doctors with an eye on moving the measure this summer. In the meantime, a Republican readies an Obamacare replacement bill.
Dems’ Senate Filibuster Rule Revamp Tempered By Abortion Vote Fears
Some supporters of abortion rights fear that any current changes could be used sometime in the future to restrict the option for women. Meanwhile, an appeals court rules that some morning-after pills should be available over the counter immediately.
