Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 8, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan Says Health Law Is Beyond ‘Repair’; GOP’s ‘Attack’ On Disability Payments
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas.
What Governors Want: A To-Do List For Congress
State executives, in conjunction with the National Governors Association, offered federal lawmakers a list of action items that included the reauthorization of the Childrens’ Health Insurance Program and steps to streamline the Medicaid expansion waiver process.
Conn. Senator Proposes New Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill
In the meantime, the head of the New Mexico VA health system plans a good-will tour of the state.
Pharma, Biotech Stocks Avoid Much Of Early New Year’s Malaise
In other news, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel will meet Wednesday to decide whether to recommend approval for a biosimilar drug, which represents a potentially cheaper alternative to Amgen Inc. ’s Neupogen. If it gains agency approval, this drug would be the first biosimilar to get the FDA’s OK and it could mark the beginning of a new drug-industry era in the United States.
The 2015 Forecast Is Sunny For For-Profit Hospitals
Modern Healthcare reports that investor-owned hospitals are better positioned and “enjoying momentum” from the health law more than are not-for-profits. Meanwhile, ProMedica is appealing an anti-trust decision to the Supreme Court that could have national implications related to the market trend of hospital consolidation and acquisitions.
Meet The New Health Law Tax Form
Form 1095-A is necessary if you obtained health insurance last year through the health law. Meanwhile, here’s a roundup of other news coverage regarding health law policy issues and developments, including the overhaul’s medical device tax and the birth control mandate.
Ark. Gov.-Elect Stays Quiet On State Plan To Privatize Medicaid
Meanwhile, Georgia doctors deal with the end of their enhanced Medicaid pay.
Turnover Marks The Top Spots At Many State Exchanges
Only five of the 16 directors who headed up state-based insurance marketplaces remain in their posts, and among the most recent departures is that of executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector.
House Passes Bill To Ease Insurance Requirements For Employers Hiring Veterans
The measure, which passed unanimously, would allow employers to exempt workers who received health coverage through the Defense or Veterans Affairs departments from the tally used to determine the health law’s employer mandate.
GOP, Now In Control Of Capitol Hill, Takes Aim At Health Law’s Employer Mandate
Republicans want to change a provision of the law that defines a full time employee from those working 30 hours a week to those working 40 hours. President Barack Obama has threatened a veto.
First Edition: January 7, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Republicans’ Tough Choices; ‘Mortal Threat’ To Medicaid; ‘Whiny’ Harvard Professors
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Florida and Vermont.
CDC Reports Flu Activity Widespread In 43 States
This number is an increase over last week’s count of 36 states.
Providers Collect Increasing Amounts Of Data But It Doesn’t Always Lead To Better Care
Although doctors and other medical personnel can get access to massive amounts of data, figuring out a way to harness it for patient improvement is still difficult.
VA Protocols For Monitoring Depression Are Faulted
The Veterans Affairs Department does a poor job of tracking and caring for vets who are prescribed antidepressants and who may be at risk of suicide, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Meanwhile, those who leave the service early as a result of sexual trauma are pushing for benefits.
Seniors In Traditional Medicare Are Moving To Private Advantage Plans, Study Finds
Also in the news is another examination of the reduction in appeals waits for Medicare beneficiaries.
Study: Hospital Quality Reporting May Help Control Prices
Commercial health plans used hospital performance as leverage to negotiate prices, the study reported in Modern Healthcare found. Also in the news, author Steven Brill talks about how the health law has increased access to care but has yet to reduce costs.
