Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drug Costs And Pricing Issues Touch Hospitals, Independent Pharmacies
NPR reports on how one hospital made what is termed an “unusual decision” — it chose to not stock a new drug because it was very costly.
Federal Court Weighs Calif. Progress On Mental Health Care For Prisoners
Federal Judge Lawrence Karlton must rule on the case by April 7.
Radiology Trainees Face Earning Challenges
The New York Times reports on this workforce development.
How Will Immigration Reform Intersect With Medicare?
In this pair of stories, news outlets examine whether immigration reform will stress the Medicare program as well as what hospitals are doing to address the health law’s Medicare Wage Index.
State Roundup: Calif. Report Card Shows Improved Care For Kids
The latest developments in health policy from California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Texas.
Weekend Reading: Seniors Smoking Marijuana; Same-Sex Marriage And Public Health
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including various stories about the health law’s implementation at both the federal and state level.
Actuaries Project Health Law Will Boost Claims Costs 32 Percent
Although some states would see claims costs decline, the study by the Society of Actuaries forecasts that a majority will experience double-digit increases in the individual health insurance market. Officials in some states disputed the analysis, saying it was based on flawed data.
Sebelius: Some Insurance Costs Could Increase When Law Is Implemented
The HHS secretary’s remarks came as insurers are becoming increasingly jittery about how sweeping health law changes will impact the marketplace and on the same day that the Society of Actuaries released a study that predicted increased medical claims costs.
North Dakota Governor Signs Nation’s Most Restrictive Abortion Law
Gov. Jack Dalrymple, a Republican, signed three anti-abortion bills Tuesday, one of which bans abortions as soon as a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which could be as early as six weeks into pregnancy.
Mental-Health System Feeling The Pinch Of Sequestration
MinnPost reports on how the automatic cuts will hit mental health programs hard because they come on top of other state-level reductions.
Adding Muscle To Plans’ Push For Value-Based Health Care
A survey from Catalyst for Payment Reform, a nonprofit lobbying group comprising highly profitable Fortune 500 giants, found that many of its members do not feel like they are getting the value for which they are paying.
DOMA’s Impact On Same-Sex Couples’ Access To Federal Health Programs, Health Insurance
Politico reports on how the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which is being reviewd by the Supreme Court, impacts health insurance coverage.
Federal Agency Issues ‘Fraud Alert’ About Physician-Owned Distributorships
The Health and Human Services inspector general said these commercial ventures, which are widespread in the fields of orthepedic and spine surgery, are “inherently suspect.”
Urban Institute: Medicaid Expansion Will Benefit Veterans
Overall, the health law could help as many as 40 percent of uninsured veterans gain access to health coverage. News outlets also report on Medicaid expansion news from Tennessee, Missouri and Louisiana.
Va. Gov. Seeks To Bar Abortion Coverage From The Federal Exchange That Will Serve The State
Gov. Bob McDonnell added the provision Monday to recently passed legislation. Meanwhile, in other news, the Maryland Senate could vote as early as today on a bill that implements the state’s new insurance marketplace and Louisiana insurers and nonprofits form group to help consumers understand new insurance options.
Examining ‘A Glitch’ In The Health Law’s Tax Credits
Reuters reports on a health law consequence that Families USA says needs to be fixed: that millions of “modest earners” could be priced out of health insurance. The Fiscal Times analyzes the current state of play regarding the measure’s new taxes and other moving parts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Court To Hear Calif. Inmate Mental Health Case
News outlets report on health care developments in California, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Texas.
Stakeholders See Health Law Benefits, Challenges
News outlets explore issues emerging from the health law’s implementation, including how the costs of insuring full-time employees could be a boon for temporary staffing agencies, how nurse practitioners are seeking a greater role in primary care and how some clinics are fighting to benefit from the law’s changes.
