Latest KFF Health News Stories
Minn. Lawmakers Want A More Accountable Health Exchange
One proposal would dissolve MNsure’s board, put a commissioner in charge and have it run like any other executive department. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s exchange has been unable to mail tax forms to about 3,600 customers and Oregonians are warned of the Feb. 15 enrollment deadline.
States Continue — In Fits And Starts — To Contemplate Medicaid Expansion
News outlets report on the latest developments in Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio and Iowa.
Obama Outlines Ambitious ‘Precision Medicine’ Initiative
This $215 million biomedical research effort announced Friday by President Barack Obama includes plans to collect genetic data on a million Americans with the hope of gaining insights into the causes of diseases and how to treat them.
As Obama Unveils His Budget, Rift With GOP On Entitlement Spending Remains
Republicans want a program that drives down federal spending on food stamps, health programs and other safety-net costs, but Democrats argue that the health law is pushing health costs down.
For GOP, Dismantling The Health Law Remains Top Priority
The House will vote this week on a measure to repeal the overhaul, while Republican lawmakers continue debating whether they should use the controversial process known as reconciliation and then replace the law with their own alternative.
First Edition: February 2, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Misguided Efforts On Medical Device Tax; Tighten Vaccine Regs; Abortion Switch
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Measles Outbreak Tally Continues To Grow
NPR reports that some health experts say this is a critical time in efforts to control the spread of this outbreak. Meanwhile, The Washington Post highlights an anti-vaccine physician.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Iowa, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, New York, Kansas and Maryland.
Research Roundup: Patient Costs And Medicaid; ER Co-Payments
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Scrutiny Given To Surgeries To Relieve Blockages In Arms, Legs
Some are questioning the necessity of these treatments, which can be done in doctors’ offices and are very lucrative. Meanwhile, federal regulators say they will ease up on an electronic health records program in response to complaints from doctors’ groups and medical homes show mixed results after one year.
Final Push Underway For Obamacare Sign-Ups
With two weeks until the deadline, the White House is joining forces with advocacy groups to boost enrollment of Asian-Americans. In California, Anthem leads in sign-ups, but Kaiser Permanente is gaining, while in Colorado, a glitch cancels 3,615 insurance plans that should have been renewed. And in Florida, some prefer using free clinics to getting coverage — even when they qualify for big subsidies.
Senate Panel Questions Whether Wellness Programs Clash With Disability Laws
In other Capitol Hill action, two Republican senators set out goals for overhauling federal policies regarding the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
Obama To Unveil Biomedical Research Initiative
President Barack Obama plans to ask Congress for $215 million for what is being called a “precision medicine initiative,” including plans to collect genetic data, so that scientists can learn how to target treatments.
Commission Urges Change In Military Health And Pension Plans
The congressionally mandated commission recommended doing away with the centerpiece of the military health system and instead giving military families and retirees a choice of private-sector plans.
GOP Lawmakers Won’t Preserve Health Subsidies If The High Court Strikes Them From Law
This signal from congressional Republicans ups the ante regarding the legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act that will be argued at the Supreme Court in March. Meanwhile, some GOP House members are also starting to work on a bill to replace the ACA.
First Edition: January 30, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Grows More Complicated; Court May Send Health Law Back To Congress
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
California-Centered Measles Outbreak Tally Reaches 95 Cases
The outbreak has spread to eight states and Mexico.
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, Idaho, Michigan and California.
