Latest KFF Health News Stories
Va. To Revise Strict Abortion Clinic Rules
The decision by the state board of health was a victory for Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, who had campaigned on the promise that he would reverse regulations put in place during the administration of Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell. The process could take as long as two years.
Spending Bill Likely To Include Most Of Obama’s Request For Ebola-Fight Funding
Republican leaders are steering the measure toward a smoother path than last year’s effort, which led to a partial government shut-down.
Senate GOP Agenda On Health Law May Hinge On Supreme Court Decision
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who will lead the Senate, says getting the votes needed from Democrats to meet the GOP’s goal of repealing the law would be very difficult.
Minnesota Employer Gets Religious Exemption To Health Law’s Birth Control Mandate
American Manufacturing Co. won the exemption because its owner, Gregory Hall, is an ordained Catholic deacon in Texas. He fundamentally opposes the forms of birth control that are specified by the Affordable Care Act provision that requires this coverage.
Many Low-Wage Workers Fall In Coverage Gap
In states like Florida, North Carolina and Texas that declined to expand Medicaid, residents in low-wage jobs are discovering that they can’t afford coverage because they make too little to qualify for federal subsidies but too much to qualify for Medicaid. Meanwhile, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch chronicles a couple that got insurance in the nick of time and California Healthline looks at why some legal immigrants are not enrolling.
Federal Officials: Health Exchange Consumers Should Compare Plans To Find Best Deals
According to the Obama administration, consumers may need to be willing to switch plans to ensure that their coverage is affordable.
First Edition: December 5, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Protect Pregnant Women’s Jobs; Eye-Opening Calorie Counts; Return Of Measles
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: A Doctor’s Attire; Calorie Counts; What’s Prompting The Falling Abortion Rate?
Each week, KHN’s Shefali Luthra finds interesting reads from around the Web.
State Highlights: Calif. Governor Considers Medicaid For Immigrants; Iowa Kids’ Mental Health
A selection of health policy stories from California, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Virginia and New York.
Doctors Who Unveiled VA Problems Are Honored
The three whistleblowers were instrumental in uncovering service delays and other problems for veterans, the Office of Special Counsel says. Also, the VA will examine allegations of misconduct at a Minnesota facility and a dying veteran confronts bureaucratic problems.
Administration Moves To Kick Medicare Abusers Out
The new rules would dump any doctor or medical provider with a pattern of bad billing the program. Elsewhere, the deadline to sign up for private Medicare plans looms.
Obama Seeks To Mend Congressional Fences; Harkin Wishes For A Health Law Do-Over
The Washington Post reports on how politics and posturing related to the health law are playing out on Capitol Hill. In addition, Politico interviews incoming Ways & Means Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., about his policy visions.
House Approves Disability Aid Bill
Backers of the legislation, which would allow people with disabilities to have tax-free bank accounts to pay health care expenses and a range of other costs, are urging quick action by the Senate. Meanwhile, the future of Children’s Health Insurance Program is also a hot topic.
Survey: 10 Million Got Coverage Due To Obamacare
An Urban Institute study concludes the nation’s uninsured rate fell more than five percentage points as 10 million people gained coverage over the past year. Meanwhile, USA Today names a business leader who helped build several successful state exchanges and the small business exchange as a finalist for its entrepreneur of the year award.
Small Business Exchange Attracts Few Customers
The Washington Post examines why the SHOP exchanges are drawing so little interest, while a Colorado report notes that insurance carriers there are waiting for at least $20 million in government payments. Meanwhile, Minnesota trims its enrollment targets by a third and a baseball player is featured in an insurance ad in Maryland.
U.S. Health Spending Shows Modest Increase
Federal officials report that in 2013 health spending grew 3.6 percent, the lowest annual increase since the government began tracking the statistic in 1960.
First Edition: December 4, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Court Must Weigh Pregnancy Rights; Health Law Driving A Wedge In Democratic Party
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
News outlets also examine other health policy issues in Ohio, Texas, Iowa, California, Florida and Louisiana.
