Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Ga. Considers Novel Malpractice Reform
A selection of health policy news from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia, Connecticut, Texas, Kansas and California.
Medicaid Expansion In The States: Who’s In? Who’s Out?
The tally continues to change regarding the governors who have said they will pursue the health law’s Medicaid expansion. Most recently, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said he is opposed to it, while Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett appears to be on the verge of reversing his position against the expansion. And, in Ohio, Gov. John Kasich is looking for allies to convince Republicans in the state legislation to follow his lead.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a story suggesting that the health law’s implementation will proceed amid the sequester.
Does Sequestration Offer A Budgetary Bright Side?
News outlets set the scene for the impact on the health care sector and the Medicare program by the sequester’s scheduled cuts, which kick in March 1.
State Lawmakers’ Positions On Medicaid Expansion Key To Plans’ Future
Even after governors — both Republican and Democrat — express their interest in opting for the health law’s Medicaid expansion, the action that follows in state legislatures is important to watch. News reports follow from states including California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Virginia.
Health Law, Medicare Benefit Design Draw Congressional Attention
House GOP doctors released a “health care state of the union” video that included health law criticisms, but no talk of repeal. Meanwhile, issues like Medicare copays and quality were discussed during a Ways and Means hearing earlier this week.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Take Up Mental Health Care, Stricter Gun Control As Shooting Fallout Continues
Fallout from recent mass killings involving the mentally ill have states scrambling to figure out how to best treat these patients as well as considering stricter gun controls — which, in turn, is drawing the ire of the National Rifle Association.
Mississippi health department officials are challenging the license of the state’s only abortion clinic, while critics of a proposal to expand abortion rights by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo say it would hurt women.
Report: Medicare Paid $5.1B To Nursing Homes That Provided Substandard Care
The Associated Press reports on this development.
Arkansas, Michigan Advance Payment Plans For Health Exchanges
Today’s headlines include reports that Arkansas will use federal funds to pay for its state-based health exchange while action in Michigan suggests momentum might be building to pursue a partnership exchange that will be run by the federal government.
Health Law Implementation Pushes Quality Goals Forward
The Washington Post reports on hospitals’ efforts to reduce readmission rates, while KHN details how some states are working on insurance coverage quality ratings before the federal health law requires them to do so in 2016.
Weekend Reading: Navigating Treatment; Can A Robot Replace Your Doctor?
This week’s articles come from Health Affairs, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast and Time.
State Roundup: Medicaid Costs Slow States’ Recovery
A selection of health policy news from Kentucky, California, Minnesota, Virginia, Vermont and Kansas.
First Edition: February 28, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports setting the scene for what might be the impact of the March 1 sequester.
N.J.’s Christie Joins Ranks Of GOP Govs To Opt To Expand Medicaid
The decision by Gov. Chris Christie would provide health insurance to an estimated 104,000 of the poorest 1.3 million uninsured residents of the state. With this move, Christie follows other Republican governors who were staunch opponents of the health law, including Ohio’s John Kasich and Florida’s Rick Scott.
Other Governors Pressured For And Against Medicaid Expansion
In North Carolina, lawmakers passed legislation barring the state from expanding the program for the poor, while in Pennsylvania, Kansas and West Virginia, supporters are pressing the economic and political advantages of the health law provision made optional by the Supreme Court.
Proposals To Transform Medicaid Spur Enthusiasm, Worries
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber pushes his state’s model for “reinventing” Medicaid with coordinated care organizations, while a proposed expansion of Medicaid managed care in Texas sparks worries about care for the disabled.
Poll: Americans Have Mixed Feelings About People With Mental Illness
In related news, a new study found that spending on mental health care has increased over the past five years.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
