Latest KFF Health News Stories
Plan Renewals, Narrow Networks Draw Scrutiny
Some industry officials say the automatic renewal of some health law insurance plans could have a negative impact on the financial aid that consumers receive. Meanwhile, narrow networks continue to be the subject of backlash.
States Explore Strategies To Protect Exchanges, Subsidies From Court Decisions
News outlets report that states are working hard to demonstrate that they are now or will soon be operating their own online insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, states are pushing for more time and support from the federal government for exchange planning and construction.
Medicare Turns Up Heat On Fraud Investigations
One U.S. attorney in South Dakota says such cases will be one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal investigations, while some providers are crying foul.
New Wave Of Patients Boosting Hospital Earnings
Earnings reports offered last week by two hospital operators offer evidence that the health law’s coverage expansion is leading more patients to seek treatment.
Ga. Working Through Medicaid Application Backlog After Federal Scrutiny
In the meantime, some in Alabama say no Medicaid expansion there is hurting economic development in rural parts of the state.
Hardship Exemptions Allow Some To Continue To Buy Coverage On Health Law’s Marketplaces
Elsewhere, the San Jose Mercury News examines who can opt out of the health law’s mandate to have insurance on religious grounds.
Health Law Playing Key Role In Virginia Politics
News outlets examine how the overhaul is factoring into the state’s Senate race and changing the political landscape.
State Highlights: Va. Lt. Gov. Juggles Politics And Pediatrics
A selection of health policy news from Virginia, Maryland, Florida, New York, Wisconsin, Washington state, New Jersey and Kansas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Tape Recording Reveals Health Subsidy ‘Gotcha Moment’ For Health Law Architect
Tape-recorded comments made by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber in 2012 are being used by backers of the latest legal challenge to the health law to support the argument that the overhaul’s subsidies were not intended to be used by consumers shopping for coverage on the federal exchange.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the deal reached by House and Senate negotiators regarding veterans’ health care.
Obama Administration Moves Forward On Employer Mandate
A signal came Thursday when the Internal Revenue Service posted drafts of forms that employers will have to fill out to comply with the requirement that they provide workers with health insurance.
Health Law’s ‘Uninsurance’ Fine Capped At $2,448 For Individuals
The cap for a family of five is set at $12,240 — an amount equal to the national average annual premium cost of a bronze level plan.
Expensive Hepatitis Drug Challenges Medicaid Programs’ Funding
State officials are nervous about how to afford the new medicine, which can run $84,000 for treatment. Also in Medicaid news, federal data show children using emergency room treatment at night or weekends are often on Medicaid.
For Consumers, Some Pitfalls In Obamacare Coverage Could Lie Ahead
Stateline reports that automatic re-enrollment of health plans bought through the state and federal exchanges could mean that people pay more than they would if they comparison shopped. In addition, The Associated Press reports that inconsistent subsidy amounts are leading some people to go without insurance.
House Panel Backs Lawsuit Against Obama On Health Law
The Rules Committee approved a resolution challenging whether the president has constitutional authority to delay provisions of the law. The full House will likely consider it before its August recess begins.
New Mexico Likely To Decide Health Exchange Plan Today
Also in the news, Colorado’s health exchange chief executive announced she will leave her post to become president of Cigna’s private exchange business.
Consumers In States Around The Country To Get Premium Rebates
Local news outlets report on a federal announcement Thursday showing how much money will be sent back to people and employers under rules that say insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premium payments on medical care.
N.C. Senate Votes For Managed Care Medicaid Overhaul
The move would offer a set amount of money per patient to managed care companies and would set up a new department run by a politically appointed board.
State Highlights: Public Comments On Mass. Hospital Deal; Wash. Insurance Case Brings Allegations
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Washington state, Missouri and Pennsylvania.
