Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Administration Plans Appeal Of ‘Plan B’ Ruling
The Obama administration signals that it will challenge a federal judge’s order that would make an emergency contraception drug available over-the-counter to women of all ages. The move comes a day after the FDA said the contraception should be available in that way to anyone older than 15.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
High Costs Of Cancer Drugs May Harm Patients, Say Experts
Medscape reports that a group of international leukemia experts issued this caution.
Concerns Surround Medical Records Privacy Issues
The Wall Street Journal reports on how new federal rules and marketplace changes are fueling these developments.
GOP Lawmakers Offer Medicaid ‘Per Capita Cap’ Plan
The proposal was offered by Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the top Republican on the Finance Committee. In addition, Politico reports that advocates are lining up to attempt to convince Congress to find ways to fix the across-the-board cuts put in place by sequestration.
Hospitals Warn Of Lost Jobs, Patient Services After Proposed Payment Changes
Changes in how hospitals are paid make news in Minnesota — where the state’s largest health plan will delay a new payment system — and Maryland — where hospitals say a cut in pay to them will mean fewer jobs and patient services.
Subpoenas Issued Regarding Last Month’s Leak Of Medicare Decision That Triggered Stock Market Surge
The Washington Post reports on this development.
State Roundup: Calif. Regulator Says Insurer’s Proposed Rate Hikes Are ‘Unreasonable’
A selection of health policy stories from California, Iowa, Maryland, Georgia, Oregon and North Carolina.
Insurers’ Rate Requests Provide Few Clues For Determining Costs
The Associated Press reports that, because many steps remain in the rate-setting process, the initial rates announced by insurers do not offer “clarity.” In other health law news, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius encouraged Latino business leaders to spread the word about the overhaul’s coverage expansions, and Reuters reports on a proposed Internal Revenue Service rule about employer-sponsored health plans and wellness programs.
Weekend Reading: Overweight Doctors; ADHD Diagnosis Wars
This week’s articles come from Mother Jones, Scientific American, Salon, The New York Times and The Atlantic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a study detailing how expanded Medicaid access impacts beneficiaries’ utilization of health care services and their overall physical health.
Obama Aims To Tamp Down Fears About Health Law Implementation
During a Tuesday news conference, President Barack Obama acknowledged likely “bumps and glitches” as key provisions of the health law take effect, but said that many elements of the measure are already in place and “working fine.”
At The Florida State House, Medicaid Expansion Drama Continues
News outlets also detail the latest expansion news from Oklahoma, Iowa, Georgia, Louisiana and Maine.
Women’s Health Care Proves Challenging For VA System
Politico reports on this development.
New Consumer Conundrum: To Buy Insurance Or Pay The Penalty
Media outlets report on a range of health law implementation issues — including how medical homes might be helpful in treating the newly insured as well as an analysis of the whether the health law’s penalties for not buying insurance have enough bite.
FDA OKs Over-The-Counter ‘Plan B’ For Women And Girls Older Than Age 15
The move, regulators said, was made independent of a recent federal district judge ruling that called for the emergency contraceptive to be made available over-the-counter to women of all ages without restriction.
Aetna Cuts Projections For Policies It Will Sell In New Marketplaces
Aetna said it expects to sell fewer health insurance policies than initially projected in the health law’s online marketplaces, which are slated to open in October. The insurer also said its first-quarter profit slipped 4 percent but raised its 2013 forecast.
42 Percent Of Americans Unsure If Health Law Stands
One poll about the health law highlights a continued lack of understanding about the measure and a second shows voters are still split in their support.
NY Health Care Advocates: Medicaid Managed Care Shuns The Most Disabled Users
Medicaid programs in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., also make news.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
