Thursday, October 16, 2014 - KFF Health News

From KFF Health News - Latest Stories:

KFF Health News Original Stories

Even With Insurance, Language Barriers Could Undermine Asian Americans’ Access To Care

If people who face English language challenges don’t understand their coverage, maneuvering the health care system could prove unwieldy. ( Shefali Luthra , 10/16 )

Despite Supreme Court Ruling, Some Texas Abortion Clinics Remain Closed

Texas abortion providers were surprised by the legal reprieve from the high court this week that allows them to reopen at least until December. But the legal battle has permanently changed the landscape for abortion clinics in the state. ( Carrie Feibel, KUHF , 10/16 )

Spike in ER, Hospitalization Use Short-Lived After Medicaid Expansion

Rates of hospitalization for the “highest pent-up demand” group also started high and dropped by almost 80 percent over the two-year period. ( Lisa Aliferis, KQED , 10/15 )

Calif. ‘Report Cards’ Are Out In Time For Open Enrollment

The state timed the release of this year’s report cards to coincide with the second round of open enrollment in Covered California, the state’s online health exchange, which kicks off Nov. 15. Several plans included in the report cards are offered on the exchange. ( Daniela Hernandez , 10/15 )

Summaries Of The News:

Health Law

What You Should Check Before Renewing Health Coverage

Several stories offer tips on renewing insurance policies for next year, including comparing your current policy to alternatives, which might offer better coverage at lower cost, and updating information about family size and income. The additional issues posed by language barriers are also explored.

D.C. Exchange And Favoritism To Congress; Sticker Shock For PreferredOne Customers

The conservative group, Judicial Watch, files a taxpayer lawsuit challenging what it describes as the District of Columbia's special treatment of more than 12,000 members of Congress, staffers and families, who buy policies in the district's small business exchange. Meanwhile, PreferredOne, the top seller on the MNsure exchange, announces average premium increases of 63 percent for next year.

Kentucky's Health Exchange Plays Big In Senate Race

The state's online insurance marketplace has proven popular, creating difficulties for the Republican incumbent, Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has vowed to repeal Obamacare, and giving a boost to Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes.

Marketplace

UnitedHealth Group, HCA Raise Outlook

Both the health insurance company and the hospital operator raised their 2014 outlooks after posting results in the third quarter that beat expectations.

Quality

Ebola Worries Focus Attention On Public Health Leaders; Administration Bolsters Its Response

With questions emerging about the handling of Ebola patients, a House subcommittee is holding a hearing that will feature testimony from CDC Director Tom Frieden and Dr. Daniel Varga, chief clinical officer and senior executive vice president at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Meanwhile, scrutiny continues regarding hospitals' infection control capabilities, national containment plans and quarantine issues.

Editorials And Opinions

Viewpoints: 'Blunders' On Ebola; McConnell's Strange Logic On Obamacare; Temporary Victory For Texas Women

A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.

Trump 2.0

Public Health

Audio Reports

Special Reports

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