Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the latest developments in the health care marketplace.
Sebelius Ramps Up Enrollment Push
The Obama administration unveiled a revamped HealthCare.gov website, the centerpiece of its campaign in more than 30 states to enroll people in health coverage, as well as a 24-hour consumer call center. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius aims to enroll 7 million people by late March with help from major sports franchises and moms.
Government To Bargain With Insurers Over Exchange Plans
The government will take a “more active role in selecting” insurance plans.
Tenet’s Acquisition Of Vanguard Health Part Of Plan To Buy Other Hospitals
While news emerges regarding Tenet’s plan to acqure Vanguard Health for $1.73 billion, the Ford Motor Co. announces its plans to launch a two-year health management program.
Supreme Court Sides With Generic Drug Makers
The case involved a “badly injured patient” in New Hampshire.
Health IT Firm Athenahealth Plans Expansion
Health information technology firm athenahealth, which offers electronic health records and care coordination products, will expand and create hundreds of new jobs in Georgia and Massachusetts.
Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Challenge To Massachusetts Abortion Law
This challenge is rooted in issues related to free speech.
Study: Despite Struggles With Poverty, More Children Getting Health Insurance
And, another study examines the number of children with mental disorders, by condition.
Health Panel Urges Baby Boomers Be Tested For Hepatitis C
The New York Times reports on this recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Many States Missing Out On Medicaid Money For Prisoners
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Oregon.
Where States Opt Against Mediaid Expansion, Working Poor Likely To Lose
News outlets also report the latest developments regarding the Medicaid expansion debate in Michigan and Mississippi.
Lawsuits, Or Threat Of Them, Hover Over Medicare Policy
News outlets report on the government’s position on releasing doctor-specific information and on Medicare patients’ access to physical therapy. And, ProPublica investigates prescribing practices.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organization, including reports about the Obama administraiton’s plans for getting the word about the health law’s online marketplaces.
Sebelius: Administration Is Negotiating Rates In Federal Exchanges
Consumer advocates had wanted the government to bar plans that didn’t have competitive rates, but the Obama administration opted against that after being lobbied by insurers and business groups. Negotiating with insurers is seen as a more subtle approach.
In Effort To Reduce Veterans’ Suicide Rate, Officials Seek To Deal With ‘Moral Injury’
WBUR reports on the growing interest in helping vets heal from events that “transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.”
Transplant Officials To Consider Changes In Organ Donation
NPR reports that the United Network for Organ Sharing will consider new guidelines for donation after cardiac death when patients still have at least some brain activity.
Reimbursement Caps Mean Some Calif. Hospitals Reduce Surgery Prices
A pilot program saved $5.5 million over two years, a study found.
State Highlights: Calif. Eyes Health Care For Immigrants; New Scrutiny For N.Y. Home Health Firms
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Missouri, Arizona and Oregon.
More Options For Dental, Vision Coverage For Federal Employees
In the meantime, the nation’s largest public pension fund, the California Public Employees Retirement System, moves to provide equal access to health care for transgender people.
