Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Misreading Hobby Lobby; Calmer Climate For ACA; Danger Of Tuberculosis, Measles
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: S. Fla. Doctor Group Gets $4M Medicare Bonus
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, New York, Iowa, Kansas, New Hampshire, Missouri, Idaho and South Carolina.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a status report on GOP discussions and debate about plans to replace the health law as well as coverage of emerging legislation to override the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision.
Courts Consider Challenges To Health Law Subsidies
A federal judge weighs whether to allow a Republican senator’s lawsuit challenging the awarding of tax-free federal subsidies to buy health insurance to members of Congress and their staffs. Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals court is expected to decide any day on another challenge that argues the health law’s subsidies may be given only to residents of states that created their own insurance exchanges.
Senate Majority Leader Vows Response To Hobby Lobby Decision
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Democrats will take up legislation to address the Supreme Court’s decision allowing some employers with religious objections to opt out of the health law’s contraceptive mandate. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood sets up a text helpline for women who have lost or will lose contraceptive coverage.
Medicare Mulls Expanding Telehealth To Wellness, Behavioral Visits
The proposed rule would also pay for rural telemedicine for providers who are closer to big cities. Elsewhere, telemedicine in treating injured workers — especially in rural areas — catches on.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas.
VA Whistleblowers To Tell All To House
These whistleblowers say they were often placed on administrative leave for bringing up their concerns. Also, wait times at Connecticut VA clinics explode, even after the recent scandal came to light.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Despite Signing Up And Paying Premiums, Some People Still Aren’t Covered
News outlets report that difficulties resulting from health exchange websites and enrollment systems continue to impact insurance coverage. News outlets also report on related developments from D.C., Colorado, Wisconsin and Missouri.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that a federal judge in Wisconsin heard arguments in a health law challenge brought by a U.S. senator.
Health Law Backers Brace For New Battles Over 2015 Insurance Rates
Politico reports that this round of messaging will be critical because rates are expected to increase and could add to Democrats’ midterm election challenges. Also in the headlines, reports about how the employer mandate is getting increasingly unpopular — even among liberals, and other news related to the overhaul’s implementation.
Contract Renewed For Serco Processing Center Hit By Whistleblower Allegations
The $98 million contract extends operations of the facility where employees reported they sometimes slept or played board games for lack of work. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that sign-ups may not be the only way to gauge the health law’s success, a private exchange for restaurant workers debuts in D.C., and Health Net faces criticism in Arizona for its narrow network.
Federal Push For Electronic Health Records May Make Fraud Easier
USA Today reports on this development. Meanwhile, in other health IT news, The Fiscal Times reports on how hospitals are getting more involved in big data collection.
House Of Representatives’ Lawyers Ask Judge To Reject SEC Lawsuit
In what is viewed as an ongoing power struggle between two branches of the federal government, the House lawyers termed the investigation related to Medicare insider-trading allegations to be a “fishing expedition.”
Medicare Proposes 2.1% Pay Boost For Outpatient Care
The increased rate highlights a trend towards discouraging unnecessary admissions. Meanwhile, the agency announces a pilot project to cut down appeal waits for long-term care providers.
Stress Levels Run High And Take Toll On Americans’ Health
NPR reports on a poll detailing this public health issue.
Fla. Hospitals On The Hook For $267 Million In Medicaid Overpayment
The federal government says the hospitals were paid too much, and it wants the entire overage back this year. That is a tough demand for two of the state’s safety-net hospitals. Meanwhile, a Florida teen battling cancer hits Capitol Hill to lobby for funding for Medicaid and other children’s programs.
Long Waits For Medical Attention Are Normal In Many Parts Of U.S.
The New York Times reports on what it calls the health care system’s “waiting game.”
Pending Health Law Legal Action Threatens Premium Subsidies And Exchanges
One of the key questions, according to The Fiscal Times, is whether the premium subsidies available to people shopping on the federal exchange are legal.
