Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Passing Obamacare Alternative Would Be Politically Tricky
While Republicans say they are weighing ways to help people who might be hurt should the Supreme Court reject federal exchange subsidies, USA Today writes that building GOP consensus to pass legislation would be extremely difficult. Meanwhile, The Washington Post explores how the debate over four words in the Affordable Care Act shows Congress can sometimes be sloppy when it writes legislation.
Co-Op Signs Up 39 Percent Of Colorado Obamacare Enrollees
In Missouri, meanwhile, a GOP lawmaker wants to bar health insurance subsidies to residents of his state regardless of how the Supreme Court rules. And budget pressures on Florida hospitals have fueled new discussions of Medicaid expansion, while Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback softens his stance on the program’s expansion.
Subsidy Recipients, Insurers Watch High Court Anxiously
In Minnesota, officials at UnitedHealthcare and Medica worry about losing millions of customers if the Supreme Court rules against some subsidies, while residents of states reliant on the federal health insurance exchange, such as Michigan and Georgia, say they would be unable to afford coverage without tax credits.
Challengers’ ‘Legal Standing’ Explored During Court Arguments
Although the justices asked about whether the plaintiffs had standing — the legal right to challenge the law — it does not appear that either side has concerns about the issue. Other reports examine some of the other legal issues and the background of the case.
Ruling Against Obamacare Would Have Broad But Disparate Impact
A decision to strike down the premium subsidies in states that rely on the federal marketplace would affect a wide variety of stakeholders, including hospitals and groups such as Latinos who have been the focus of enrollment efforts.
Each Side Claims Victory In Supreme Court Health Law Arguments
Suspense grows over how the Supreme Court justices will rule, with each side claiming confidence that their arguments won over the court — but how a couple of justices will see the issue remains in the air.
