Latest KFF Health News Stories
Va. Lawmakers Block Abortion Ultrasound Repeal; Other State Abortion News
Lawmakers in Virginia blocked a repeal of a state law that requires women to have an ultrasound before an abortion as well as a law that requires stricter regulation of abortion clinics. In the meantime, however, a state Senate committee there killed a proposal that would have forbidden public money from being used for abortions where the fetus is likely to be deformed and unlikely to survive.
Paying Medical Expenses, Raising Hopes, Triggering Fears …
USA Today and Markeplace report on ways in which the cost of health care, especially regarding a serious illness, causes patient anxieties, challenges for the health system and new approaches within the marketplace.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Mental Health Issues Take Pole Position In Gun Violence Debate
Agreement appears to exist that mental health is central to this debate, with the Obama administration eyeing the related provisions of the health law as one of the answers.
Research Roundup: Ameliorating Physician Shortages; Patients’ Perceptions Of Bias
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the Annals of Family Medicine, The Pew Center on the States, The Kaiser Family Foundation and other news sources.
First Edition: January 18, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the emerging dynamics in the current fiscal debate as well as the latest news from the health care marketplace.
Mental Health Improvements Are A Key Part Of Obama’s Plan To Reduce Gun Violence
In addition to calling for changes in how the country handles gun sales, the proposal would increase mental health services, finish rules on mental health parity and restore federal gun research.
New Rule Sets 2013 As The Time For Small Business To Count Staff Size For Health Law
Health law implementation headlines include reports about how new regulatory guidance might impact small businesses. Also, prominent physicians call for the government to release regulations for the part of the law forcing drug and medical device makers to disclose financial ties to doctors.
A pair of studies examines how hospitals can manage O.R. emergencies and nurse patient loads.
Penalties, Progress And Politics All Play Into State Health Law Decisions
States like California, Kansas and Virginia continue to contemplate specific aspects of the health law. Meanwhile, Florida will face health law penalties if it doesn’t make changes to its insurance program for state workers. And, in Indiana, Democrats are pushing for more implementation, despite the opposition of Republicans — who control the state legislature and governor’s mansion.
Business Roundtable Offers Medicare Plan To Increase Eligibility Age To 70
The Associated Press reports that, under this plan, “people 55 and older would be protected from cuts but younger workers would face significant changes.” Meanwhile, CNN Money takes a look at the cost of such a move.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Roundup: Officials Look To Resolve KanCare Concerns
A selection of health policy stories from Kansas, Idaho and California.
Longer Looks: ‘Bad Suga’ Damages A Neighborhood
This week’s articles come from Health Affairs, PBS NewsHour, The New York Times, American Medical News and The Atlantic.
At Least 22 Governors — Including 4 Republicans — Hope To Expand Medicaid
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has enlisted hospitals and the business community to help rally support for this health law provision. Similarly, a statewide campaign has been launched in Missouri to persuade the GOP-controlled assembly to support the Medicaid expansion.
First Edition: January 17, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the mental health provisions of President Barack Obama’s gun control proposal as well as how a health law regulatory guidance issued in late December could impact small businesses.
Obama Unveils Gun Control Policies, Including Mental Health Provisions
The plan includes a variety of executive actions which touch the health care system, including clarifications that the health law does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes and that no federal law prohibits health care providers from reporting threats of violence to law-enforcement authorities.
Partisan Strife, Interest Group Concerns Emerge In Spending Debate
Intra-GOP business community allegiances may be shifting over Republican demands to cut spending for Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement programs. Meanwhile, the AARP acknowleges that adjustments must be made, but argues that trimming back entitlements will not solve the nation’s economic problems.
Feds Launch ‘Full Throttle’ Effort To Expand Health Coverage
The Department of Health and Human Services redesigns its website as part of its campaign to raise awareness about the health law’s requirement that most people carry insurance. Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals judge temporarily blocks the government from forcing a Christian publisher to comply with its mandate to cover all birth control options.
State Roundup: Maine Hospitals Fighting For Timely Medicaid Payments
News outlets report on a variety of health care issues in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, New York and Oregon.
