Latest KFF Health News Stories
Administration Closes In On 9.1M Sign-Up Goal
Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers in Colorado target executive bonuses and demand a full audit of that state’s exchange.
Another Congress, Another SGR Patch?
Modern Healthcare writes about how, despite broad consensus on the need for a permanent doc fix, lawmakers cannot agree on how to pay for overhauling the Medicare pay formula. Other stories look at the uncertain fate of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the fast-tracking of a veterans’ suicide prevention bill.
Sens. Hatch And Alexander Offer Bill To Repeal Health Law’s Requirement To Get Insurance
The senators have 20 other Republican co-sponsors for their legislation, which would get rid of the unpopular provision.
House GOP Drops Abortion Bill After Female Lawmakers Voiced Criticism
News outlets termed the move to be an “embarrassing setback” when Republican leaders pulled back the 20-week abortion ban legislation, which was expected to come up for a vote Thursday to mark the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
First Edition: January 22, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Defending The Health Law; ‘Bring Back The Asylum’; Growing Maternity Expenses
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, West Virginia and Massachusetts.
Need A New Knee? That’ll Be $11K — Or $70K, Depending On Where You Live
A new report shows wide variation in what surgery costs in America, and sometimes wild discrepancy exists even inside the same city. Elsewhere, a study says teams of doctors make fewer mistakes than lone ones.
Higher Premiums, Controlled Medical Costs Drive UnitedHealth Profit Up
Earnings for the large insurer rose 6 percent, with revenue for the last quarter of 2014 topping $33 billion — beating Wall Street expectations.
House Republicans Plan Vote On Abortion Bill Despite Complaints From Women Lawmakers
Some Republican members say that the bill, which bans abortions after 20 weeks, is too harsh. Also on Capitol Hill, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, defines some of the issues he hopes to tackle at the helm of the Finance Committee.
High Court Hears Arguments In Bid To Force Higher Medicaid Payments
The case began several years ago when private health care providers serving disabled adults and children in Idaho sued the state after officials failed to increase Medicaid payments, as required under a formula approved by the federal government.
Wyoming Medicaid Expansion Debate Continues
While a collection of Wyoming citizen and professional groups urged state lawmakers to pursue efforts to expand the health insurance program for people with low incomes, the Republican-controlled state senate has rejected past pushes in this direction. One current proposal that has gained traction, however, includes a health savings account provision. News outlets also report on related developments in Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia and Texas.
Report: Government Skipped Key Requirements Awarding Healthcare.gov Contracts
The investigation by the Office of the Inspector General also found the government didn’t fully vet the history of problems of one of the key contractors, CGI Federal. Elsewhere, small businesses in Maryland sign up for marketplace coverage, and Oklahoma’s battle over the law continues.
GOP Response Vows To ‘Repeal And Replace’ Obamacare
In the official Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State-Of-The-Union address, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, maintained strong criticism for the law and claimed it has hurt America’s hardworking families.
In State-Of-The-Union Speech, Obama Pledges To Veto Efforts To Undo The Health Law
News outlets described President Barack Obama as confident and defiant as he laid out an agenda for his two remaining years, which included an expansion of biomedical research. His emphasis was placed on improving the prospects of the nation’s middle class.
First Edition: January 21, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Assaults On Abortion Rights; Shifting From Employer-Provided Health Care
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif. Health Providers’ Dispute Threatens Coverage; Mass. Focuses On Cost Control
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusettes, Kansas, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Maryland.
Minn. Study Compares Patient Health Status By National Origin, Native Language
In addition, news outlets examine how state and local immigration laws, as well as individuals’ immigration status, impact health care outcomes.
California Nurses Association Calls Off Strike Against Kaiser Permanente
The nurses’ group announced Saturday that it had reached a tentative contract on behalf of 18,000 registered nurses in the northern and central part of the state.
