Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 26, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from major news organizations, including a report about how what some say is a health law “drafting error” and other’s term a “political miscalculation” could become the measure’s trouble spot.
Exchange Customers Now Receiving Subsidies Should Review Tax Issues
The Associated Press examines the tax credit issue. Other outlets look at issues surrounding the state insurance marketplaces in California, Maryland, Illinois, Connecticut and Minnesota.
Couples’ Health Rights Raised In Gay Marriage Case
As part of the court fight to overturn the ban on gay marriage in Wisconsin and Indiana, couples are pointing to problems they have in medical emergencies when their partners are not recognized.
Changed medical practice has reduced the need for blood transfusions, spurring cutbacks and mergers in the blood industry. Meanwhile, Chicago and two counties in California are suing five companies for “aggressive marketing” of opioid painkillers, accusing them of fueling addiction.
Obamacare Plays Supporting Role In Campaigns
While the Affordable Care Act is still ‘red meat’ for conservative voters, Republicans are trying to be more nuanced in how they talk about the issue this campaign season. Meanwhile in Arkansas, Democratic candidates are stressing the importance of keeping the state’s Medicaid expansion in place, while in North Carolina, embattled Sen. Kay Hagan, a Democrat, attacks the president for not doing enough to change the Veterans Affairs Department.
U.S. Chief Tech Officer Steps Down, Switches Roles
Todd Park will return to Silicon Valley as part of White House team trying to recruit top technology talent into government service and channel ideas from the tech community.
State Highlights: Calif. Hospital Accused Of Patient Dumping; Wash. Mental Health Changes
A selection of health policy stories from California, Washington state, Idaho, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, New York and Massachusetts.
California Requires Insurers To Provide Abortion Coverage
On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown announced the enforcement of a 1975 state law.
At Home Or In Facilities, Care For Elderly Changing Rapidly
News outlets cover the reliability of nursing home ratings, the growth of home health care aides and the return of the house call.
Some Nonprofits Opposing Contraceptive Coverage Appear Unswayed By New Rule
Catholic bishops and other conservative groups suggest the accommodations do not satisfy their concerns.
Viewpoints: Spreading Ebola Treatments; Dems Can Win Running On Health Law
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Oregon Sues Oracle Over Failed Website
Oregon filed its long-anticipated lawsuit against Oracle America and the company’s top executives, blaming them for the state’s non-functioning health insurance exchange and saying they lied, breached contracts and engaged in “a pattern of racketeering activity.”
First Edition: August 25, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations include reports on Medicare ratings of nursing homes, the growing demand for home-health aides and accounts of the Obama administration’s new contraception coverage rules.
Religious Employers Are Offered Fix On Birth Control Coverage
News outlets report that the regulations, expected to be published later today, will allow religious nonprofits — and perhaps later religious business owners — to notify the government that they object to providing contraception coverage. Federal officials would then arrange for the workers’ insurance.
Parsing The Mixed Messages Regarding Health Plan Costs
The Huffington Post breaks down the good and bad news surrounding what people may pay next year for coverage in the wake of the health law. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare takes a look at how the Obama administration decision to let people keep health coverage that didn’t comply with the overhaul’s standards is impacting premium rates.
Some Embattled Democrats Embracing Obamacare
News outlets look at Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor’s promotion of the health law in a campaign ad as a sign the law may be less radioactive. Meanwhile, Politico notes that 30 of the 34 House Democrats who voted against the law are no longer in office as the partisanship that it engendered grows.
State Highlights: Only 1/3 Chose Medicaid Plan In Fla.; Calif. Prop 46 Money
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Oregon, California, New York, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Jersey.
Seniors Are Less Able To Afford Prescriptions, Study Finds
In its first few years, Medicare’s Part D prescription drug program helped seniors pay for their medications, but that trend appears to be reversing, researchers found. Meanwhile, drugmakers fight over the rules for naming cheaper versions of biologic drugs.
Patient Deaths Raise Questions About Lethal Doses In Hospice
The Washington Post examines the deaths of some hospice patients who were not close to death but who received large doses of powerful pain-killers.
Viewpoints: Employers And Health Benefits; Sen. Pryor’s ACA Endorsement; Waging War On Hep C
A selection of editorials and opinions about health care from around the country.
