Latest KFF Health News Stories
Large Release Of Medicare Billing Data Details How Billions Of Health Care Dollars Are Spent
News outlets analyzed this Medicare data for 2013, breaking down spending based on hospital procedures, physician specialties and other types of care.
‘Cures Bill’ Boosts NIH Funding, But Advocates Worry About Long-Term Impact
In other news, some senators express concerns about the unintended consequences of the Food and Drug Administration’s compounding guidelines.
McCarthy: House GOP Won’t Offer Obamacare Response Until After High Court Decision
According to the Wall Street Journal, the House Majority Leader said Monday that Republicans would be ready to go regardless of what the Supreme Court decides in King v. Burwell. However, the House Ways and Means Committee will consider a measure today to repeal the overhaul’s medical device tax.
Fla. House Studying Senate Budget, Medicaid Proposals, But Differences Still Remain
As the lawmakers reconvene, they are making a number of concessions toward ending the bitter impasse on hospital funding and health coverage for low-income residents, but there is no promise yet on agreements. News outlets also reported Medicaid expansion news in Louisiana, Texas and Utah.
State Officials Met Secretly To Discuss Options If High Court Strikes Subsidies
The Wall Street Journal reports that officials flew to Chicago in early May to brainstorm what they might do if the Supreme Court voids subsidies in about three dozen states that rely on a federal insurance exchange. They found few options. Other stories look at the continued growth of high-deductible insurance plans and at a report finding that the health law’s co-ops generally offered lower rates last year but did not meet enrollment targets.
Insurers Seek Hefty Rate Increases For Obamacare Plans
In the three dozen states that are using healthcare.gov as their health law insurance marketplace, insurers are requesting widely different rate increases — often in the double digits — which reportedly are driven by factors such as the high cost of drugs and better data on the health status of customers, according to information released Monday by the federal government.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Treating HIV; The Need For Calif.’s Vaccination Bill; Bogus Chocolate Study
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets report on health issues from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New Mexico, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and New York.
Appeals Court Strikes Down Idaho’s Ban On Abortions After 20 Weeks
The three-judge panel’s unanimous decision came just weeks after the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would ban abortions after the same time span.
Clinton Advisers Developing Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment Agenda
Campaign advisers are consulting advocates in Iowa and New Hampshire as they develop campaign stances on these issues. Opiate addiction is taking a heavy toll in New Hampshire and becoming a larger problem in Iowa.
Hacking Of Health Records Alarms Lawmakers, Industry
After investing billions to go digital, the health care industry faces the realization it must spend more to secure patients’ electronic records, reports Politico. Meanwhile, eHealth, the nation’s largest online health insurance broker, faces tough competition from the health law’s exchanges.
GAO Report: Govt.’s Reliance On AMA And Its Data Could Result In Flawed Medicare Rates
In other news, a federal appeals court ruled that drug manufacturer Actavis’ attempted switch of patented Alzheimer’s medication is in violation of antitrust law.
Cancer Drug Manufacturers Criticized For Escalating Costs, Shortages
A prominent cancer specialist called out pharmaceutical companies at a speech before the American Society of Clinical Oncology, saying “cancer-drug prices are not related to the value of the drug.” Other doctors are frustrated by production delays that have left the cancer drug, BCG, in short supply. Shortages of other painkillers and antibiotics have also hamstrung hospitals.
Humana Explores Possible Sale As Health Insurance Marketplace Changes
News outlets report that Humana’s presence in Medicare Advantage program makes it a prime target for acquisition. And, as reports emerged about its possible sale, the insurer’s stock soared.
GOP Lawmakers Face Pushback On Obamacare Repeal Efforts
The Senate parliamentarian suggests that parts of the health law cannot be undone through the obscure procedure known as “reconciliation” because they don’t affect the federal budget. Meanwhile, a study by the nation’s actuaries questions the impact of Republican plans to quell market turmoil should the high court strike down the health law’s insurance subsidies in about three dozen states.
Fla. Lawmakers Return To Special Session Seeking To End Impasse On Budget, Medicaid
There are few signs of progress in reaching a compromise since the legislative session ended abruptly with Republicans in the House and Senate torn about how to handle a cut in federal Medicaid funding for hospitals and the option of expanding the state’s Medicaid program. Across the country in Montana, where the legislature barely passed an expansion bill this year, officials named the panel that will oversee that program and included two prominent critics.
With Premium Costs Already Tough For Many, Rates Are Forecast To Go Up
A New Mexico insurer is proposing a 50 percent hike, while in Ohio, premiums are likely to go up 13 percent. Meanwhile, in a new California survey, 44 percent of the state’s health exchange customers reported difficulty in paying monthly premiums.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Doctors’ Frustrations With EHRs; The Blame Game On Subsidies
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
