Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republican Govs’ Decision To Forego Exchanges Will Bring In Federal Option, Others Still On Fence
A number of GOP governors have decided not to set up a state-run health exchange under the 2010 health law. But that means the federal government will come in and make some key decisions on state health options.
With Some Caveats, GOP And Dems Signal Willingness To Work For Accord On Taxes, Entitlements
On Sunday, House Minority Leader Pelosi echoed sentiments expressed after Friday’s White House meeting, where congressional leaders and Obama agreed to move quickly on negotiations.
HHS Delays Health Exchange Decision Deadline To Dec. 14
The Obama administration announced late Thursday that it was extending the deadline for states to decide whether they would establish and operate these online insurance markets. A number of Republican governors had complained about the initial Nov. 16 deadline.
States Declare Their Health Exchange Intentions
A number of states notified the Department of Health and Human Services how they plan to proceed on the question of setting up an insurance exchange. News reports offer insights into the role political views and policy positions have played so far in the decision making.
Some Employers Are Telling Employees To Shop Around For Health Insurance
The Associated Press reports that some companies are giving employees a fixed amount of money and allowing them to choose their own coverage based on their particular needs.
For Alzheimer’s, Detection Advances Move Faster Than Treatment Options
The New York Times reports on developments related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Approaching The Cliff: What’s At Stake For Medicare And Medicaid?
Medicare and other entitlement programs are in the mix as deficit deal-making takes center stage. If no deal is reached and automatic spending cuts take effect, Medicare providers will face a 2 percent across-the-board cut in January 2013.
U.S. Docs Adopt Digital Records But Find Sharing Information Difficult
More than two-thirds of U.S. doctors now use electronic medical records — a substantial increase from years past — but are finding that information is still not easily shared among medical professionals, a new study says.
Tidal Wave Of Health Law Rules Expected In Days And Weeks Ahead
Also in the news, reports estimate state-specific costs and savings related to the overhaul’s Medicaid expansion.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Texas Pursues Some Medicaid Providers
Health policy news from Oregon, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and California.
White House Meeting Kicks Off ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Negotiations
News outlets set the scene for President Barack Obama’s meeting today with lawmakers. Both sides say they want a deal, but privately, some Democrats acknowledge they would rather go over the cliff than accept a deal that raised too few taxes while cutting Medicare and Medicaid. Some Republicans feel that way about tax increases.
Senators Pledge Regulation Of Compounding Pharmacies
At a Capitol Hill hearing, senators from both parties promised to take action following a meningitis outbreak that killed 32 people.
Research Roundup: Talking To Patients About End-Of-Life Care
This week’s studies come from the Annals of Family Medicine, the American Journal of Public Health, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the Government Accountability Office and other news sources.
First Edition: November 16, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports detailing the Obama administration’s deadline extention — now until Dec. 14 — for states to decide how they want to proceed with the health law’s insurance exchanges.
Survey: Most U.S. Primary Care Docs Using EMRs
Two-thirds of American primary care physicians surveyed reported using electronic health records.
All The Newly Single (Uninsured) Ladies
About 115,000 women lose health insurance annually after a divorce and about half don’t get replacement coverage.
Health Exchange Status Check: Will States, Feds Be Ready?
States face a Friday deadline to indicate whether they plan to establish their own online health insurance markets, or allow the federal government to do it. Meanwhile, debate continues about whether delays in updating essential software and other glitches could hamper the start of enrollment in the markets beyond the Oct. 1, 2013 target specified in the health law.
Who’s In? Who’s Out? Who’s Yet To Decide?
With the deadline looming, news outlets report on the positions states are taking regarding the establishment of state-based health insurance exchanges.
Romney Says Loss The Result Of Obama’s ‘Gifts’ To Certain Constituences
Certain provisions of the 2010 health law were key “gifts” that GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said were to blame for his loss. Other Republican leaders, including Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal disputed Romney’s comments.
