Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Hill: Insurers Feel Pressure To Support Enroll America
The Hill reports that unnamed insurance industry sources say they feel that Enroll America, the non-profit group raising funds to support outreach to the uninsured, is “just an arm of the administration.” In a separate story, The Hill notes new research concluding the trend toward part-time work and reduced health benefits began before the overhaul.
Federal Appellate Court Hears Arguments On Health Law’s Birth Control Mandate
The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago is the first federal appellate court to hear arguments in cases challenging the mandate that took effect last August. With dozens of similar lawsuits pending, many say the issue seems likely to land before the Supreme Court. The case brought by Hobby Lobby Inc. is considered the most prominent of these efforts.
Weekend Reading: Mental Illness Stigma And Health Insurance Mazes
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, Salon, Slate, USA Today, and the Tampa Bay Times.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including various status updates about state activity regarding the health law’s online insurance marketplaces.
Medicaid Expansion Popular In Southern States, Despite Govs’ Opposition
A poll by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found popular support for this and other health law provisions in five southern states despite the conservative political climate. Meanwhile, expansion supporters are strategizing about their next moves in states where they have not been successful.
Market Pressures May Keep Premiums Low As Health Law Kicks In
USA Today reports this optimistic view is offered by some industry analysts and health insurance officials. Meanwhile, Politico does a status check on the legal challenges to the health law’s birth control mandate. News reports also track the latest regarding the Internal Revenue Service controversy and the overhaul.
Outreach Effort Moves Forward Despite Sebelius Controversy
Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack tells CQ Healthbeat that the flap won’t prevent a robust effort by the nonprofit group, Enroll America, to sign up the uninsured. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney draws parallels to earlier allegations about President Barack Obama’s birth certificate.
Health Issues Play A Part In House Immigration Talks, Budget Cuts
Politico reports that issues related to the health benefits made available to undocumented immigrants as they seek citizenship could muddy House negotiations. In addition, House Republicans have pressed forward with budget cuts that would impact Indian health care and a number of other domestic programs.
Medicare is a topic of conversation on Capitol Hill as a Senate committee holds a hearing on the Medicare Part D drug program. Meanwhile, on the House side, members of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee heard testimony on patient cost-sharing that triggered a broad discussion of health care incentives within the program.
Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Arizona Ban On Abortions After 18 Weeks Of Pregnancy
A federal appeals court struck down an Arizona law Tuesday that bans most abortions in that state after 18 weeks of pregnancy. The three-judge panel said the law violates a woman’s constitutional right to end a pregnancy before a fetus can survive outside the womb — typically 24 weeks.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roudup: Loophole Could Mean Calif. Docs Eat Some Costs
A selection of health policy stories from California, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Missouri.
More Than Half Of U.S. Docs Now Using EHRs
The Wall Street Journal reports on this finding, which is included in federal data being released today.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Medicaid expansion is shaking out in Virginia and Texas, as well as a report about the role health care is playing as the House attempts to negotiate an immigration reform measure.
Marketing New Health Insurance Options Poses Challenges
The Wall Street Journal explores issues surrounding the health law’s “navigators,” a small army of people who are supposed to help millions of Americans sign up for coverage. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News reports on questions about how the one in five households who lack traditional bank accounts will be able to pay their insurance bills.
Implementation Issues: Coverage ‘Ping Pong’ Among Emerging Concerns
The notion of how life events could cause disrupted health coverage is a focus for policy makers. In addition, news outlets also are reporting on developments related to high-risk pools, and a break between the White House and organized labor regarding how the implementation process is shaping up.
Ground Battles Continue Over States’ Medicaid Expansion
News reports from Texas, Louisiana, Iowa, Florida and Maine highlight states’ continuing debates over this health law provision.
Some GOP Lawmakers Target HHS Secretary Sebelius For Fundraising
The members of Congress are questioning Sebelius’ efforts to solicit funds for Enroll America, which is trying to help get people signed up for benefits under the federal health law.
Health Care Innovations In Technology Spotlight
A Silicon Valley conference offers insights regarding what’s working and what is coming next for health care innovation. Meanwhile, some startup companies are aiming technology advances at medication adherence.
State Programs, Agreements With Feds Aim At Better Mental Health Care Delivery
States seek to improve how they deliver mental health care: In Georgia, a revamp shows success stories; Connecticut seeks an agreement to better care for children with mental health problems; and in Texas, lawmakers back a diversion program to keep the mentally ill from jail.
