Latest KFF Health News Stories
Arkansas’ ‘Third Option’ For Medicaid Expansion Draws Attention
The approach, which is under consideration by state lawmakers, has attracted the interest of conservative governors and legislators in other states who had previously opposed the program’s expansion. Meanwhile, news outlets track Medicaid expansion news from Iowa and West Virginia.
State Roundup: Federal Audit Calls For N.Y. Medicaid Program To Repay Funds
News outlets report on health care developments in California, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Texas.
Long-Term Care: Expense, Emotions Part Of Planning Dilemma
In other news, NPR explores the nation’s high disability rate.
Restricting Resident Work Hours May Not Reduce Errors
Research suggests that limiting the length of shifts may not cut medical error rates, but restricting hours for doctors in training may offer other reasons for concern.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Questions From High Court Suggest Concerns About ‘Pay-For-Delay’ Deals
The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in a case which pits brand name and generic drug manufacturers against the Federal Trade Commission.
Score Can Predict Risk For Hospital Readmission
A risk score for hospitalized patients can pinpoint those most at risk of having to be readmitted to the hospital for avoidable reasons.
Justice Dept. Closes Antitrust Case Against Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Michigan
But the department is expected to continue investigating the use of “most-favored-nation” pricing contracts in other states.
Modern Healthcare reports that, though in effect, compliance won’t be required for another six months.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the challenges of long-term care planning and the startling rise in disability within the United States.
Senate Narrowly Passes Budget Proposal For Fiscal Year 2014
The next step will come when President Barack Obama releases his budget, although that is not likely to offer details about changes in Medicare and other entitlement programs that the president might be willing to support.
What The Health Law’s Future Holds
At the health law’s three-year mark, news outlets look ahead to the major provisions slated to take effect in 2014, exploring their impact on insurance premiums and who might be left uncovered.
Wash. Bill To Mandate Abortion Coverage Awaits State Senate Vote
Washington’s Reproductive Parity Act would be the first state law to require insurance plans to cover abortion.
Louisiana Attorney General Challenges $200 Million Medicaid Contract
In other Medicaid news, the Alabama Legislature takes up a proposal for Medicaid managed care.
Supreme Court To Hear Case About ‘Pay To Delay’ Deals Between Generic And Branded Drug Makers
Generic and the brand-name drug companies — usually fierce competitors — will be on the same side as they argue their case against the federal government. At issue is whether brand name drug manufacturers may pay generics to keep generic competitors off the market.
FDA Proposes Charging Fees To Compounding Pharmacies To Pay Oversight Costs
Reuters reports on this development regarding the oversight of these pharmacies.
Colorado, Maryland Make Progress On How To Fund State-Run Health Exchanges
Also in the news, reports about early efforts in Connecticut to find and enroll uninsured people in the state’s health insurance marketplace and about emerging details for a call center in California.
Some Republicans Propose Using Medicaid Expansion Dollars For Private Insurance
Some governors who initially opposed the health law’s Medicaid expansion are proposing to use the federal money to allow low-income people to buy private coverage in the new exchanges. News outlets report on those and related developments in Tennessee, California, Missouri, Florida and Kansas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Nurses Press For Broader Responsibilities
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Maryland and Texas.
