Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the legislation to limit health spending approved by Massachusetts lawmakers.
How The Republicans Might Reshape Medicaid If They Win The White House And Congress
The Los Angeles Times reports on how the GOP is readying a push to scale back the health insurance program for the poor if it takes control of the White House and Congress next year. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is paying $1.1 billion in rebates to consumers under the health care law and eyeing congressional efforts to overhaul the tax code next year as its best chance to roll back a new health insurance tax.
Poll: 2 Out Of 3 Voters Favor Medicaid Expansion ‘In General’; 1 In 5 Expect To Pay Penalty
A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll finds views generally reflect partisan affiliations, and, overall, the public remains split in its view of the 2010 health law. A slim majority (54 percent) says they are tired of hearing lawmakers fight over the law and would like the debate to move on to other topics.
Tales Of Two Doctors, At FDA And Federal Health Services, Who Saw Themselves As Whistleblowers
The New York Times reports on how the Food and Drug Administration created an elaborate surveillance operation in response to the complaints of a particularly “caustic” agency scientist. In a separate story, the paper examines how the federal health service reassigned a psychologist who told his superiors that a North Dakota Indian tribe was ignoring an “epidemic” of child abuse.
Cost Of Future Post Office Retirees’ Health Benefits Driving Possible Default
The U.S. Postal Service may default on a $5.5 billion payment due to the Treasury on Wednesday. Another $5.6 billion is due in September, according to the Associated Press.
Judge Allows Ariz. Late-Term Abortion Ban To Take Effect
A federal judge ruled Monday that Arizona’s ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy can stand. The judge said the law doesn’t stop women from getting abortions, but that it may make some women consider the procedure earlier in their pregnancies.
In Response To Increasing Medicare Costs, Humana Reduces 2012 Forecast
Humana, which ranks number two in providing Medicare benefits, cuts its 2012 profit expectations.
State Roundup: High-Ranking Iowa Gov’t Employees To Pay More In Health Costs
A selection of health policy stories from New Jersey, Iowa, Florida, Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin, Oregon, California and Pennsylvania.
Mass. Lawmakers Unveil Bill To Cut Health Costs
Legislature expected to vote on compromise today.
Study: 5 Percent Of Americans Responsible For Half Of Health Care Spending
The Fiscal Times reports on a new study from the National Institute of Health Care Management that might fuel the rebellion to the health law’s individual mandate.
House To Vote On D.C. Abortion Measure
The House is scheduled to vote Tuesday under suspension of the rules on legislation that would limit abortions in D.C. Specifically, the measure would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except when the pregnancy is a danger to the life of the mother.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Medical Debt Collection Company Accretive Settles Suit With Minnesota
Chicago-based Accretive Health agrees to pay $2.5 million and end operations in the state for at least two years to settle charges that it violated federal law requiring hospitals to provide emergency care even if people cannot afford to pay.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including forward-looking reports about what the Medicaid expansion might look like if the GOP controls Congress and the White House, as well as how insurers are planning to use an expected tax reform effort to nix fees their industry will otherwise face under the health law.
Health Law’s Insurance Rebates, Exchanges And Mandates Continue To Draw Headlines
News outlets report on a variety of health law implementation issues.
Federal Court Blocks Contraception Coverage Mandate For One Business
A U.S. district judge in Colorado issued a temporary injunction Friday, blocking the Obama administration from enforcing the birth control coverage requirement on one employer based on the owner’s religious beliefs. The judge issued a three-month temporary injunction, allowing for further legal review of the case brought by a Catholic small business owner.
Some AIDS Experts View Health Law Coverage Expansion With Hope
Meanwhile, the Obama administration announced it would add new funds to increase access to HIV/AIDS care, but questions remain about whether it will be enough to address waiting lists for the drug assistance program. Also in the news, reports on treatment developments.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Court Backs Obama Adminstration Crackdown On Drug Company Execs
The Wall Street Journal reports that a federal appeals court OK’d the Obama administration’s policy to hold drug company executives accountable for corporate wrongdoing.
White House Projections Include Steep Reductions In Medicare, Medicaid Spending
The Wall Street Journal reports on some of the savings details included in the White House’s annual “mid-season” review.
