Latest KFF Health News Stories
U.S. Ranked Last On Scorecard Of Health Care Systems
For the fifth consecutive year, the Commonwealth Fund listed the U.S. last in a ranking of health systems of Western industrialized nations. The rankings looked at quality, outcomes and efficiency.
Senate Bill Could Double Spending On Veterans’ Health
The proposal is slated to add $35 billion to VA health care spending over the next three years — mostly from allowing veterans to seek private care. But it could ultimately cost $50 billion per year if more veterans enroll in the system, according to a Congressional Budget Office projection.
Va. Gov. Considers Options On Medicaid Expansion As GOP Nurses Wounds
Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe was unsuccessful in his effort to get a divided legislature to expand health coverage to thousands of poor state residents. Analysts watch to see if he will work to expand Medicaid on his own.
State Highlights: Docs Move To Affluent Areas; Farmworkers’ Mental Health In Calif.
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Wisconsin, California, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina and Maryland.
Cover Oregon Gets New Chief; Mass. Health Law Garners Support
Reports examine exchange developments in Oregon, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Connecticut.
Health Law Bumps In The Road: Subsidy Eligibility Questions, Medi-Cal Asset Seizure, Health Literacy
Obamacare programs designed to help people are running into problems concerning how much money people have when they get covered.
Viewpoints: Could Congress Sue Obama?; Abortion Coverage For Peace Corps Volunteers
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more analysis of the events that led to a resolution of Virginia’s budget impasse and an end — at least for now — to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s hope to expand Medicaid.
Virginia Lawmakers Pass Budget Without Medicaid Expansion
The two-year spending plan, which will prevent a state government shutdown, includes an amendment designed to prevent Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe from pursuing efforts to expand the low-income health insurance program without legislative approval. The debate over the expansion had been at the crux of the budget impasse.
3 States Report Number Of Insurers On Marketplace Will Grow In 2015
Officials in New Hampshire, Michigan and Illinois say plans that opted to sit out the first year of the health law are moving into the market now. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, health law opponents are planning to use problems in the state’s exchange in the campaign against the governor.
States, Insurers Wrestle Over Decisions To Offer Costly Hepatitis C Drug
The medication, named Sovaldi, has shown great promise in fighting the deadly disease, but it is very expensive: The treatment regimen runs about $84,000 per patient.
Indicators Suggest Some Insurance Rates In Wash., Calif. To Increase Less Than 10%
The Los Angeles Times reports that Anthem Blue Cross’s individual coverage premiums are expected to increase on average less than 10 percent next year. Also, the Associated Press notes that, though the rate approval process has just begun, the proposed average increase for Washington state rates is 8.25 percent.
Poll: Fixing Vets’ Health Care High Priority
Elsewhere, a senator defends his vote against legislation to try to improve the VA’s health care, and The Associated Press looks at doctor’s appointment wait times for all Americans.
Countdown To The High Court’s Decision On The Health Law’s Birth Control Coverage Requirement
News outlets report on pending legal actions against the health law. The Supreme Court is expected to rule this month regarding challenges to the overhaul’s contraceptive mandate. In addition, arguments will be heard before a Wisconsin district court judge next month regarding a challenge to the health law provision that allows the federal government to pay a portion of the coverage costs for Capitol Hill staffers and lawmakers.
Ill. Staged Costly Enrollment Campaign; Calif. College Sign-Ups Exceed Expectations
In health law implementation news, The Associated Press examines the $33 million that Illinois spent to promote enrollment. And a new California poll finds a significant drop in uninsured students at the California State University campuses.
State Highlights: La. Abortion Restrictions; New Mass. Hospital Deal
A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, New York, Kansas and Washington state.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup:Hospital Readmissions; Wash. State Premiums
This week’s studies come from JAMA Surgery, JAMA Internal Medicine, Health Affairs, The Kaiser Family Foundation and Avalere Health.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including updates on what Virginia lawmakers did in an attempt to resolve the state’s budget impasse and Medicaid expansion debate.
After Cantor’s Loss, GOP Efforts To ‘Replace’ Health Law Face New Challenges
Before his primary election defeat by challenger David Brat, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was involved in drafting a GOP health law alternative.
