Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tenn.-Based Hospital Company To Pay $98 Million To Settle Improper Billing Claims
Community Health Systems and the federal Justice Department announced the settlement Monday. In other hospital news, Tenet says its financial outlook is improving.
News outlets report on the behaviors and the satisfaction levels of people who have new insurance as a result of the health law.
GOP Operatives In Search Of Anti-Health Law Messages That Will Stick
Politico reports that, as the midterm elections are quickly approaching, Republican pollsters are testing out messages with likely voters in order to determine which ones resonated best with key target groups. Meanwhile, The New York Times examines the role of social issues as the campaign season heats up.
New Study Quantifies Impact Of ER Closures On Neighborhoods
The study, which appeared in Health Affairs, focused on California and is thought to be the first of its kind to examine the impact of emergency department closures on the quality of patient care.
Costly Specialty Drugs Drive Up Medicare Tab
ProPublica and The New York Times look at the explosive spending growth related to an obscure medication for treating multiple sclerosis and a rare kidney disease — and how several top prescribers have links to drugmaker, Questcor Pharmaceuticals. The Wall Street Journal examines the impact of new drugs to treat hepatitis C.
Florida Health Plan Rates To Rise 13.2% On Average; Calif. Regulator Seeks Greater Authority
Florida officials release rates for 2015 health plans to be sold on the individual market. Another story examines the voter initiative being pushed by California’s insurance commissioner to give his office greater power to regulate health insurance rates.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Alabama Abortion Clinic Law
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ruled Monday that state lawmakers exceeded their authority when they passed a law last year requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have hospital admitting privileges. He ruled that the state law, which would have led to the closure of three of the state’s five abortion clinics, was unconstitutional.
Texas Abortion Providers Ask Federal Court To Block Portion Of Stringent State Law
Owners of abortion clinics in the state are seeking relief from enforcement of a state law that is set to take effect Sept. 1. It sets out the same strict building and equipment regulations that are applied to ambulatory surgical centers. Monday marked the first day of court room action.
Medicaid Repayment Possibilities Put New York State Credit Rating At Risk
In related news, New York City will pay $1 million to settle Medicaid probe.
State Highlights: New York Hospital Mergers Surging
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Ohio, Wisconsin and Massachusetts.
Viewpoints: Treating Ebola Patients In The U.S.; Medicare Costs; Discouraging Medicaid Enrollment
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a partnership between two of California’s largest insurers in which they will join forces to create a database of patient medical records.
Justice Dept. Seeks Full Court Appeal Hearing In Health Law Case
Last month, a three-judge panel ruled against the administration in the case Halbig v. Burwell, which is viewed as a blow to the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Stateline reports that, based on that ruling, only those states with clear state-based exchange credentials are on solid legal footing.
Online Marketplace Still Not Ready To Offer Brokers ‘Direct Enrollment’ Option
The option, when it is finalized, will allow customers to go to an insurance broker who will be able to provide all the services of the federal website, including calculating subsidies and applying those to the premium. In other news about the upcoming enrollment season for the exchange, Oregon officials announce new insurance rates.
Experts Question Accuracy Of Fast-Growing Veterans’ PTSD Claims
The number of VA disability awards based on post traumatic stress disorder symptoms has grown fivefold over the past 13 years, and some mental health officials suggest that financial rewards may be causing some vets to exaggerate their conditions. Also, a New GAO report suggests changes in a Department of Defense health plan.
Some Medical Schools Trim Time To Degree
A survey of 120 medical schools, conducted by the New York University School of Medicine, found that 30 percent were considering or already planning three-year programs. Meanwhile, medical school enrollments are expanding faster than entry-level residency positions.
Health Insurer To Stop Covering Uterine Procedure
Highmark Inc., which sells plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia, will stop covering power morcellation, a technique often used in hysterectomies, after the Food and Drug Administration advised doctors against it because it may spread cancer.
The Health Law Fading From The Campaign Trail Spotlight
News outlets report that the sweeping overhaul appears to be less of a point of contention among candidates and less of a rallying point for voters.
Newly Insured Get Schooling On How To Use Coverage
Health law advocates who had focused on enrolling people in insurance now are teaching them how to use their often-complicated policies. Meanwhile, a Hartford physician explains why he won’t take Obamacare plans and thousands of inmates in a Cook County jail sign up for insurance.
State Highlights: Federal Trial Testing Texas Abortion Law Begins Today
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, D.C. and Minnesota.
