Latest KFF Health News Stories
For Health Law Backers, Part Of Challenge Is Managing Expectations
Some Democrats worry they will face political repercussions if there are snags that can be exploited by Republicans.
State Roundup: Medicaid Contractor Sues La. Over Canceled Deal
A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, California, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Minnesota.
Feds Move To Tighten Oversight Of Tanning Beds
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Food and Drug Administraition also seeks a warning for use of tanning beds by people younger than 18.
HHS Launches Probe Into Unusual Billing Patterns For Inpatient Hospice Care
Modern Healthcare reports that the HHS Inspector General is beginning an investigation into these cases.
Health Care Issues At Center Of Capitol Hill Questions About ‘Political Intelligence’
Also in the news, new draft “track and trace” legislation was released by two congressional panels.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
HHS Takes First Steps In Outreach Effort To Enroll Consumers In Health Exchanges
CQ HealthBeat reports that the Department of Health and Human Services is now collecting contact information for consumers so the agency can provide updates. Meanwhile, Illinois opened a competitive grant process to award funds to community groups to help with the state’s consumer education effort.
Premium Hikes Or Not? That Is The Question
An analysis by the New York Health Benefits Exchange projects that in New York, unlike in many other states, the health law will likely lead to lower health premiums next year. In Minnesota, though, one of the state’s largest insurers is seeking a rate increase of about 13 percent this summer — a few months before major provisions of the law take effect.
Medicare Studies: Payment Cuts Don’t Mean Insurers Pay More
Medicare payment cuts to hospitals don’t necessarily mean private insurers end up paying more, one study finds. Another reports that unifying Medicare’s benefits into a single plan could save the program $180 billion over 10 years, while lowering seniors’ out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid Expansion: Different States Rely On Different Strategies
The decision-making process in West Virginia was long and involved, while the outcome of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s push for the expansion is still in flux. In Ohio, advocates are considering taking the proposal to the voters if the legislature won’t pass it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about two new studies exploring whether the slowdown in the nation’s health spending growth rates is, in fact, due more to structural changes in the health ystem than to the economy.
Boston Children’s Hospital Creates ‘Living’ Practice Guidelines
Boston Children’s Hospital says it has found a way to create best practice guidelines that have reduced costs and variation in care while improving patient outcomes
2 Studies Assert Lower Spending Growth Is Due To Structural Health Changes
Two new studies assert that the country’s unusual slowdown in health spending growth rates may be due more to structural changes in the health care system than to the lagging economy, and thus could continue even after business picks up.
Health Exchange Marketing, Consumer Assistance Efforts Take Center Stage
News outlets report on the steps being taken by state and federal governments, as well as by insurers, to reach out to consumers about insurance options that will be available in the new online marketplaces.
Fla. Legislature Adjourns Without Medicaid Expansion Deal
Also in the news, the Arkansas model for expansion appears likely to win approval from the Obama administration.
Caregivers Juggle Medical Tasks
The Boston Globe reports on how the role of caregiver is changing in the health care marketplace.
Health Providers With Hepatitis B Are Covered By Disability Law
The Associated Press reports on this news develoment.
White House Medicare Proposal Draws Ire From Advocates, Liberals
The Hill reports that President Barack Obama’s plan to combine Medicare’s doctor and hospital costs is unpopular among advocates for the elderly and some liberal Democrats. Meanwhile, Medpage Today details how the creation of the health law’s Independent Payment Advisory Board is on hold because of the slow growth of Medicare spending. The board is supposed to be a backstop if Medicare spending tops a target growth rate.
Do Children’s Health Concerns Fall Through The Health Law’s Cracks?
MedPage Today takes a long look at how the health law impacts children’s health programs.
GOP Leaders Poised To Exploit Health Law Problems
Politico reports that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., says Republicans must be ready to offer voters frustrated with the health law’s implementation a better alternative, while House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., plans another vote on the health law’s repeal.
