Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republicans Prepare To Exploit ‘Obamacare’ Stumbles In 2014
GOP leaders are framing a narrative about the health law they believe will position their party for victory in the 2014 midterm elections. Democrats say that voters will have a real program to judge by then and will see Republicans as obstructionist.
Gearing Up For Online Insurance Markets
The Wall Street Journal profiles the man overseeing California’s online insurance marketplace and spotlights one business owner’s decisionmaking about whether and how to offer his employees coverage. Other media outlets explore Democrats’ outreach efforts — and how Republicans embrace the individual mandate for illegal immigrants.
Hospitals Cracking Down On Those Who Don’t Wash Their Hands
The New York Times looks at a recurring problem in infection control.
In Rural Alaska, New Rules Reshape Care Often Hampered By Isolation
Two news outlets examine some of the difficulties in providing care in Alaska.
State-By-State Analysis Warns Of Looming Health Care Crisis
The report examines the rising number of seniors and growing rates of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Wis. Insurers Cautious About New Online Marketplaces
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on insurers’ wariness about how business will work on these new marketplaces, which are being set up as part of the federal health law.
A selection of health stories from California, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Florida.
Thousands Of Veterans Affected By States’ Rejection Of Medicaid Expansion
An estimated quarter-million former service members would have been eligible for health coverage under the joint state-federal program, but their states have opted not to participate in the expansion envisioned by the federal health law. Meanwhile in Iowa, hospitals were helpful in forging a compromise on the issue.
In Declining To Hear Indiana Case, Supreme Court Supports Medicaid Funds For Planned Parenthood
The high court let stand a lower court ruling rejecting an Indiana law that would have banned Planned Parenthood from receiving any Medicaid funds.
Viewpoints: Medical Professionals And Near Misses; Obamacare’s ‘Death By A Thousand Cuts’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations include a look at California’s effort to expand health care and reports on the Supreme Court’s announcement that stops Indiana from barring Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding.
Businesses Brace For Health Law Requirements, Potential Costs
Some large companies are scaling back generous health plans they have traditionally offered employees, even though the so-called ‘Cadillac tax’ on high-end plans doesn’t take effect until 2018, while small firms are exploring early coverage renewals and self-insurance.
Partisan Politics, Public Distrust Thwart Efforts To Carry Out Health Law
The New York Times reports that partisan gridlock will likely prevent Congress from making even small adjustments. Meanwhile, a CNN poll finds that a majority of Americans continue to oppose the measure, which adds to the Obama administration’s challenge of selling it to the public.
Medicare Paying For An Increasing Number Of ‘Functional’ Eye Lifts
The Center for Public Integrity reports on this trend.
Insurance Exchanges Become Health Law Opponents’ Latest Target
Also in the news, the latest developments from California, Mississippi, Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota and New Hampshire regarding the law’s online insurance marketplaces.
Texas Lawmakers Pass Bill To Stop Medicaid Expansion; Ariz. Debate Heats Up
The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature makes changes to a bill so that the state bans expansion under the Affordable Care Act but doesn’t violate current Medicaid law. In Arizona, meanwhile, Gov. Jan Brewer vetoes five bills to prod lawmakers to expand the program and pass a budget.
HHS Sees Cost Savings In The Cloud
The Wall Street Journal reports on this development.
The studies in JAMA Internal Medicine look at issues surrounding coordinated care between doctors and their patients.
Sebelius’ Actions Under Microscope As She Rolls Out Health Law
News outlets report how Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has become a “lightning rod” for criticism as the administration’s central player responsible for implementing the high-stakes law.
Roundup: Maryland Hospital Rate System Faltering
News outlets cover a variety of health care issues in Maryland, D.C., New York, Oklahoma and North Carolina.
