Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fla. Governor’s Medicaid Reversal Complicates State’s Budget Progress
Elsewhere, Georgia’s governor outlines a plan to seek a Medicaid waiver proposed by a hospital to cover more state residents. And Alaska lawmakers continue to work on expansion in that state.
Feds To Tighten Rules For ACA Health Plans’ Provider Directories
Officials plan to require insurers to update provider directories at least once a month, with financial penalties for those who don’t. They are also looking at creating an “out-of-pocket cost calculator” to help consumers estimate their total annual costs under a given plan, not just their premiums. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department’s Inspector General faults the IRS for not making its own subsidy calculator tool available to the public, and some states scramble to make health coverage plans to protect residents getting federal exchange subsidies in case the Supreme Court invalidates them.
Only 1 In 10 Polled Are Highly Confident The Supreme Court Can Rule Fairly On Obamacare
The Associated Press-GfK poll shows that a majority wants the court to allow health insurance subsidies to continue in its pending King v. Burwell decision. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 60 percent say they favor the Affordable Care Act. In this shifting landscape, lawmakers continue to mull changes to the health law, but Democrats say Republicans are blocking measures that have bipartisan support.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Surprising Entitlement Message; Court May Revisit Medicaid In Fla. Case
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: SHOP Marketplaces; Trauma Survival; Redesigning Geriatric Care
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets examine health care issues in California, Connecticut, Ohio, D.C., Colorado, Minnesota, Hawaii and North Carolina.
Waiting Periods, Ultrasounds Are Among States’ Roadblocks To Abortion
The New York Times and The Washington Post examine state-level policy developments related to access to abortion and reproductive rights.
Hep C Infection Rates Soaring In Appalachia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the increase is related to injectable prescription pain killer abuse. Meanwhile, in Indiana, officials hope an HIV outbreak also connected to needle sharing and drug abuse may be coming under control. CQ Healthbeat reports that recent public health concerns have led GOP lawmakers who generally have opposed needle-exchange programs to rethink their positions.
Drugmaker Sues FDA Over Right To Promote Off-Label Drug Use
The federal government has frowned on off-label drug discussions and, in some cases, fined drug companies engaging in the practice. News outlets report the lawsuit could have broad implications for the pharmaceutical industry. In other news, the California Supreme Court has revived a class-action suit regarding a pay-to-delay strategy by pharmaceutical giant Bayer.
Hospitals In 7 States Pay Nearly $15.7M To Settle Psychiatric Billing Claims
The payments were to settle Justice Department allegations that the providers billed Medicare for psychiatric services that were not medically necessary. And an analysis finds that more than half of Medicare payments are still tied to the volume of services delivered rather than to their value.
Success Of One Pilot ACO Program That Saved Medicare Millions May Be Hard To Replicate
Meanwhile, providers offering insurance on Connecticut’s exchange want to raise next year’s rates by as much as 14 percent. And the Associated Press reports that Massachusetts has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston for records related to its health exchange. It is unknown what the Justice Department is investigating.
Red States That Expanded Medicaid Now Seeking Changes In The Program
The requests will test the Obama administration’s flexibility. Also, Alaska lawmakers are in special session but so far not making any headway on Medicaid expansion. Florida’s governor is asking a court for an injunction to stop federal officials from linking the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid with lower funding for hospitals that serve low-income patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Need For A Subsidy Strategy; Sick Pay Fight In Pa.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Atul Gawande On Overtreatment; Computer-Generated Kidney Swaps
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
News outlets examine health care issues in Kansas, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas and Ohio.
Progress Emerging In Efforts To Settle Ohio Lawsuit Over Dropped Medicaid Recipients
In other state Medicaid news, the federal government is urging the Supreme Court to reject a request from Maine’s governor to allow the elimination of Medicaid coverage for thousands of young adults. In Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon faces a deadline regarding whether he will OK an expansion of managed care within the insurance program for low-income people to become law. And Maryland’s governor must make more budget decisions, including whether to fund some health care initiatives.
Study: Hospice Care Doesn’t Bring Down Medicare Costs
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine raises questions about some of the conventional wisdom surrounding hospice care.
DeSalvo Nominated To Be HHS Assistant Secretary For Health
Karen DeSalvo has been the acting assistant secretary for health since October 2014. Also, in advance of expected regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the nursing home industry will announce plans to expand its quality improvement initiative.
