Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid: Lawsuit Alleges Conn. Application Backlog Breaks Federal Law
Medicaid doctors continue to wait for their pay raise — five months after they were supposed to get it. In Connecticut, some allege a backlog of applications for the program breaks federal law, and are suing to stop it.
State Roundup: Veto Of Medical Charity Tax Break Scrutinized In Ga.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, New York, Florida, California and Kansas.
Are The Health Law’s Coverage Requirements Scaling Back Some Restaurants’ Expansion Plans?
The Wall Street Journal reports how uncertainty about the expense of insuring employees could be leading to a slow down by some fast-food chains.
House Slated To Vote On Health Law Repeal — For The 37th Time
House Republicans have scheduled a vote to undo the health law. This vote marks the 37th time the chamber has considered legislation to repeal, defund or strike all or part of the measure. Meanwhile, The Washington Post fact checks how many pages of regulations exist regarding Obamacare. Also, House and Senate lawmakers continue questioning Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on her search for private funds for the health law’s implementation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest Congressional Budget Office projections could further stall efforts to reach a grand bargain that includes changes to Medicare and other entitlement programs.
GOP Probes Sebelius’ Fundraising For Health Law Outreach
Congressional Republicans want to know whom she contacted and which other HHS officials are involved, while Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would ask the Government Accountability Office to investigate. A Sebelius spokesman said her actions were legal and that she had not solicited pharmaceutical and insurance companies regulated by the agency.
Administration Issues Proposed Rule On Medicaid DSH Payment Reductions
These payments, known as disproportionate share hospital payments, go to hospitals that treat a high number of uninsured patients.
Many Docs Reject Medicaid — A Cause For Concern As The Expansion Approaches
McClatchy reports that projections highlight how the shortage of physicians in general as well as those who choose not to accept Medicaid patients could undermine the health law’s intent. Also in the news, fits and starts surround this health law provision in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio and Colorado.
State Roundup: Ore. Health Co-Ops To Compete With Big Insurers
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado and California.
Probe Of Medicare Advantage Leak Finds Wide Speculation On Deal
The Wall Street Journal reports many people were talking about a possible compromise.
Subsidiary Of Indian Drug Firm Pleads Guilty, Agrees To $500 Million Penalty
Ranbaxy USA admits to selling adulterated drugs and lying to regulators.
Obama Administration Asks Appeals Court To Delay Judge’s Order On Emergency Contraceptive
The Justice Department is asking for a stay of a federal judge’s order that would make the drug available over the counter to women of any age.
‘Navigators’ To Play Pivotal Role Helping Consumers Sign Up For Health Insurance
Roll Call reports that many of the people who sign up for insurance through the new online marketplaces will face language barriers, or may never have had coverage before. Also, CQ HealthBeat reports that Web-based insurance brokers want “a place at the table.”
Medicaid programs — reimbursement for providers in Texas, proposed cuts in Illinois and application delays in Connecticut — make news.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Law Could Require Some American Indians To Buy Insurance Or Pay Penalties
The Associated Press reports that the overhaul’s definition of “American Indian” only includes those tribes that are recognized by the federal government, though more than 100 tribes are recognized by state governments but not that U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Other outlets report on insurance rates under the ACA, doctor-owned hospitals and the “doc fix” in Congress.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about an Obama administration plan to delay Medicaid DSH payment reductions.
Sebelius Raises Eyebrows By Soliciting Big Donations For Health Law Outreach Campaign
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has asked businesses and charitable groups to make large donations to help underwrite the costs of public outreach associated with the overhaul. A GOP leader is questioning the legality of the efforts.
Drug Cost Disparities, Small Business Worries Continue To Surround Health Law’s Implementation
The Associated Press reports on the emergence of concerns regarding the health law and drug cost disparities. Meanwhile, other news outlets report on how employers continue to have angst about the measure’s price tag.
State Roundup: Texas Lawmakers Push To Modernize Medical Practices
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Tennessee, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas and California.
