Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Net Sued Over ‘Medically Unnecessary’ Coverage Denials
Some Californians are suing Health Net over the insurer’s refusal to cover some treatments after it deemed them medically unnecessary.
AHIP Offers Advice On Essential Benefits And Keeping Premium Costs Affordable
Meanwhile, Kansas officials are facing a ticking clock as they try to develop recommendations for what should make up the state’s essential benefits in individual and small group health insurance policies.
News outlets report that President Barack Obama fared well in several battleground states after the political conventions, posing a challenge for GOP nominee Mitt Romney.
State News: Calif. To Probe Hospital/Doctor Consolidations
News outlets report on a variety of health issues in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon and Virginia.
Why Are Health Care Costs Increasing At A Slower Rate?
The National Journal offers an analysis of the various forces that could be behind this trend.
NYC Board Of Health OKs Nation’s First Ban Of Oversized Sugary Drinks
The mayoral-appointed panel outlawed the sale of sugary drinks in sizes larger than 16 ounces nearly everywhere, except in grocery and convenience stores.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Court Denies Maine Medicaid Lawsuit, Says To Give CMS Time To Rule On Cuts
A federal appeals court rejected a Maine lawsuit Thursday and said the state — which wants to cut 30,000 from its Medicaid rolls — needs to allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services time to review its request.
First Edition: September 14, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories detailing the politics stirred up by GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s return to Capitol Hill, as well as reports about new poll numbers and the latest about how health issues are playing on the campaign trail.
Long-Term Care A Big Time Worry In California, Study Finds
A new poll released Wednesday found half of Calif. voters say they won’t be able to afford the long-term care a family member will need.
Kohl, Grassley Press CMS On Long-Delayed Physician Payment Sunshine Rule
In other hearings, Republican lawmakers pressed the IRS about the regulatory costs of the health law and criticized the requirement that all insurance plans cover birth control.
Sebelius Found To Have Violated The Hatch Act
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel concludes that HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius violated the federal law that restricts political activity by government officials. Also in the news, the Wall Street Journal reports on some of the specific considerations in the mix as advisers to GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney look for candidates to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and to fill other Cabinet Spots — if Romney wins the presidency.
Mo. Lawmakers Override Veto Of Bill Limiting Contraceptive Coverage
Gov. Jay Nixon had argued that state law already provided protections. Also, a religiously oriented business files suit against the Obama administration policy requiring employers to cover contraceptives.
New Efforts To Improve Medicaid in California, Colorado
Advocates caution that California’s ambitious program for dual eligibles could be problematic, while
Colorado’s effort to move Medicaid patients into medical homes is showing savings.
Politico Pro details findings from the Commonwealth Fund that these pools are providing a “bridge” to extend insurance coverage until key parts of the health law take effect in 2014.
New Ads, Campaign Appearances Deepen Political Lines In The Sand
As former President Bill Clinton concludes his two-day Florida campaign tour for President Barack Obama, he continued to hammer domestic themes including the importance of the health law and to criticize GOP statements regarding Medicare.
Number Of Uninsured Americans Drops By 1.3 million
New census data shows that for the first time since 2007, the number of Americans without health insurance declined. However, high rates of poverty persisted.
Roundup: Fla. Officials Probe Report On Disabled Children In Nursing Homes
News outlets report on a variety of health issues in California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Oregon.
Automatic 2 Percent Medicare Cut Would Hurt Health Industry, Groups Warn
Health care provider organizations have joined forces to urge Congress to avert Medicare cuts. The result, they warn, will be more than 760,000 health-related jobs lost by 2021.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
