Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: Estimates Of Veterans Harmed By Treatment Delays Were Incorrect
A new report by the top watchdog for the Department of Veterans Affairs finds errors in the statistics that were released last spring about the number of veterans who died or were harmed by treatment delays. Meanwhile, the defense spending bill approved by Congress requires military personnel facing less-than-honorable discharge to have their cases reviewed by at least one mental health professional.
Supreme Court Declines To Hear Arizona Abortion Appeal
The justices Monday turned down the state’s bid to limit how doctors prescribe pills that are commonly used in early abortions. Without comment, they left intact a ruling that blocks a 2012 Arizona law while a legal challenge plays out.
Drug Co. Ordered To Continue Making Alzheimer’s Medicine
A federal judge ordered an Irish manufacturer to halt plans to discontinue its widely used medication, Namenda, allegedly to drive patients to a newer drug. The Dublin-based Actavis PLC plans to appeal.
How Medical Testing Became A Key Profit Center In The Health Care System
The New York Times reports on this marketplace phenomenon. Meanwhile, in other news regarding health care costs and quality issues, ProPublica examines the Medicare records for doctors who prescribe the most potent painkillers, the Wall Street Journal details the Food and Drug Administration’s change of heart regarding a common surgical tool used for hysterectomies and KHN takes a look at outpatient surgical centers.
Senate Narrowly Approves Obama’s Choice For Surgeon General Despite NRA Opposition
The nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy had languished for months because of his support for gun control measures and his advocacy of the health law.
Boeing, Starbucks Demand And Get Better Health Care For Workers
Seattle’s big companies have pushed local hospitals and doctors to meet the kinds of rigorous standards they use to build airplanes or brew coffee, reports The Los Angeles Times. Also in the news are a look at the SHOP exchanges for small businesses and the rate increases some of those employers are facing.
Tennessee Gov. Pursues Alternative Medicaid Expansion Plan
If finalized, the two-year pilot program, which Gov. Bill Haslam negotiated with the Department of Health and Human Services, would make Tennessee the 28th state to expand the low-income health insurance program.
Call Centers Marked By Long Waits On Monday — The Deadline For Jan. 1 Health Coverage
But, in general, healthcare.gov held up okay in the face of a related enrollment surge. In addition, news outlets report that the exchanges in Minnesota and California, joined New York, and extended their enrollment deadlines to Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 respectively for coverage that begins Jan. 1.
First Edition: December 16, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Needs A Subsidy Plan; Insurance ‘Bailout’ Is Really Consumer Protection
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: A Retreat On Mental Health Funding; Big Hospital, Insurer Fight In Ga.
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, California, Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Maryland.
Big Firms Take Wait-And-See Attitude To Private Exchanges
Major employers are waiting for proof that switching to the private exchanges will save them money, reports Reuters. Meanwhile, Centene Corp, a Medicaid insurer, gave a stronger-than-expected outlook for next year.
Rep. Issa Wants To Hear More From Jonathan Gruber
The MIT economist testified last week before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and apologized for his controversial comments about the health law. But the panel’s chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wants to know more about Gruber’s income related to his work on the overhaul and has issued a subpoena.
Spending Bill Approved By Congress Includes Health Policy Provisions
The New York Times reports on an array of policy measures attached to the mammoth spending measure, including one provision that provides relief to Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that the section that deals with pensions could become a model for trimming other federal programs, including Medicare.
Incoming Budget Panel Chief Outlines His Agenda
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., says he will continue to advance changes to the Medicare program that create a “premium support” option. He will also work on reining in federal spending.
Obama Takes To The Airwaves To Pitch Health Coverage
During interviews on sports shows and other popular media, President Barack Obama noted the sign-up period was closing for coverage that starts Jan. 1. While appearing on an ESPN show, he also talked about the NFL and domestic violence.
Alaska Health Official Says Proposed Medicaid Expansion Could Face Delay
If the legislature were to accept the governor-elect’s efforts to expand Medicaid, technical problems with the state’s Medicaid enrollment and eligibility systems are still being addressed. Also, many Virginia residents in the “coverage gap” are feeling a pinch as they look for insurance.
Employers, Consumers Want Their Share Of Obamacare Dividend
Now that insurers and hospitals have reaped rewards from the rollout of the federal health law in states that expanded Medicaid, other groups are demanding a share of the savings. Meanwhile, some free clinics close their doors and a few small businesses start to drop coverage.
Health Exchanges Bracing, And Hoping, For A Last Minute Rush
The first 2015 Obamacare open enrollment period will end at midnight on Dec. 15. News outlets report that the online insurance marketplaces appear to be operating well enough to handle any pre-deadline rushes to sign up. In addition, New York extended its deadline until Dec. 20.
First Edition: December 15, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
