Latest KFF Health News Stories
Employers Expect Health Costs To Go Up, Ready Compliance With Health Law
A new survey of employer health benefits by the National Business Group on Health has found businesses expect their health care costs to jump 7 percent next year as they comply with new parts of the federal health care reform law.
ER Overcrowding A Problem At Calif. Hospitals Serving Many Minorities
A new study says California hospitals in areas with large minority populations are disproportionately affected by overcrowding at ERs — often leading to ambulance diversion, delayed care and poorer health outcomes for patients.
Kansas Considers Disbanding Information Exchange Board; Minn. Rebates Lower Than Expected
The Kansas agency may dissolve and turn its authority over to the state to save money.
Roundup: Ky. Judge To Hear Christians-Only Health Insurer Case
A selection of health policy stories from Kentucky, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Mass. Governor Signs Health Care Cost-Containment Bill
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill Monday that lawmakers hope will rein in health care costs by tying health care cost growth to how fast the state economy grows. But, Moody’s said the law could hurt the state’s hospital credit ratings since the hospitals’ revenue growth would be hampered.
Safety-Net Hospitals Brace For Funding Changes, Adjustments
Meanwhile, a new Health Affairs study suggests these facilities may need to rethink their business models.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Is Key To Health Law Success; OPM Weighs Changes To FEHB
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Texas Doctors Oppose State Plans On Abortion
The physicians are objecting to a proposed rule for the Texas Women’s Health Program that prohibits them from discussing abortion with patients. Meanwhile, the governor, who says he opposes an expansion of Medicaid, also says he will use such an expansion to justify his cut off of funds to Planned Parenthood.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that HCA, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the U.S., is facing scrutiny about the medical necessity of some of the cardiac procedures done at some of its facilities.
Health Exchanges: Feds Face ‘Herculean Task’ In Many States
The New York Times reports that Obama administration officials are getting ready to set up and operate health insurance marketplaces in about half the states. Meanwhile, Stateline details how safety net hospitals face new financial worries as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
GOP Seeks Legislative Means To Insist That Individual Mandate Is Not A ‘Tax’
House GOP lawmakers introduced a bill Thursday in an attempt to get around the high court’s recent ruling that the health law is constitutional because its requirement that most Americans buy health insurance or pay a penalty falls within Congress’ taxing authority. The proposed legislation says the mandate “shall not be construed as a tax.”
State Roundup: Other States Watching Mass. Effort To Cut Costs
A selection of health policy stories from California, Iowa, Florida, Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas.
GAO Finds States Need More HHS Guidance On New Medicaid Rules
The study of six states finds they want more help as they look to expand their programs under new rules in the health law.
Ill. ACO Showing Promise On Lowering Hospital Readmissions
The program, set up by Advocate, covers 380,000 enrollees, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Meanwhile, other outlets look at health law implementation efforts in Massachusetts and California.
Health Law Emerges As Hot-Button Issue In Missouri Politics
Issues related to the sweeping health overhaul are playing out in a state-wide ballot referendum and in GOP nomination races.
Biden Seeks To Allay Veterans’ Concerns About Benefits
Speaking at the Disabled American Veterans’ national convention, Vice President Joe Biden reminded the group that veterans benefits were exempted from the automatic budget cuts that will be imposed on military and domestic programs as of Jan. 2. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama signed into law a legislative package that provides improved health care, housing, education and memorial services.
Obama Campaigning On Health Law While Romney Backs Away From The Issue
President Obama is focusing on the health care law in his campaign stops, touting its consumer benefits. Democrats — in their own campaigning — are embracing the GOP-coined term “Obamacare.”
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Home Health Care Demand Increases As Baby Boomers Age
The Associated Press reports that the need for home health care workers is on the rise as baby boomers age and states try to save money by moving people out of nursing homes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a progress report about health insurance exchanges as well as news from the campaign trail.
