Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Report Tallies Death Rates Among People Who Lack Health Insurance
The report, released by Families USA, concluded that each year more than 26,000 working-age U.S. adults die prematurely because they lack health insurance.
Some Small Businesses Frustrated By Health Insurance Tax-Credit Rules
The Wall Street Journal reports that some businesses are finding it hard to qualify for the health law’s small business health-care tax credit. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports on the rebates being paid out to consumers this summer by health insurers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that reflect a number of the issues in play as the waiting game continues regarding the Supreme Court’s health law decision.
Poll: Majority Want New Effort If Court Overturns Health Law
A new Associated Press-GfK poll found that Americans want Congress and the president to work on new legislation to overhaul the health care system if the high court rules that the 2010 health law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the lead attorney for the states challenging the law said it’s difficult to predict what the court will do.
What’s At Stake In The Much-Anticipated High Court Health Law Decision?
News outlets report on how the ruling will impact seniors, women and states, among other stakeholders. Reports also examine what might happen if the individual mandate is overturned but other elements of the law are left intact.
State Roundup: Exchange Details; N.Y. Same-Sex Lawsuit
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Arizona and Florida, among others.
Mass. Calls For Bids To Manage 111,000-Person ‘Dual Eligibles’ Program
Massachusetts is seeking a new manager to run the commonwealth’s health care program for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid: Minn. Program Prepares For Influx Of Boomers; Other News
Changes to Medicaid programs make news in Minnesota, where officials are preparing for an influx of baby boomers into the system. In Kansas, Medicaid changes there are attracting public comment, and in Oregon a group asks for more time to institute a collaborative care program.
Health Providers Already Raking In Millions In HIT Incentive Funds
News outlets are detailing the incentive payments health care providers in Arizona and Kansas have received from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for instituting standardized electronic health records.
Birth Control Mandate Remains Divisive Health Coverage Issue
The head of the Catholic Hospital Association explains her group’s split with the Obama administration on the question of contraception coverage. Meanwhile, another Catholic organization is launching a nationwide ad campaign against this policy.
Was Castro Government Part Of Multimillion Dollar Medicare Money-Laundering Scam?
McClatchy reports on a Medicare scam that may have reached beyond U.S. borders into Cuba.
Parsing The Facts From Romney, Obama Statements; Romney Advisers Meet With GOP Members Of Congress
The New York Times looks at the hyperbole in each candidate’s statements. Meanwhile, Romney aides held talks on Capitol Hill ahead of the Supreme Court decision.
Winners And Losers In The Health Care Messaging War
The Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism says that opponents of the health law prevailed at least in part because their positions were sharper and easier to understand.
HHS Reports 3.1 Million Young Adults Gained Coverage Under Health Law
The law’s provision requiring that insurers allow many adults under the age of 26 to stay on their parents’ plans is popular.
Congress Considers Medicare, FDA Proposals
The Senate Finance Committee is once again talking deficit reduction and Medicare as both houses are “poised” to pass an FDA bill.
Minn. AG Seeks To Expand Complaint Against Hospital Collection Company
In court papers, Minn. Attorney General Lori Swanson alleges a dozen new instances in which patients were “hustled with bedside collection visits” and led to believe “they had to pay before receiving care.”
Viewpoints: Health Law Can Be Intensely Personal; Insurers’ Promises Miss The Mark
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
Report: Sexual Orientation Still Affecting Access To Health Care
The Human Rights Campaign issued its annual evaluation of how hospitals and other health care facilities score on care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a new Associated Press poll that finds Americans want the president and Congress to work on another health overhaul package if the Supreme Court overturns the health law.
Obama Administration Finds 3.1 Million Young Adults Gained Coverage Under Law
Obama administration officials touted the benefit as an example of how the health law is making a difference.
