Latest KFF Health News Stories
Detailing The Health Law’s Implementation Hurdles
Continued opposition to the overhaul is one of the administration’s biggest challenges. In addition, many consumers eligible to buy insurance in new online marketplaces still don’t understand their benefits and obligations under the law. Meanwhile, insurance companies are gearing up to sell policies.
Rates Released For Colorado’s Online Insurance Marketplace; MNsure Launches Paul Bunyan Ad Campaign
The Wall Street Journal explains to readers about the two types of health exchanges – run either by the state or federal government – which are scheduled to begin operating on Oct. 1. Other news outlets report on developments regarding these marketplaces in Minnesota, Colorado, Alabama, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Docs Prescribe More Radiation If They Have Financial Interest In It
Doctors who have a financial interest in prescribing radiation treatment do it more, a congressional study says. In the meantime, new Medicare payment incentives drive a rise in e-prescribing.
Insurers Seek Clarity On Who’s Responsible If Consumers Who Receive Subsidies Don’t Pay Their Share
Insurance officials are asking the Obama administration to make clear who is responsible financially if people who get federal subsidies to buy health insurance don’t pay their premiums.
In Arkansas Race, Candidates Spar Over Who Hates The Health Law More
Meanwhile, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., says during the Sunday talk shows that he expects modifications to the health law to iron out its kinks will be necessary at some point down the road.
State Highlights: Fort Worth To Move Retirees Into Medicare Advantage Plans
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, California, Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois and Oklahoma.
Health Law Critics Raise Privacy Concerns About Navigator Program
Some state attorneys general say the plans for hiring and training navigators don’t have enough consumer safeguards.
News outlets examine how the Medicaid expansion and other health law changes might reshape the program in various locations across the country.
Obama Scolds GOP For Efforts To ‘Gum Up’ The Health Law
In his Saturday address, the president says if Republicans continue to work to undermine the overhaul, they will be doing a disservice to their constituents. But Republican Rep. Capito warns health law is not working and calls for an implementation delay.
First Edition: August 19, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how public perceptions and political opposition continue to swirl around the health law’s implementation.
HHS Awards Grants To Aid In Health Law Navigation
The grants are part of the health law’s outreach and assistance efforts — both of which are viewed as being among the linchpins to the law’s success.
Planned Parenthood Among Groups Tapped To Receive Health Law Grants
Three state-based Planned Parenthood groups were awarded funds to help educate consumers about the insurance options available from the overhaul’s online insurance marketplaces. Other news outlets highlight various other organizations that received funding to be ‘navigators.’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Capitol Hill Health Plan Fix Could Include Abortion Coverage
Access to abortion coverage is not offered to other federal employees who get health insurance through the government’s plan. In other congressional news, more analysis of the possible budget battles that could occur over a threatened government shutdown and funds to implement the health law.
Sebelius On Making The Health Law Work
Key to achieving that goal, she said during an interview with USA Today, are navigators who will help educate the public about the health law’s options.
State Highlights: Pushback By Penn State Employees; Medi-Cal Cuts Loom
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
A California Audit Finds Oversight Lacking In Regard To Mental Health Spending
News outlets report the review concluded that the state has failed to properly monitor programs funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
Research Roundup: Doctors Aren’t Paid To Talk; Savings From High-Deductible Plans
This week’s studies come from the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA Internal Medicine, the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, The Rand Corporation and media outlets.
First Edition: August 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the $67 million in grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services to help groups assist consumers in navigating the health law.
