Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mass. To Spend $20 Million To Combat Opioid Use
Gov. Deval Patrick announced the plan Tuesday that will also team with five other New England states to upgrade treatment and expand coverage to treat drug abuse.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a range of stories about the upset of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor — a Virginia primary election shocker — as well as continuing coverage of health law implementation issues and congressional responses to the VA’s health care troubles.
Audit: 57,000 Vets Have Been Waiting More Than 3 Months For Care
The examination also uncovered difficulties in scheduling appointments and a culture in which employees were pressured to change data. Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson detailed a $300 million plan that would increase hours for VA medical staffers and fund contracts with private clinics to provide care to some veterans who cannot get into VA medical centers.
The Details Of The VA Waiting Game At Specific Locations Around The Country
Media outlets scrutinize how local Veterans Affairs health facilities fared in a national audit of 731 VA hospitals and clinics.
Democrats Vying To Run For Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District Embrace Health Law
The candidates in this race back the overhaul — a different take than many vulnerable Democrats in other races around the country.
Some Doctors Bill Medicare Far More Often For Unusual Procedures
Elsewhere, a former editor of a prominent medical journal says many or most doctors have had conflicts of interest that could harm patients. And, doctors look for new ways to thrive — or survive — economically.
Study: Lifetime Cost Of Supporting Person With Autism Could Be In Millions
Researchers listed among the main factors contributing to this price tag were special education for children and residential care for adults as well as lost productivity for parents.
Virginia Budget Plan Moving Forward Without Medicaid Expansion
After the abrupt resignation of a Democrat switched the state Senate to Republican control, Democrats began negotiating on a spending plan that no longer includes the governor’s priority of expanding health care coverage to low-income residents.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Georgia, Wisconsin, Illinois and Arizona.
Viewpoints: ‘Bureaucratic Ninja’ For The VA; Soap Opera In Virginia; Hospital Readmissions
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Insurers Revisit Plans To Narrow Provider Networks
The Wall Street Journal reports that some insurers are beefing up the provider networks included in health-law plans in response to concerns about access to care. Meanwhile, Kathleen Sebelius passes the baton to Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the new Health and Human Services secretary.
Colorado Exchange Board Approves Fee On Small Group, Individual And Stop-Loss Policies
Meanwhile, in other state exchange news, more detail has emerged regarding the safety of health data for hundreds of Access Health CT customers, and a federal agency will examine MNsure’s enrollment procedures.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details of an extensive, nationwide audit of the wait times for care at VA hospitals and clinics.
Under Health Law, States Serve As Testing Grounds For Innovation
Media outlets report on a range of issues related to the measure’s implementation, including how some states are finding opportunities in the overhaul to pursue their own health system changes. Also in the news, the latest on the roles being played by emergency rooms, faith-based non-profits and accountable care organizations.
Some Consumers In Limbo Waiting For Medicaid Applications To Be Processed
Kaiser Health News reports that most of these are people who sought coverage through the health law’s Medicaid expansion. Meanwhile, the New York Times takes a look at how a state line can make all the difference in who gets Medicaid.
Insurers Propose Rate Hikes For Plans On The Individual Market
News reports detail the latest on insurers’ efforts in Maryland and Connecticut to gain approval for increases in 2015 premiums on the state exchanges.
VA To Probe Deaths Of 18 Veterans To See If Delay In Care Played A Role
Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson announces 18 more veterans kept off an appointment list have died. The department is expected to release more details Monday as officials appear before Congress.
Cosgrove Withdraws His Name From Consideration For Top Job At The VA
Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Delos M. Cosgrove said that, though he seriously considered the position, he did not feel he could step away from his commitments at the clinic.
Hospital Shifting Away From Billing For Individual Services
Bundled payments may be the “wave of the future,” the Wall Street Journal suggests. Meanwhile, health care providers are working to get patients more involved in decisions about their care.
Enrollees’ Data May Be Compromised As A Result Of Access Health CT Breach
The Connecticut health insurance exchange data breach has been traced back to an employee of the company that runs the call center.
