Latest KFF Health News Stories
Administration Announces Next Fall’s Enrollment Period Will Shift Earlier
Open enrollment for 2016 plans will start Nov. 1, 2015 and end Jan. 31, 2016, a three-week shift from the 2015 enrollment period, according to new regulations issued Friday. Other rules laid out new prohibitions on plans that don’t cover hospital care and delayed a provision affecting small businesses.
Facing Obamacare Tax Penalty? You Have More Time To Enroll This Year
Between 3 million and 6 million households that face tax penalties for not having health insurance in 2014 will have 45 extra days this year to get coverage and avoid the penalty for 2015.
Bad Tax Info From Healthcare.gov Impacts 800,000
A healthcare.gov glitch has officials urging those who got bad tax information regarding health insurance subsidies to wait to file their taxes until they get the correct guidance. Those who have already filed will likely have to submit amended returns.
Governors Look To Washington If High Court Strikes Down Subsidies
Governors of the states that would be affected if the Supreme Court invalidates federal-exchange subsidies say they’re worried about the impact but most expect contingency plans to come from Congress and the White House.
First Edition: February 23, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP’s Legal ‘Plot’ Against Health Law; Extending Enrollment Will Lead To Problems
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medical Homes And Preventive Services; Medicaid Expansion Waivers
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
State Highlights: Calif. Supreme Court Rules State Must Disclose Mental Health Records
Also, other state health care stories from Wisconsin, Kansas, Florida and Iowa.
Ariz. Senate Approves Bill Blocking Abortion Coverage In Marketplace Plans
The bill would also place new reporting requirements on abortion clinics. Elsewhere, abortion makes news in Washington state and Pennsylvania.
Senators Ask Administration Not To Make Cuts To Medicare Advantage Plans
The letter comes as officials are nearing an announcement on rates for the program. Meanwhile, Humana announces that the Justice Department is looking into allegations that it overcharged the government in its Medicare programs.
Shortage Of Latino Doctors Is Hampering Health Efforts, Study Finds
The research suggests that correcting the imbalance could be key to addressing Latino health disparities. In another publication, The New England Journal of Medicine, two opinion pieces look at bias among physicians and its effect on black patients.
FDA OKs Genetic Tests For Rare Diseases
One company, 23andMe, had discontinued the test in late 2013 after the Food and Drug Administration warned it must be approved before marketing. Elsewhere, scrutiny pinches drug compounding companies and a sunscreen law awaits federal review.
Eat ‘Greener,’ Nutrition Panel Tells Americans
A panel of nutrition experts is advising Americans to consider the environment when choosing food. The panel also recommended Americans lower their sugar intake but would ease guidelines restricting cholesterol.
FDA Warns About Use Of Medical Scope Following Infection Outbreak In LA
The announcement tells doctors and hospitals that because the device is difficult to disinfect, it may spread dangerous infections, such as the bacteria responsible for killing two people at UCLA’s hospital.
N.C. Governor Won’t Decide On Medicaid Expansion Until After SCOTUS Rules
Republican Gov. Pat McCrory says he won’t make a recommendation on expanding the health program for poorer Americans until the Supreme Court rules on the legality of some subsidies. Elsewhere, Montana considers partial expansion of the program, and Utah’s debate continues.
Handful Of States Continuing Health Enrollment Efforts For Some Consumers
Many states — and the federal government — have extended the deadline for people who were in the process of enrolling but hadn’t finished by last Sunday. But in some areas, the extensions are even more generous. In addition, Illinois’ marketplace director resigns and Connecticut’s acting chief gets the job in his state.
Case Against Health Law Was Designed For Fast-Track To The Supreme Court
Reuters examines the legal strategy behind the case, while USA Today looks at the obstacles it faces. Other outlets report on aspects of the law’s implementation including the 2015 enrollment effort, congressional opposition and the argument that the law is driving employers to move more workers to part-time positions.
HHS Announces Special Enrollment Period For Uninsured Who Discover Penalties At Tax Time
The Friday announcement follows requests from advocacy groups who said many people will not realize the consequences of being uninsured in 2014 until they file their taxes — and by then they can’t sign up for 2015 coverage. A new study from the Urban Institute seeks to quantify the problem.
First Edition: February 20, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law And Taxes; Effects Of Medicare’s Penalties; Maybe Science Is Fallible
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
