Latest KFF Health News Stories
Advocates Seek To Expand Visiting Nurse Programs To Aid New, Low-Income Mothers
About 800 cities have adopted the programs, which are supported by the health law. But advocates say the effort is testing whether successful small-scale efforts to improve children’s health by educating mothers can work on a broad national canvas, The New York Times reports. Meanwhile, another health law provision to encourage breastfeeding is having a bumpy start.
Florida, Montana Lawmakers Look At Ways To Expand Medicaid
Legislators in both states have been opposed to the expansion offered through the federal health law, but they are examining some new options.
Zip Code With Most Obamacare Sign-Ups Favors GOP
Also in the news, Oregon finalizes a bill to dissolve its dysfunctional health exchange and New Mexico makes a pitch to lease healthcare.gov.
Will An Argument Used Against The Health Law In 2012 Now Be Used As Its Defense?
The New York Times reports how federalism themes and principles could be a key part of the high court’s decision in King v. Burwell. Meanwhile, the Associated Press lists reasons why the health law is a never-ending saga. Other news outlets look at what might come next.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Court Shouldn’t Rely On Congress To Fix Health Law; Problems With Workers’ Comp
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Cancer Care Expenses; Safety-Net Hospital Funding; Right-To-Try Laws
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Wisconsin, Utah, Georgia, Wyoming, Iowa and Colorado.
Nearly A Year After VA’s Waiting List Scandal, Questions Persist About Veterans’ Care
News reports examine the difficulties whistleblowers face at the Department of Veterans Affairs and new congressional efforts to deal with problems.
Report: US Pays $125B To Ineligible Recipients
The Government Accountability Office said the federal government lost ground last year in reducing improper payments from programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and tax credits for the working poor. Meanwhile, a group advising Congress pushes for changes to policies on short hospital stays.
GOP Search For Health Law Replacement Is Gaining Momentum
Fueled by hopes that the Supreme Court will invalidate Obamacare health insurance subsidies, the legislative scramble has begun. A number of concepts are being floated and freshman Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has introduced a bill to provide a “COBRA-like” bridge to temporarily help those people who would lose tax credits.
Signs Of Movement In Medicaid Expansion Talks In Kansas, Utah
Analysts said that the softening of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s opposition and the consideration of a more restrictive plan in Utah might spur those states to expand Medicaid on a limited basis. Meanwhile, Wyoming lawmakers gut funding for critical access hospitals.
Calif. Reports Higher Minority, Youth Enrollment In Health Law Plans
Also in the news, Colorado marketplace officials are seeking more money for the call center that helps residents who have problems enrolling.
Federal Health Marketplace Still A Work In Progress
A GAO report finds both technical and managerial problems persist at the federal exchange.
States Have King V. Burwell Jitters
Amid uncertainty about what the high court will decide, some governors are pressing the federal government for contingency plans if the health law’s subsidies are overturned. Some states are also planning action to limit the effect of such a ruling.
Roberts, Kennedy Viewed As Pivotal To High Court’s Health Law Decision
News outlets report that the Supreme Court’s ruling will likely come down to the questions about the federal government’s power over the states.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Challenge Appears Flimsy; Issue Of Coercion; Kennedy’s Role
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: King V. Burwell, Medical Records and Antibiotic Resistance
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Missouri, California, Montana, Washington, Georgia, Connecticut, Kansas, North Carolina, Texas and Utah.
