Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Senate confirmation of Acting Chief Marilyn Tavenner to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Deficit Projections Likely To Reduce ‘Grand Bargain’ Pressure
The Congressional Budget Office reports the deficit is shrinking at a faster-than-expected rate this year. Medicare and Medicaid outlays are smaller than anticipated, and health care cost increases appear to have slowed. The numbers are expected to lessen the momentum to cut spending on Medicare and other entitlement programs.
89 Arrested In $223 Million Medicare Fraud Schemes
Doctors and nurses were among those charged in the bust that spanned eight cities and focused on bogus Medicare charges.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Angelina Jolie’s Choice Underscores Screening And Treatment Costs
News outlets report on the cost of and questions surrounding Angelina Jolie’s decision to have genetic testing and then to undergo a double mastectomy as preventive surgery.
Hospitals: Calif. Bidding War Intensifies; Va. System Eyes Children’s Facility
The business of hospitals makes news in California — where sides are engaged in a bidding war to buy a famed Santa Monica hospital; Virginia — where pediatricians eye a new children’s hospital; and Oregon, where lawmakers passed a new hospital tax.
The Challenge Of Increasing Long-Term Care Costs
The New York Times reports that a new report estimated the national median daily cost of a private nursing home room to be $230 a day, some $6,900 per month.
In addition, Florida health experts say that state’s decision not to pursue the expansion is “bad for business.”
Calif. Health Exchange Awards $37 Million For Health Law Education Efforts
The grants will go to 48 organizations to help the state explain benefits, show consumers how to access insurance and encourage small businesses to participate.
Vermont Lawmakers OK Doc-Assisted Suicide
The state will become the first to use a legislative vote to legalize physician-assisted suicide after the governor, who has expressed his support for the measure, signs the bill.
Medicaid: Lawsuit Alleges Conn. Application Backlog Breaks Federal Law
Medicaid doctors continue to wait for their pay raise — five months after they were supposed to get it. In Connecticut, some allege a backlog of applications for the program breaks federal law, and are suing to stop it.
State Roundup: Veto Of Medical Charity Tax Break Scrutinized In Ga.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, New York, Florida, California and Kansas.
Are The Health Law’s Coverage Requirements Scaling Back Some Restaurants’ Expansion Plans?
The Wall Street Journal reports how uncertainty about the expense of insuring employees could be leading to a slow down by some fast-food chains.
House Slated To Vote On Health Law Repeal — For The 37th Time
House Republicans have scheduled a vote to undo the health law. This vote marks the 37th time the chamber has considered legislation to repeal, defund or strike all or part of the measure. Meanwhile, The Washington Post fact checks how many pages of regulations exist regarding Obamacare. Also, House and Senate lawmakers continue questioning Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on her search for private funds for the health law’s implementation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest Congressional Budget Office projections could further stall efforts to reach a grand bargain that includes changes to Medicare and other entitlement programs.
GOP Probes Sebelius’ Fundraising For Health Law Outreach
Congressional Republicans want to know whom she contacted and which other HHS officials are involved, while Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would ask the Government Accountability Office to investigate. A Sebelius spokesman said her actions were legal and that she had not solicited pharmaceutical and insurance companies regulated by the agency.
Administration Issues Proposed Rule On Medicaid DSH Payment Reductions
These payments, known as disproportionate share hospital payments, go to hospitals that treat a high number of uninsured patients.
Many Docs Reject Medicaid — A Cause For Concern As The Expansion Approaches
McClatchy reports that projections highlight how the shortage of physicians in general as well as those who choose not to accept Medicaid patients could undermine the health law’s intent. Also in the news, fits and starts surround this health law provision in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio and Colorado.
State Roundup: Ore. Health Co-Ops To Compete With Big Insurers
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado and California.
Probe Of Medicare Advantage Leak Finds Wide Speculation On Deal
The Wall Street Journal reports many people were talking about a possible compromise.
