Latest KFF Health News Stories
Roche To Buy Majority Stake In Tumor Diagnostic Company
The deal in which the Swiss pharmaceutical giant would acquire a majority of Foundation Medicine illustrates the growing importance of genetics diagnostics in the treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, hospital operator HCA Holdings Inc, said it would report better-than-expected 2014 results as a result of increased admissions and ER visits.
Doctors Sued For Permitting Troubled Spine Surgeon To Operate
More than a dozen physicians who approved surgical privileges for a South Dakota doctor with a history of performing unnecessary surgeries and unprofessional conduct have been sued for allegedly acting in bad faith. Meanwhile, a cardiac-biomarker lab under federal investigation has cut ties with its sales contractor, reports The Wall Street Journal.
New Rules To Limit Nonprofit Hospitals’ Use Of Aggressive Tactics On Payments
Under the new rules for dealing with low-income patients, nonprofit hospitals will be required to offer discounts and some free care to certain patients, The New York Times reports. They must also determine whether a patient is eligible for assistance before referring a case to a collection agency.
GOP Eyes Sen. Warren As Key Vote On Medical Device Tax Repeal
Meanwhile, in advance of congressional action on Medicare physician payment, skilled nursing facilities go on offense with a campaign to avoid cuts and more detail on the Capitol Hill effort to limit transfers between Social Security and disability funds.
State-Run Exchanges Face Funding Requirement
Modern Healthcare reports that, as of this month, state-run insurance marketplaces are supposed to be financially self-sustaining, but many are ignoring this mandate. In addition, news outlets offer updates from Colorado and Washington.
As Health Law Becomes More Entrenched, GOP Divided Over Strategy
Despite their stated criticisms of the overhaul, more Republican governors are seeking or considering expanding Medicaid under the law, which can put them at odds with congressional Republicans who are fighting to overturn the legislation. In other news, a look at the tax changes required by the law and examining life in the “coverage gap.”
First Edition: January 12, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Ignores Health Law Benefits; Change On Employer Mandate Needed
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Health Cost Burdens; Calif.’s Fair Price Law; Possible Effect Of Court Ruling
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
A selection of health policy stories from Vermont, California, Texas, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas and Wisconsin.
Anthem Strikes Deal With Gilead For Hepatitis C Drug
The insurance company says it will use Gildead’s Harvoni, a recently approved medication, as its primary treatment of the liver disease. Also in the news, some Medicare beneficiaries using an Aetna prescription drug plan run into trouble getting their medicines and a new study examines the drug approval procedure.
Many Fla. Consumers Go Back Onto Marketplace To Reexamine 2015 Health Options
Also in state marketplace news, officials in Washington, Delaware and Kentucky report enrollment statistics, while one outlet looks at a new option in Pennsylvania.
Health Law Hurdles Include GOP Push To Repeal, High Court Subsidy Review
These issues, combined with other factors, continue to cloud the health overhaul’s future.
For Some, Health Insurance Status Could Make Tax Season Even Trickier
Federal officials announced Thursday an effort to prevent consumer confusion by providing online resources to help decode the new filing requirements regarding health insurance. Private tax preparers also are offering assistance.
Republicans Seek Caucus Consensus On Dealing With The Health Law
Developing an Obamacare strategy continues to pose challenges for the GOP, which now controls both chambers of Congress. Also in the news, President Barack Obama reaches out to two Tennessee Republican Senate committee chairmen, and Senate Finance Committee Chair Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, considers fast action on the medical device tax repeal. Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was elected to head the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.
House GOP Approves Bill To Change Health Law Work Week Definition
The measure, which gained easy passage in the House but will face greater challenges in the Senate, revises the health law’s definition of full-time work to 40 hours rather than 30 hours. The law requires larger employers to provide insurance coverage for full-time workers.
First Edition: January 9, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Whose Obamacare Scenario Do You Believe? Pollsters Or Politicians?; Tax Effects
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Children’s Dental, Medical Apps, America’s Bitter Pill
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Kentucky, California, Iowa, Maryland and Georgia.
