Latest KFF Health News Stories
Walgreens Sells Pharmacy Benefits Manager To Catalyst Health Solutions
The drug store company had been considered a “bit player” in the PBM industry.
State Roundup: Concerns About Pay For Mass. Health Executives, Board Members
Today’s news includes reports from Massachusetts, Texas, Minnesota, North Carolina and Georgia.
House Bill Introduced To Allow Individuals To Apply For Health Law Waivers
The measure, introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., would allow consumers the same exemption process being exercised by some employers and unions. Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has raised questions about waivers granted to “mini-med” plans.
Viewpoints: Vinson’s Backdown, Ariz. Death Panels And The Pentagon’s Achilles’ Heel
A selection of editorials and opinions from around the country.
Two Dems Sign On To Bill To Undo Health Law’s Independent Payment Advisory Board
The Hill reports that two Democrats have joined in the effort to undo this provision of the overhaul.
Defunding Strategy Takes Aim At Health Law’s Mandatory Spending Provisions
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing yesterday to begin the process of marking up legislation to remove certain parts of health law funding.
Experts Ponder Questions Regarding Law’s ‘Essential Benefits’ Package
The Connecticut Mirror reports on how efforts to define this concept will have a direct impact on the insurance that is available in state-based exchanges.
Sebelius Issues Warning About Impact Of GOP Tactics On Medicare
Her warning, which came in a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., charges that the House temporary spending measure would force the Department of Health and Human Services to stop making Medicare Payments.
Party Differences Emerge As Senate Nixes Current Year Budget Plans
The development signals that some lawmakers – including Democrats and Republicans, think more changes to Medicare, Medicaid and a range of other programs should be considered. Meanwhile, abortion funding continues to be a divisive issue. And, in an examination of longer-term budget interests, The Wall Street Journal reports that deficit reduction efforts may be gaining more allies.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Justice Dept. Seeks Expedited Treatment For Legal Challenges To The Health Law
The administration started the process yesterday, filing its “intent to appeal” in order to prevent a part of the judge’s recent “clarification” that would have stopped implementation of the law for now.
First Lady Obama, Sec. Clinton Mark International Women’s Day
First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday by honoring recent gains in addressing global women’s issues while reflecting on the scope of the task of achieving gender equity in the future, the Associated Press reports.
At a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on Tuesday, Ben Affleck, the actor, writer and director, and “other witnesses urged the Obama administration to immediately appoint a special envoy” for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is due for a national election in November, CNN reports (Cohen, 3/8).
Feds Gives Maine A Break From Insurance Premium Rules
Maine was granted leeway – the first such waiver given by the federal government – with the health law provision known as the medical-loss ratio because of concerns it would destabilize the state’s insurance market.
Dem Leaders Acknowledge Senate Support For Berwick Falls Short
But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief says he remains entirely focused on the job at hand.
State Budget Cuts Take Toll On Mental Health Services
An analysis by the National Alliance on Mental Illness concluded that 32 states and Washington, D.C., have reduced funding for mental health programs.
Viewpoints: Are Waivers Weakening Health Law?; Ill. ‘Dangerous Docs’; Arizona Transplants
Various opinions and editorials from around the country.
Reid Backs House Version of 1099 Repeal
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., went on record saying he liked the House’s pay-for provision – which has drawn opposition from many Democrats – better than the Senate’s approach.
