Latest KFF Health News Stories
States, Feds Seek To Recoup Billions After Health Care Fraud
New York’s attorney general indicts the leaders of a Bronx drug and alcohol treatment program for alleged Medicaid fraud. Missouri nets $2.4 million in a Medicaid fraud settlement. And the federal government recovers $3.3 billion in health-care fraud.
Blue Shield Of California Stripped Of Tax-Exempt Status
The insurance company and state regulators faced criticism for not disclosing this decision, which was made seven months ago.
Drugmaker’s Controversial Strategy When Facing Loss Of Patent Protection Prompts Antitrust Suit
Also, in other pharmaceutical news, NPR examines why insulin is so expensive.
Marketplace Customers Buy More Drugs Than Those With Other Plans, Study Finds
The research “fits with expectations that many of those who found coverage through the new marketplaces had unmet health care needs,” the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. In other exchange news, a state senator in Colorado pledges more oversight.
The Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest tracking poll found that though 43 percent of respondents had an unfavorable opinion of the law, 41 percent had a favorable view — the smallest gap since the fall of 2012. The poll also explored a number of other issues, including public thoughts on the Supreme Court’s current consideration of Obamacare subsidies.
Small Businesses Complain About Health Law Paperwork
Meanwhile, the IRS commissioner testifies before Congress that the agency needs more funding to implement the health law’s insurance mandate, in addition to fulfilling its other responsibilities. And a new study projects two million children would lose coverage if the Supreme Court rejects subsidies and Congress fails to extend a children’s insurance program.
Obama Criticizes GOP Budget Plans, Points To GOP Medicare, Medicaid Proposals As Harmful
During a speech in Cleveland, President Barack Obama slammed the GOP budget blueprints as particularly hurtful to the economic needs of the middle class.
Human Trafficking Bill Stalled By Abortion Fight
Senate Democrats are unhappy the larger bill contains a provision banning funding for abortions and are filibustering. In the meantime, an aide to Democratic Minn. Sen. Amy Klobuchar spotted the abortion language, but failed to tell her office about it.
Senate GOP Releases Budget Plan That Cuts Health Programs But Clashes With House Version
The 10-year fiscal outine is more modest than that of the House GOP and takes a different approach to Medicare, among other big-ticket items.
Lawmakers Wrestle Over How To Fund Permanent Pay Fix For Medicare Doctors
House leaders have found about $70 billion of the $200 billion needed to permanently change a broken formula used to pay doctors who treat Medicare patients. Each party sees political advantages to finding a long-term solution.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Balanced Budget Or Phony Efforts?; Kids Could Be Victims Of Court Decision
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, Arizona, Montana and California.
Digital Record Program Comes In For Bipartisan Drubbing
Senators of both parties question the benefits versus the costs of the federal incentive program, as well as the harsh penalties on providers. Meanwhile, some argue that medical device tracking might be another roadblock to implementation of such systems.
Premera Blue Cross Data Breach Could Touch 11M Consumers
The insurer, based near Seattle in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., said it detected Jan. 29 that it had been the victim of a cyber attack that exposed information that could include bank account and clinical data.
Enrollment In Job-Based Plans Is Steady In Lead-Up To Employer Mandate
A new survey from Mercer finds little change from 2014 to 2015. Elsewhere, coverage for more than 3.3 million children may be in jeopardy if the health law changes, and premiums rise nearly 3 percent for the cheapest Obamacare plans.
Feds Nix Mass. Plan To Settle Health Insurers’ Dispute
Federal officials object to a state plan to phase in a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires some insurers make payments to others who are covering sicker enrollees. Meanwhile, a Maryland exchange board member responds to criticism of no-bid contracts and Georgia’s insurance rates hold the line.
Red State Medicaid Expansion Plans Face Hurdles
A new bill is being advanced in Montana after the governor’s expansion proposal was defeated. In Kansas and Nebraska, supporters of the concept press forward. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Governor Bill Walker reverses his earlier position and tells legislators he will introduce a measure to expand the low-income health insurance program.
Bipartisan Work Continues On Plan To Fix Medicare Doc Pay
House leaders are working on a $213 billion plan to permanently change how doctors are paid for treating Medicare patients. In related news, the reauthorization of CHIP continues to be a hot topic, and a popular, anti-human trafficking bill is being held up in the Senate because of a controversial abortion provision.
Budget Blueprint By House GOP Draws Cold Reception From The White House
President Barack Obama said the plan failed to make “necessary investments” for the nation’s future. Hillary Clinton, who observers expect will be among the Democratic hopefuls in the next presidential race, took to Twitter to express her criticism.
