Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Aims To Tamp Down Fears About Health Law Implementation
During a Tuesday news conference, President Barack Obama acknowledged likely “bumps and glitches” as key provisions of the health law take effect, but said that many elements of the measure are already in place and “working fine.”
At The Florida State House, Medicaid Expansion Drama Continues
News outlets also detail the latest expansion news from Oklahoma, Iowa, Georgia, Louisiana and Maine.
Women’s Health Care Proves Challenging For VA System
Politico reports on this development.
New Consumer Conundrum: To Buy Insurance Or Pay The Penalty
Media outlets report on a range of health law implementation issues — including how medical homes might be helpful in treating the newly insured as well as an analysis of the whether the health law’s penalties for not buying insurance have enough bite.
FDA OKs Over-The-Counter ‘Plan B’ For Women And Girls Older Than Age 15
The move, regulators said, was made independent of a recent federal district judge ruling that called for the emergency contraceptive to be made available over-the-counter to women of all ages without restriction.
Aetna Cuts Projections For Policies It Will Sell In New Marketplaces
Aetna said it expects to sell fewer health insurance policies than initially projected in the health law’s online marketplaces, which are slated to open in October. The insurer also said its first-quarter profit slipped 4 percent but raised its 2013 forecast.
42 Percent Of Americans Unsure If Health Law Stands
One poll about the health law highlights a continued lack of understanding about the measure and a second shows voters are still split in their support.
NY Health Care Advocates: Medicaid Managed Care Shuns The Most Disabled Users
Medicaid programs in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., also make news.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Calif. Prison Spending On Anti-Psychotics Raises Treatment Questions
A selection of health policy stories from North Dakota, California, Nevada and Massachusetts.
Insurers Face Key Health Exchange Deadline
Modern Healthcare reports that May 1 is the deadline for insurers to apply to offer heatlh plans for sale on state-run exchanges. However, the deadline for participation in states that have opted for federally run exchanges has been extended until Friday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of Tuesday’s press conference during which President Barack Obama offered his thoughts on the implementation of the health law.
Aetna Cuts Predictions For Obamacare Enrollment
The insurer said Tuesday it lowered the number of policies it expects to sell through online marketplaces.
Obama Administration Simplifies Application For Health Insurance
After the first draft was criticized for its length, the administration made the new version shorter and simpler — only three pages for a single person.
Small Businesses In States That Don’t Expand Medicaid Could Face Penalties
Stateline reports that small businesses in these states are seeking relief from the health law’s penalities, which could leave them liable for billions that their counterparts in states that expand Medicaid will not have to pay. Meanwhile, the stalemate in Florida continues. News outlets also report on related developments in Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Preventive Services Task Force Urges HIV Screening For Adults
The recommendation of this government-backed panel is consistent with a long-standing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy.
The Challenges Of Coordinating Care
News outlet explore issues related to hospital quality of care, costs and a predicted shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment.
CMS Pay Boost Triggers Hospital Stocks To Rally
The Medicare pay increase for hospitals comes with strings attached — an even stronger tie to how well facilities do at preventing readmissions.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
In addition to consideration of the stalled nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, one senator appeared optimistic about repealing the health law’s tax on medical devices.
