Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Vote Likely This Week On Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Legislation
The measure, which has been hammered out by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., would revamp how Medicare pays doctors and includes an extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, the path forward is not necessarily going to be a smooth one.
In 2015, Health Care Data Is Hacking Target
The Washington Post reports that this type of data breach is on the upswing. The health care information of more than 120 million people has been compromised since 2009, and this year’s major incidents are reasons to look carefully at the issue. ProPublica reports on the office at the Department of Health and Human Services that examines these complaints. Meanwhile, insurance regulators in Washington state and Alaska are digging into the cyberattack on Premera Blue Cross, which was reported last week.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Exchange Premiums; Altering Doctor Practices; Workers’ Preferences
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
A selection of health policy stories from D.C., Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Maryland, Kansas and North Carolina.
Law Enforcement Urges Innovative Programs To Address Violence Related To Mental Illness
The Associated Press reports on areas where progress has been made, and how much still needs to be done. Meanwhile, in Maryland, legislation is being advanced to establish behavioral health units within certain police departments.
Blue Shield Of California Faces Scrutiny On Premium Taxes
California’s insurance commissioner says Blue Shield of California costs the state $100 million each year by avoiding premium taxes due to a loophole that allows the insurer to choose its regulator. State lawmakers may look at closing that loophole.
The report by the National Urban League is the 39th edition of the “State of Black America – Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice.”
Novartis Wins OK To Sell Copycat Cancer Drug
A judge approved Novartis’ effort to sell the first imitation of a top-selling biologic drug in the U.S., currently marketed by Amgen under the label Neupogen. Amgen had sued to stop Novartis.
GOP Still Questions The Federal Promise To Pay For Medicaid Expansion
CQ Healthbeat reports on the pressures some Republican state lawmakers face as they continue to doubt the federal government’s long-term commitment to pay its share of expansion costs and also keep the feds from making too many demands on the traditionally state-run program. News outlets also provide the latest on related developments in Kansas and Florida.
Advocates Seek 4 Years Of Funding For Children’s Health Insurance Program
Although a proposal to fix the pay formula for Medicare doctors contains a provision to extend the children’s health insurance program through 2017, some advocates are seeking four years of funding.
GOP Leaders Unveil New Strategies But Still Face Gridlock
News organizations examine how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, are attempting to navigate congressional gridlock within their own caucuses and across party lines.
House, Senate Panels OK Budget With Cuts To Medicaid, Changes To Medicare, And ACA Repeal
The process so far has highlighted deep ideological divisions within the GOP but it also gives Republicans procedural tools for passing other measures — including a repeal of Obama’s health care law — on a simple majority vote.
In Unusual Bipartisan Moment, House Leaders Reach Partial ‘Doc Fix’ Deal
Supporters of the measure, which is scheduled for a House vote next week and would end the annual battles surrounding scheduled Medicare doctor pay cuts, say it has a good chance of passing. But negotiators have not yet settled on a plan for paying for the measure and there could be trouble ahead in the Senate.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: House Budget Promises; Shifting Medicare Costs; Abortion Restrictions
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Parting Wisdom; Organ Donors; Fixing Medicare
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, New York, California, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Maryland, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, Tennessee and D.C.
Nebraska, Arizona Lawmakers Battle Over Abortion Bills
Lawmakers in Nebraska take up a bill that would impose tougher regulations on abortion providers, while the Arizona House delays debate on one that would prevent women from buying Obamacare plans that cover abortion. Meanwhile, a civil liberties group asks a judge to bar an Alabama law that allows a fetus to be represented in court when a minor seeks judicial permission for an abortion.
