Latest KFF Health News Stories
VA Failed To Enact 15 Years Of Recommendations, GAO Says
Given the agency’s inability to enact previous reforms, the latest report by the Government Accountability Office urges Congress to exercise close oversight of the latest changes. Meanwhile, The Center For Investigative Reporting details how the agency gave an $8,025 bonus to the director of a troubled Wisconsin facility for 2013.
Exploring The Black Market For Health Care Data
President Barack Obama is hosting a cyber security summit today, which will focus on figuring out ways to protect consumers from hackers and data breaches. NPR takes a look at how the black market functions for personal health care information. Meanwhile, more news emerges about the Anthem data breach.
Nursing Home Star Ratings Likely To Fall Under New System
Starting immediately, the federal government is making it harder for nursing homes to get four- or five-star grades on the national website Nursing Home Compare, raising the bar on an array of quality measures. The administration also announced plans to move toward value-based oncology payments to address the spiraling costs of cancer care.
House Bill Focuses On Deleting Obamacare Tax On Insurers
Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., have teamed up to introduce the measure. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is urging Congress to act on the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is continuing her push to use drug industry penalties to increase medical research funding.
In Moment Of Bipartisan Accord, President Signs Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Act Into Law
The measure is a response to the wave of suicides among veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress.
Obama Uses A Selfie Stick To Plug The Health Law’s Fast-Approaching Sign-Up Deadline
In what some say is an effort to “go viral” with his message about the Feb. 15 Affordable Care Act enrollment deadline, President Barack Obama used “meme cliches” in a video posted by Buzzfeed.
Public Split On Health Law Effects, Fox Poll Finds
The survey shows support for the health overhaul has increased over the year. In other health law news, a center created by the legislation is reviving a patient-safety initiative, the secretary of Health and Human Services renews her intent to work with states on expanding Medicaid and a call center problem is reported in Massachusetts.
Report: Medicaid Expansion Will Bring Kentucky A Seven-Year, $1B Windfall
The state’s Democratic governor released the report by Deloitte Consulting and the University of Louisville’s Urban Studies Institute, which projects the expansion brings the state a net gain, including 40,000 new jobs through 2021. News outlets from Vermont, Ohio and Texas also track debates related to expansion.
Supreme Court Health Law Decision Could Have High Costs For Consumers, Hospitals
The high court’s decision could result in millions of people losing access to financial assistance for health insurance, which would also add to hospital’s uncompensated care costs. Meanwhile, some legal experts who support the health law say the case, King v. Burwell, is unravelling because of questions about the plaintiffs.
Federal And State Officials Make Final Push For Enrollment Before Sunday Deadline
Once the enrollment period ends, most uninsured people will not be able to sign up for private insurance until 2016 and will face a tax penalty for not having it this year.
First Edition: February 13, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ‘Despair’ Among Law’s Advocates; Chamber Is Quiet On High Court Review
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: ‘Back-Door’ To Single-Payer; Predicting Cancer Survival; Paying For HIV Drugs
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
A selection of health policy stories New York, Texas, Connecticut, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, North Carolina and Florida.
Survey: More Calif. Low-Income Patients Give Their Health Care High Marks
Fifty-three percent of Medi-Cal and other low-income patients rated their care as excellent or very good — a finding, according to a report by the Blue Shield of California Association, that reflects system changes since the health law took effect.
Vaccine Debate, Strategies Fueled By Continuing Concern About Measles Exposures
Some say outreach efforts should take a calmer tone, while the National Vaccine Advisory Committee recommends that physicians be compensated for discussing and counseling parents about the importance of getting their children vaccinated.
Rite Aid Spends $2B To Acquire Pharmacy Benefits Manager
Meanwhile, WellCare earnings report indicates that the severe flu season has taken its toll on profits.
AstraZeneca Agrees To $7.9 Million Settlement In Federal Kickback Case
The pharmaceutical company agreed to pay the federal government to settle allegations that the drug manufacturer and distributor engaged in a kickback scheme to boost sales of one of its popular heartburn medications.
Security Experts Warn 2015 Could Be The Year Of Health Care Hacking
Meanwhile, in Connecticut, lawmakers offered a proposal in response to the recent Anthem data breach that would require health insurers in the state to encrypt client information.
Report: VA System At ‘High Risk’ For Fraud, Mismanagement
The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office flagged the Department of Veterans Affairs as especially vulnerable to abuse, singling out veterans’ waits for health care and inadequate IT systems.
