Latest KFF Health News Stories
Some Key Governors’ Races Too Close To Call, Outcome Crucial To Health Law’s Future
A Republican wins the gubernatorial election in N.C. while N.H. picks a woman to lead the state. Meanwhile, KHN examines how the state-level results will affect the implementation of the health law.
What Obama’s Win Means For Businesses’ Approach To Health Care
Stock futures fell late Tuesday and early Wednesday as voters re-elected President Barack Obama, even as some business and labor groups cheered his victory. Several media outlooks parse the implications for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
First Edition: November 7, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details of the outcome of the presidential election, as well as House and Senate races. Coverage also includes analysis regarding how those results will impact the implementation of the health law, negotiatioins surrounding the looming fiscal cliff and other health policy issues.
Obama, Romney Keep Up The Fight In Campaign Last Minutes
The Washington Post reported that President Barack Obama had a slight edge in the polls, but most analysts expect the election to be extremely close. GOP challenger Mitt Romney continued to hammer his anti-Obamacare message while other news outlets predict that whoever wins will face big challenges in dealing with the deficit.
What Will The Election’s Outcome Mean For The Health Law?
The stakes are high for the health law’s future with the vote either sealing the measure’s implementation or becoming its undoing. However, some of the changes it includes have already been internalized by the health care marketplace.
After Election Day, States Face Deadline On Health Exchanges
Under the health law, states are required to let the Department of Health and Human Services know by Nov. 16 if they plan to set up their own exchanges or enter into a state-federal partnership.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Voters Will Make Choices In Tight Senate Races, Health Law Ballot Questions
In this pair of stories, The Wall Street Journal examines Democrats’ fundraising successes in tight Senate races and how the health law is in a number of state ballot questions.
Previous Meningitis Outbreak Did Not Trigger Additional Oversight, Changes
The Washington Post reports that, despite an outbreak of fungal meningitis that took place 10 years ago and was linked to injections made by a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, not much has changed. Meanwhile, Politico adds that a recall of drugs related to the most recent round of illness could add to a critical drug shortage.
Federal Appeals Court Begins Hearing Arguments On Ariz. Abortion Restrictions
Elsewhere, a federal judge in Michigan blocked — for one employer — the health law’s mandate that they cover contraception in their health plan.
Medicare News: Young Workers’ Benefits At Center Of Fiscal Debate
Although retirement may still be years away for these younger workers, key decisions could come in the looming debate on the nation’s spending. Meanwhile, Medicare officials are sending letters to beneficiaries warning them that their plans are not meeting standards.
State Roundup: Ga. Considers Medicaid Managed Care ‘Light’ Touch
A selection of health policy news from Kansas, Georgia, Florida, Missouri and Texas.
Lower 3rd Quarter Earnings For Health Net, Humana – But Optimism Still Reigns
And, a consulting firm measures the boom in retail clinics.
Tyson Named CEO Of Kaiser Permanente
Bernard Tyson has been an executive with the giant HMO.
First Edition: November 6, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including an array of stories previewing today’s election possibilities and what the outcome might mean for the health law, Medicare and the health care industry.
Study: Less Experienced Doctors Cost Health System More
Researchers identified the costliest doctors by using insurance claims to create physician cost profiles.
With Election Day Hours Away, Polls Show Deadlocked Race
The last round of polls shows the contest between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney virtually tied. Meanwhile, news outlets report on how health issues are motivating some voters and what policies the winner might put in place.
In Fight For Control Of The House And The Senate, Status Quo Appears To Be Winning
News reports suggest that Republicans are likely to hold onto the majority in the House, despite Democrats’ hopes around the impact of the Medicare issue, and that Democrats are likely to retain the Senate majority.
Health Law Implementation Issues Expected To Loom Large Post-Election
News outlets reported on insurance exchanges, Medicaid expansion and how the law’s employer mandate may already be affecting workers’ hours.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
