Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals Push Hard For Medicaid Expansion
Stateline reports that with billions at stake, hospitals are lobbying to change the minds of state lawmakers opposed to this health law provision. Meanwhile, Arkansas’s House narrowly approved its “private option” approach to expansion, a day after the idea had been initially rejected. News outlets also offer progress reports from New Jersey, Iowa, Florida and California.
House-Senate ‘Endgame Talks’ Face Political Hurdles, Delays
The House GOP is moving slowly in naming negotiators to work through differences between the House- and Senate-passed budgets. The reason — Republicans may want to avoid being on the record regarding politically-charged proposals related to Medicare and other issues. Also on Capitol Hill, new legislation was introduced regarding drugmaker rebates for “dual eligibles,” and lawmakers scrutinize the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of drug compounder and raise concerns about electronic medical records.
Hospital Prices For Consumers Slow Slightly
Hospital prices for consumers grew at a slightly slower pace in March than in February, and growth in prices for outpatient services outpaced those for inpatient services.
Amgen Agrees To $25M Settlement After Kickback Allegations
The biotech drugmaker was accused of paying kickbacks to increase sales of its anemia drug Aranesp.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Law Creates Challeges For Various Parts Of The System
News outlets report on a variety of implementation issues, including the question of how to provide treatment for the millions of people with addiction and alcohol dependencies who will have insurance for the first time and the difficulties faced by safety-net hospitals. In addition, one labor union is urging repeal.
Sole Abortion Clinic In Miss. Remains Open After Judge Blocks State Law
In the meantime, in Arkansas, abortion-rights groups are suing to stop a new state law that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
State Roundup: Immigration Proposal Could Mean Big State Health Care Costs
A selection of health policy stories from California, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Kansas and Massachusetts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new study finding that surgical woes can actually bolster a hospital’s profits.
High Court Skeptical That Biotech Firm Can Patent Human Genes
Supreme Court justices seemed to express skepticism Monday that a biotech company can patent human genes isolated from the body that signal a greater likelihood of ovarian or breast cancer. The biotech industry has warned that a broad ruling against such patents could endanger billions of dollars in investment.
Arkansas Compromise On Medicaid Expansion Hits Roadblock
The compromise, which was viewed as a model for other states, failed to garner the necessary 75 votes in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. Meanwhile, in Kansas, expansion advocates say they will renew their fight next year.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Panel Expected To Give Tavenner The Nod, Send Nomination On To The Full Senate
This week the Senate Finance Committee is expected to approve Marilyn Tavenner’s nomination to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Rule On Home Health Care Workers Causing Rift Between Medicaid Directors, Labor Advocates
The rule would extend federal minimum wage and overtime pay to these in-home workers and some Medicaid officials warn that the change could be disruptive to long-standing care-arrangements.
Medicare Auditors Say Millions Could Be Saved By Limiting Advance Payments To Insurers
According to a report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the federal program prepays private insurers approximately 20 days before they pay their pharmacy bills but does not require them to return any of the interest earned during the time they hold that money.
Abortion Opponents Use Regulation As Weapon Against Clinics
Abortion opponents have shifted their strategies away from pursuing outright bans to using regulations to hamper the availability of the procedure, Stateline reports. In Mississippi, a judge has stopped part of a state law that would have likely forced the closure of the state’s only abortion clinic.
In Rhode Island, Blue Cross Signals Rate Increase
Rhode Island Blue Cross, the state’s largest insurer, indicated that it would increase its average rates for small businesses by 15 percent, according to filings released on Monday. In Georgia, the push for earlier renewal dates is billed as an effort to avoid “rate shock.”
Roundup: Ariz. Lawmakers Revive Vetoed Health Care Price Transparency Bill
A selection of health policy stories from Arizona, California and Texas.
House Panels Kick Off Hearings On Slowing Medicare, Social Security Spending
Among the proposals that will be discussed and debated are increasing Medicare premiums for higher-income seniors and raising the program’s eligibility age. Meanwhile, Politico details the health industry gains and losses likely to stem from President Barack Obama’s budget plan, which was released last week.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the Supreme Court oral arguments regarding whether patents should be granted for human genes.
