Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fla. Senate Panel To Consider Controversial Medicaid Expansion Plan
Elsewhere, an Alaskan GOP lawmaker previews a Medicaid reform proposal that does not include a provision to expand the program through the federal health law while Democrats in Montana blast a committee’s action last week to kill the governor’s expansion plan. News outlets in Utah, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Oregon also offer related updates.
Obamacare Enrollment Tally Climbs To 11.7 Million
On Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell Mathews announced this total, which reflects sign-ups on the state and federal insurance exchanges through Feb. 22. The overall count is likely to increase more because of extended enrollment periods through April that were created for people who learn about the penalties for not having insurance when they file their taxes.
CBO Again Lowers Health Law’s Cost Estimates
In its latest projection, the Congressional Budget Office sharply drops its estimates of what the health law will cost for the 2015-19 period.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Health Law And Federalism; Medicaid’s Dental Benefits; Autism And Vaccines
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: States Consider Death-With-Dignity Policies
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, West Virginia, Kansas, Iowa, North Carolina and California.
Care For Dementia, Alzheimers Patients Includes Support For Families
News outlets report on strategies for ensuring the well-being of both patients and their family members.
Fitness And Health Apps Pose Challenges For Doctors, Despite Potential
In other technology news, the Food and Drug Administration issued an app to be used specifically to search out information related to drug shortages.
Results From 140 Veterans Affairs Investigations Have Not Been Released, USA Today Reports
The newspaper says the lack of public disclosure of investigations going back to 2006 may leave “dangerous problems to fester.” Meanwhile, Sen. Al Franken reintroduces legislation to help veterans and one charity works with technology firms to get services for vets.
Mayo’s Financial Results Stand Out When Compared With Hospital Trends
Also in the news, some analysts continue to press for pricing transparency within the health care sector.
FDA Approves First Biosimilar Drug
By giving its OK for the first time to a so-called biosimilar drug, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for less costly alternatives to an entire class of complex and costly drugs.
Report: Critical Access Hospitals Get Billions In Extra Medicare Funds
In other Medicare news, Medicare Advantage plans, as well as health policies sold in the federally run health exchange, will be required — starting next year — to provide up-to-date details about which doctors are in their plans and taking new patients.
Senator’s Connections To Florida Doctor Could Lead To Corruption Charges
A federal investigation has focused on financial connections between Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Florida doctor Salomon Melgen, who is facing a probe into his billing practices.
Medicare Pay Fix Part Of Budget Bill Queue That Highlights GOP Divisions
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats plan to introduce a measure that would expand Medicaid coverage to include contraception coverage for low-income women.
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.
