Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wounded Veterans Seek To Get VA Ban On IVF Coverage Lifted
For 23 years, the Veterans Administration has been barred from covering in vitro fertilization but some returning combat veterans with serious wounds say they need that help. Also in news about veterans care are several stories about legislation on Capitol Hill and the funding problems for the new Denver hospital.
More Nurses Allowed To Practice Without Doctor’s Oversight
Nurse practitioners can order tests, prescribe drugs and administer treatments in 20 states. Groups representing doctors are fighting the laws that expand this autonomy, saying nurses don’t have the proper training. In another effort to innovate care, hospitals are turning to technology to monitor patients around the clock.
California’s Exchange Will Be First To Cap Patient Costs For Pricey Medications
Most consumers with Covered California plans will have a $250-a-month limit, per prescription, on out-of-pocket costs. The cap goes into effect in January.
Minn. Marketplace Having Trouble Getting Small Businesses To Join
Insurance brokers say the cumbersome workings of the exchange are partly to blame. Also, the outgoing CEO and the chairman of MNsure were on Minnesota Public Radio to talk about the marketplace’s problems.
Fla. Speaker Says Federal Funds Won’t End Medicaid Crisis; Alaska Lawmakers Wrestling With Issue
Florida Speaker Steve Crisafulli says the pressure that created the state’s budget impasse is not over. In Alaska, the legislature is not making inroads in the controversy over Medicaid expansion. Other reports look at the issue in North Carolina and Kansas.
‘Cadillac Tax’ On Expensive Health Plans Raising Concerns Among Business Leaders
The tax, which goes into effect in 2018, is expected to help fund the health law. In other news, Republicans weigh whether to set up new oversight of the health law and an Arkansas congressman wants to use some health law money to shore up the Highway Trust Fund.
Staffers Say Disputed Text At Center Of Health Law Case Was Result Of Politics, Sloppiness
The New York Times interviews two dozen congressional staffers about the four words that have propelled the latest health law challenge to the Supreme Court. As a court decision grows closer, other news outlets examine the political and financial repercussions the decision could bring.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Tread Carefully When Revamping FDA; GOP Still Missing Subsidy Strategy
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Antibiotic Resistance; Physician Turnover; Contraceptive Coverage
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
News outlets examine health care issues in Connecticut, Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana, California, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Maryland and Missouri.
State Lawmakers Advance Budgets That Impact Health Programs
In Minnesota, legislators approved a budget that will increase costs for state residents covered by MinnesotaCare but stops far short of the state House’s plan to repeal the program. Wisconsin’s finance committee approved a plan to increase Medicaid recipients’ premiums if they engage in risky behavior but rejected a proposal by Gov. Scott Walker to cut the SeniorCare program. Meanwhile, an effort to increase Texas physicians’ Medicaid pay was unsuccessful. Also in Texas, Planned Parenthood took another hit.
With CareFirst Data Breach, Hackers May Have Accessed Personal Data For Lawmakers, House Employees
House lawmakers were warned Thursday night that the CareFirst cyberattack may have put their personal information — in a limited context — at risk.
America’s Health Insurance Plans’ Leader Karen Ignagni To Be EmblemHealth CEO
News reports describe EmblemHealth as a financially challenged, not-for-profit health plan based in New York. The insurer has an estimated 3.2 million members and offers Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans as well as coverage on New York’s health-plan marketplace.
CVS To Buy Omnicare In Bid To Expand Senior Care Business
Omnicare supplies prescription drugs to nursing homes and assisted living as well as other health care facilities. If the deal goes through, CVS will beef-up its fast-growing specialty drug business and tap into a growing sector of the market — the elderly.
In Effort To Restart Mental Health Reform Bill, Conn. Senator Eyes Controversial Provision
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., is seeking changes in the bill’s section regarding the expansion of involuntary outpatient treatment. Meanwhile, a Senate panel votes to end the Veterans Affairs ban on medical marijuana and Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., introduced a bill related to over-the-counter contraceptives.
House Panel Gives ’21st Century Cures’ Bill Unanimous Approval
The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the measure, which is designed to speed new drugs to market and encourage medical innovation, after reaching a last-minute agreement about how to pay for the legislation. It is expected to reach the House floor for a vote next month.
Feds Offer To Authorize $1B For Fla. Hospital Funding Tied To Medicaid Stalemate
The funding has been at the heart of the legislature’s bitter debate on Medicaid expansion. The offer is $1.6 billion lower than the state received this year, but it may provide enough that lawmakers can come to terms on a budget in a special session next month.
Insurers Proposing ‘Hefty’ Rate Increases For Some Obamacare Plans
The Wall Street Journal reports that these proposed rate boosts will set the stage for debate regarding the health law’s impact. Wellmark’s South Dakota members are among those likely to see such rate hikes, according to The Associated Press.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
