Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the rebates some insurers will provide to consumers as a result of a health law provision.
State Highlights: Calif. State Legislative Panel Considers Bill On Health Exchange Secrecy
A selection of health policy stories from California, Virginia and Massachusetts.
Reviews Highlight Harmful Prescriptions And Unnecessary Surgeries
ProPublica takes a look at a Medicare drug program report detailing the prescription writing practices of some physicians while USA Today reports on its findings regarding unnecessary surgeries based on a review of government records and medical databases.
A Status Check On Small Business Health Exchanges
News outlets examine key points about the health law, including a progress report on implementation issues by the Government Acountability Office.
Bill Offered That Would Soften Health Law’s Employer Mandate
The measure is designed to address a part of the health overhaul that requires employers to offer coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours per week.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of reports about the health law’s implementation as well as related developments from Capitol Hill.
GAO: Smooth And Timely Launch Of Health Exchanges Unsure
The report by the Government Accountability Office noted that the federal government has missed several deadlines, and there is a risk it won’t be ready to open the online marketplaces Oct. 1. But the report also noted some positive signs.
‘Get Covered America’ Campaign Launched By Nonproft Group
In an effort to sign up people for the new health coverage that will become available this fall, Enroll America is one of a number of organizations launching aggressive health law outreach campaigns.
A selection of health policy stories from Arkansas, New York, Massachusetts and California.
Report: Improper Prescription Drug Use Drives Up Cost Of Care
Doctors and hospitals could save the U.S. $213 billion annually if they used prescription drugs more wisely, according to IMS health.
Going against a recommendation by one of its committees to label it only a “major public health problem,” the American Medical Association has recognized obesity as a disease.
CBO Finds Immigration Bill Would Save Gov’t. Money
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the measure would save $175 billion dollars, but lawmakers question how this would play out for entitlement programs such as Medicare.
House Passes Ban On Abortion After 20 Weeks Of Pregnancy
House lawmakers Tuesday passed a nationwide ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy — one of the most far-reaching federal bills on abortion in years. The bill, which faces long odds in the Senate and even longer odds to get the president’s signature, is unlikely to ever become law.
Senate Finance Committee Examines Health Care Prices; Steven Brill Testifies
The journalist, who examined the issue of the high cost of health care in a much-quoted March 2013 Time magazine article, appeared during a Capitol Hill hearing.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Texas Senate Approves Abortion Restrictions, Prompting Access Fears
Texas lawmakers on Tuesday approved three pieces of legislation that tighten the state’s abortion restrictions, prompting worries that abortion clinics could close because of the changes.
Poll: Young Adults Consider Health Insurance Important
A poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found a strong majority of young adults believe health insurance is worth the money.
Medicaid Chief Signals That State Enrollments May Start Slowly
But Cindy Mann says that she is confident states will be ready by October to cover the new enrollees who will gain access to the safety net program.
Patients Press Forward With Health Apps
Fox News reports how one specific app is helping give patients more access to their doctors while Kaiser Health News and WBUR look at how the increase in available apps also raises questions about what works and doesn’t.
Improper Use Of Prescription Drugs Costs $200 Billion A Year, Report Finds
Much of those costs result from unneeded hospitalizations or doctor visits, according to a study by IMS Health’s Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
