Latest KFF Health News Stories
Immigrants May Lose Coverage Due To Website, Language Issues
Immigrants who obtained subsidized insurance through the federal health law must submit proof by Friday that they are in the U.S. legally, but few appear to have responded — in some cases due to technical glitches with the federal website as well as language difficulties.
CVS Stops Selling Tobacco Products
The second-largest pharmacy in the U.S. will no longer sell tobacco products in its 7,700 stores and will now be called CVS Health.
Over-The-Counter Birth Control Issue Finds Its Way Into Midterm Election Debates
Some Republican Senate candidates have expressed support for allowing certain types of contraception to be sold without a prescription. Critics say it is part of a strategy to “muddy the waters” regarding the Hobby Lobby case.
On Campaign Trail, Ky. GOP Candidates Promise Medicaid Expansion Repeal
In the meantime, Illinois bets on birth control as a way to drive down Medicaid costs, and Florida Health News looks at the top Medicaid managed care companies in Florida.
States Not Expanding Medicaid Paying 37% Of Cost In Other States: Report
A McClatchy newspaper analysis also finds that most of the money comes from five non-expansion states: Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Other news outlets report on the continuing debate in a number of states.
Opinions: Controversial View Of Freedom; A $20,000 CT Scan
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Calif. OKs Tougher Rules On Plan Networks; MNsure Taps Groups To Do Outreach
News organizations track developments in California, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin as state online insurance marketplaces gear up for the second open enrollment season.
State Highlights: Mass. Health Spending Slows, But For How Long?
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Washington state, Maryland, Michigan, California, Texas and Illinois.
First Edition: September 3, 2014
Today’s early morning headlines from the major news organizations, including reports about how insurers and consumers are bracing for round two as the health law’s online insurance marketplaces prepare for open enrollment season.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Indiana, Washington state, Colorado and North Carolina.
More Big Firms Shifting To High-Deductible Health Plans
The New York Times examines the movement among large employers towards high-deductible plans that shift more health care costs to workers. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal looks at how the ACA may affect job-based plans next year.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Expansion Spreading; ‘GOP’s Woman Problem’
A selection of opinions and editorials around the country.
Exchange Roundup: MNSure Bogs Down; Md. Consumers Drop Coverage
Marketplace developments across the country, including in Minnesota, Maryland, Georgia and California.
Bypassing Politics, Insurers Pay For End-Of-Life Talks
These doctor-patient conversations had been labeled “death panels” by opponents of the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, in a bid to reduce backlogs, Medicare offers a deal to hospitals to pay 68 percent of short-term stay medical claims that were rejected by outside auditors.
Nomination Signals New Approach To Drug Abuse Policy
The nomination of Michael Botticelli to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy symbolizes the shift toward dealing with drug use as a public health issue rather than as a criminal justice one, The Washington Post reports. Reuters looks at how opioid abuse fears keep cancer patients from getting pain relief.
Doctors, Retail Clinics Adopt New Business Models
The financial ground is changing for doctors in private practice and for patients seeking care.
Tenn., Utah Exploring Medicaid Expansion Options
Tenn. Gov. Bill Haslam says the state may soon send a proposal to Washington, while Utah Gov. Gary Herbert says he is “cautiously optimistic” that he can come to terms on expansion with the Obama administration.
Do Small Military Hospitals Meet The Grade?
The New York Times takes a critical look at small military hospitals where the limited number of patients may compromise doctors’ ability to treat serious problems. Other stories look at a surge in surgery prices and at programs to standardize children’s surgical care.
Obamacare Questions: What Taxes? Will Job Insurance Last?
News outlets focused on varying aspects of the health law’s costs to consumers.
Federal Judge’s Ruling Blocks Shutdown Of Texas Abortion Clinics
Another ruling in Louisiana also puts a temporary hold on a restrictive law in that state — one that would require abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
