Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Exchanges: Today Is States’ Decision Day
States have to decide by Feb. 15 whether they will create their own health insurance exchanges, partner with the federal government or allow the federal government to do it for them. Meanwhile, during a congressional hearing marked by skepticism, a Health and Human Services official told lawmakers that the government would be ready to enroll people this fall.
The Politics And Policies Of The Medicaid Expansion
State executives ranging from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon continue to wrestle with their plans regarding the expansion — and repercussions, in terms of public opinon, budgets and policy decisions — that are emerging as a result.
The Y Rolls Out New Health Program Targeting Diabetes
YMCAs will advance the program nationally with support from insurers and employers. Also in the news, researchers express concern about the increasing costs likely to accompany soaring Alzheimer’s disease rates.
National Federation Of Nurses Joining Forces With American Federation Of Teachers
The nurses’ group says this step will give them the added leverage they need to address issues related to conditions and to protect against unfair hospital management attacks.
Hearing Raises Questions About How To Replace Medicare’s SGR Formula
Medpage Today reports that answers related to fixing the “sustainable growth rate” formula varied during a Thursday House committee hearing.
Within The Health Care Sector, Data Viewed In New Light
The Wall Street Journal reports that data analysis is being used for more than just crunching cost numbers.
Medicaid: Audits Find Overspending In Ga. Program
States deal with personnel, budget, and contractor issues as they relate to their Medicaid programs.
Anthem Blue Cross Will Reduce Rate Increase For About 630,000 Individual Policyholders
The move is in resonse to pressure from California’s insurance regulator. Meanwhile, Cardinal Health, the nation’s second-largest distributor of prescription drugs, will buy a large medical supplier. Cardinal Health hopes to expand into home health care.
State Highlights: Calif. Opens New Prison Mental Health Facility
A selection of health policy news from California, Vermont, Minnesota and Kansas.
The federal overhaul requires dental care for children but advocates say the mechanism for that will often be complicated. Meanwhile, in a different article about the complications of implementing the health law, the Boston Globe examines efforts by small businesses to buy insurance.
During his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama renewed a proposal to use drug rebates to save Medicare money — a step that would trigger strong opposition from pharmaceutical companies.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Research Roundup: Conflicts Of Interest In Medicaid Drug Purchasing
This week’s studies come from JAMA Internal Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation, UCLA, BMC Health Services Research and other news outlets.
First Edition: February 15, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about how the health law’s insurance exchanges are taking shape.
Illinois Is 3rd State Approved To Partner With Feds
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius joined Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Wednesday to announce the state had become the third to receive conditional approval to run a health insurance exchange in partnership with the federal government. Other states are also taking steps to develop their exchanges — or, at least, mulling what to do next.
California Unveils Standards For Health Plans
By taking this step, California became the first state to standardize health insurance plans under the federal health law.
Examining Electronic Medical Records And Over-Billing
The Center for Public Integrity reports that some critics are questioning the credibility of federal panel charged with investigating this issue.
Post Office Seeks To Revamp Health Plan And Retiree Funding
The postmaster general asks for congressional permission for the post office to run its own health plan for employees and retirees and modify the mandate that the agency pay $5.5 billion annually to fund future health benefits.
Wisconsin’s Walker Walks Away From Medicaid Expansion
But studies conducted in other states — such as Colorado and Georgia — predict the expansion will have a positive impact.
Investors Send WellPoint Stock Lower As They Try To Learn More About New CEO Choice
Investors gave WellPoint’s choice for a new CEO a chilly reception Wednesday, selling off shares in the insurer and driving its stock price down.
