Latest KFF Health News Stories
Minnesota Authorizes Online Health Insurance Marketplace
Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the legislation, which enables his administration to move forward on building the infrastructure necessary for the marketplace to begin enrolling people Oct. 1 — a tight deadline that officials said would require massive work to meet.
Texas Lawmakers Consider Stricter Licensing For Abortion Clinics
Texas Democrats say the bill would effectively ban abortion there. In the meantime, Catholic clergy meet with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on his abortion-rights agenda.
State Roundup: Texas Senate Panel Weighs End-Of-Life Bills
A selection of health policy stories from California, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Kansas and Colorado.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law’s insurance expansion could cause stress among health care providers and strain within the health system.
Federal Government May Need To Enforce Health Law In Some States
Politico reports that insurance officials in at least four states won’t implement insurance market changes that are part of the law, leaving that task to federal officials. Meanwhile, the Obama administration offers new rules and statistics related to implementation.
Minnesota Legislature Approves Health Exchange Bill, Sends It To Governor
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has vowed to sign the measure. In Michigan, though, Gov. Rick Snyder warned that time is running out and state lawmakers have until the week’s end to approve a partnership exchange.
Spending On Prescription Drugs Dropped Slightly in 2012
The decrease was miniscule, but it was the first time since 1957 that the research firm IMS Health had recorded a dip in United States drug expenditures, reports The New York Times. In related news, more effective use of medications could lead to Medicare savings, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
New Alzheimer’s Data Highlight The Disease’s Deadly Toll
According to figures released by the Alzheimer’s Association, deaths from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia rose 68 percent between 2000 and 2010.
Study: Patients In Wheelchairs Often Have Trouble Making Appointments With Specialty Docs
One in five speciality practices said they couldn’t accommodate the needs of disabled patients using wheelchairs, researchers report.
Federal Judge Strikes Mo. Law Exempting Some From Health Law’s Birth Control Mandate
In the meantime, South Dakota lawmakers consider a ban on all abortions by defining life as beginning with conception.
Do Workplace Wellness Programs Really Save Money?
The Associated Press reports on a new study that raises doubts about this idea.
State Roundup: Inmates Sue Calif. Counties Over Prison Care
A selection of health policy stories from California, Oregon, Michigan, Kansas, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
The report, issued by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, found that the plan would add less than 15 percent to federal health care costs in the state. In Florida, an alternate Medicaid plan was unveiled and slated for a hearing by a key Senate panel. In addition, news outlets offer reports from Texas, Wisconsin and Kansas.
Passage Likely For Government-Wide Spending Bill
Even as the bipartisan measure, which would fund the federal government through the current fiscal year, progresses through Congress, the larger deficit debate continues as the parties move forward with starkly different fiscal blueprints.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a new report about the troubling reach of Alzheimer’s disease.
Some Lawmakers Signal Openness To Grand Deal On Deficit
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., suggested during the Sunday talk shows that a deal that includes tax revenue and changes to entitlement programs including Medicare is possible while Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., conveyed openness to Medicare changes. Durbin’s comments included shots at the House budget plan advanced by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
Minnesota Senate Poised To Vote On Health Exchanges
Meanwhile, a New Hampshire survey finds few residents are aware of the health insurance marketplaces starting soon, and a fight is brewing in California over how “enrollers” for the state’s exchange will be screened.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
More Med School Seniors Seek Primary Care Residency
The increased interest in residencies for internal medicine, family medicine or pediatrics may, in part, be the result of increased competition for specialty slots.
