Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Rules For ‘Obamacare’ Scrutinized By Insurers, Employers, States, Consumers
Long-awaited draft regulations offer new guidance to insurers, states and employers.
Viewpoints: Protecting Us From Counterfeit Medicines; Simpson-Bowles And The Health Law
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
First Edition: November 21, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including articles about regulations for the health law released by the administration Tuesday and the road ahead on implementing the law.
HHS Releases Proposed Rules On Essential Health Benefits, Other Key Parts Of Health Law
News sources summarize new proposed rules regarding essential health benefits, employer-based wellness programs and how insurers can vary premiums based on age, tobacco use, family size and geography.
Dems Face Internal Divide On Medicare, Safety Net Questions
A split is evident on proposals to raise Medicare’s eligibility age and increase premium costs for wealthier beneficiaries as part of a ‘grand bargain’ on the deficit, according to media reports.
As HHS Gears Up For Health Exchanges, States Wrestle With Policy Choice
Oklahoma has opted not to proceed with a state-based exchange or with the Medicaid expansion, while Republican governors from Tennessee, Utah and Iowa continue to press the Department of Health and Human Services for more guidance.
40 Percent Of Vets Have Little Understanding Of Benefits Due Them
A Department of Veterans Affairs analysis found that many of America’s veterans remain unaware of benefits they’re entitled to, despite a campaign to educate them.
Federal Judge Grants Temporary Injunction In Bible Publisher’s Contraception Rule Challenge
In separate action, another judge ruled against Hobby Lobby’s effort to be exempted from the contraception mandate.
Unjustified Repeat Tests Common Among Medicare Patients
Dartmouth researchers found that up to half of older adults who had a heart, lung, stomach or bladder test had the same procedure repeated within three years despite guidelines against routine testing, leading to unnecessary costs.
Questions Continue Over State, FDA Oversight Of Specialty Pharmacies
Several news outlets analyze the hearings last week into the meningitis outbreak resulting from a New England compounding pharmacy.
Health Care Executives Accused Of Insider-Trading Scheme
The Wall Street Journal reports that prosecutors allege the five-year scheme resulted in more than $1.4 million in illegal gains.
NFL To Track Player Health With Electronic Medical Records
The goals are to give better medical treatment to players and an easier way to track health issues such as concussions and dementia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the nation.
The IRS Gears Up For Health Law Tasks; Fine-Tuning Health Law Messages
News outlets report on the moving parts involved in the next phase of the health law’s implementation. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reports that legislators in one state ponder what the sweeping measure might mean for them.
State Roundup: Larger-Than-Expected Medicaid Enrollment In Conn.
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, Colorado, Texas, California, Maryland and Florida.
Panel Backs Routine HIV Screenings For Teens, Adults
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that nearly everyone ages 15 to 64 should be screened for the HIV virus, a recommendation which, if adopted, would require Medicare and most private health insurers to pay for the tests.
First Edition: November 20, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest news on the “fiscal cliff” negotiations as well as reports about the health law’s implementation.
President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, appeared optimistic about a deal to avert automatic spending cuts and tax increases, but major issues must be tackled.
What The Health Law’s Future Holds
Even with the election in the rear view mirror, efforts to implement the health care law will continue to face challenges. Meanwhile, experts discuss what steps must be taken to control health care costs and to educate the public about the health overhaul.
Studies Suggest Doctors, Dentists Can’t Keep Up With Health Law’s Insurance Expansion
Two studies find that primary-care doctors will be in short supply in the future.
