Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Calif. Prison Spending On Anti-Psychotics Raises Treatment Questions
A selection of health policy stories from North Dakota, California, Nevada and Massachusetts.
Insurers Face Key Health Exchange Deadline
Modern Healthcare reports that May 1 is the deadline for insurers to apply to offer heatlh plans for sale on state-run exchanges. However, the deadline for participation in states that have opted for federally run exchanges has been extended until Friday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of Tuesday’s press conference during which President Barack Obama offered his thoughts on the implementation of the health law.
Aetna Cuts Predictions For Obamacare Enrollment
The insurer said Tuesday it lowered the number of policies it expects to sell through online marketplaces.
Obama Administration Simplifies Application For Health Insurance
After the first draft was criticized for its length, the administration made the new version shorter and simpler — only three pages for a single person.
Small Businesses In States That Don’t Expand Medicaid Could Face Penalties
Stateline reports that small businesses in these states are seeking relief from the health law’s penalities, which could leave them liable for billions that their counterparts in states that expand Medicaid will not have to pay. Meanwhile, the stalemate in Florida continues. News outlets also report on related developments in Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Preventive Services Task Force Urges HIV Screening For Adults
The recommendation of this government-backed panel is consistent with a long-standing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy.
The Challenges Of Coordinating Care
News outlet explore issues related to hospital quality of care, costs and a predicted shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment.
CMS Pay Boost Triggers Hospital Stocks To Rally
The Medicare pay increase for hospitals comes with strings attached — an even stronger tie to how well facilities do at preventing readmissions.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
In addition to consideration of the stalled nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, one senator appeared optimistic about repealing the health law’s tax on medical devices.
Patient-care workers at the University of California’s hospitals will vote this week on whether to strike over staffing levels, pay and their pensions. In the meantime, two unions vie to represent health care workers at Kaiser Permanente.
California Wrestles With Growing Medicaid Costs
California Healthline talks to officials and consumer advocates about changes in the program. Meanwhile, a D.C.-based firm looks likely to get a new contract and Kansas is planning to give more residents services.
State Roundup: Health Costs Could Undermine State Budget Recoveries
A selection of health policy stories from California, Virginia, Nevada, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the Obama administration has simplified the application for health insurance benefits under the health law.
Colorado Medicaid Expansion Moves Forward With One Republican Vote
The state Senate is expected to approve the House version of a Medicaid expansion bill on Tuesday and send it to the desk of Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, who has said he will sign it.
Exchange Implementation: News From The White House And The Field
Politico reports that the Obama administration is facing challenges as it moves into a critical time implementing the health law. Meanwhile, a contract is awarded for a call center to handle questions about the health exchanges run by the federal government.
Florida House Rejects Federal Medicaid Expansion Funds
The Florida House of Representatives passed its own limited health care bill that relies on state money to expand coverage to the state’s neediest residents. Also in the news, reports from Ohio, Montana, Texas, Nebraska and Arizona on the status of state decision-making regarding the expansion.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicaid: Texas Docs Lose Money; Jindal Adm. Official Has ‘Improper Contact’ With Contractor
News outlets report on Medicaid developments in Louisiana and Texas.
