Latest KFF Health News Stories
Co-ops Having Impact In Some Health Markets
Politico Pro reports that some nonprofit co-ops have forced Aetna to withdraw from some state exchanges because of what Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini describes as “irrational pricing.” Meanwhile, the Associated Press features Dr. Peter Beilenson, who is trying to break the mold with his co-op in Maryland.
With First Open Enrollment Season Behind Them, States Move Ahead — Though Slowly
Marketplace reports on the lessons learned by states operating their own online health insurance exchanges and how these experiences will affect the year ahead. In related news, the Colorado exchange reports that it’s on track to meet its goal for this year while New York health officials say they will not require out-of-network coverage on next year’s Affordable Care Act plans.
Viewpoints: Boehner’s ‘Truthful Gaffe’ On Health Law; Larry Kramer’s AIDS Crusade; Costly Drugs
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Bankruptcy Risk For DC Specialty Hospital; Calif. Hospital Errors
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Idaho and Indiana.
Oregon Opts For Federal Exchange
The board overseeing Oregon’s nonfunctional health insurance exchange unanimously approved the Obama administration’s plan Friday to take over the marketplace, making Oregon the first state to drop its enrollment website for healthcare.gov. The Oregonian reports that a task force also recommended the state shelve another Oracle-led project to ‘revolutionize’ information technology for its health services department.
Healthcare.gov Still Under Construction
Though the website has been functioning for consumers buying insurance coverage, Politico reports that critical, back-end elements are still being built, which could have adverse effects on insurers and ultimately on next year’s premiums. Meanwhile, The Washington Post extracts lessons from the rollouts of state exchanges — some of which ran smoothly and others of which were troubled.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a number of stories examining the impact of the health law in various states.
Oregon To Join Federal Health Insurance Exchange
Oregon built what is widely regarded as the worst-functioning state exchange in the nation.
Consumers In High-Risk Pools Can Sign Up For Plans Until June 30
The federal program that provided coverage for people with chronic health problems, which often prevented them from being able to buy private insurance, is shutting at the end of the month, but participants can buy coverage through the exchanges until the end of June.
Study: Health Plans Dropped After Health Law May Have Been Canceled Anyway
A new study says the health law didn’t lead to more cancellations of health plans than what typically occurs every year as part of the normal churn of the individual policy market.
Doctors, Dentists Adjusting To Ups And Downs Of Changing U.S. Health Care System
Several news outlets covered trends in the industry – including how dentists who treat Medicaid patients are coping.
Drug Companies That Are High Medicare Earners Spend Big On Lobbying Activities
USA Today reports on lobbying activities.
Poll Finds Drop In Support For Virginia Medicaid Expansion
A survey conducted by the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University finds that 53 percent of Virginia voters oppose enrolling more people in Medicaid.
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Arizona.
On The Campaign Trail, Some Democrats Embrace Health Law
One of the most notable examples is taking place in the Pennsylvania primary, where Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls are expressing support for the law.
FDA Approves New HPV Cervical Cancer Test
The test was approved despite objections from some groups that the screening had not been adequately tested.
Aetna Wary About Exchange Expansion As Earnings Climb
The insurer, which is participating in health insurance exchanges in 16 states and the District of Columbia, reported strong growth in the first quarter tied to its acquisition of Coventry Health Care Inc. The company said it expected to seek premium increases for next year’s exchange plans ranging from “low single digits to over double digits.”
Viewpoints: ‘Pinocchios’ For The Koch Brothers; Obamacare ‘Miracle’; The Law’s Effect On Hiring
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Structural Concerns In ACOs; Public’s View Of Mandated Contraception Coverage
This week’s studies come from JAMA Internal Medicine, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, JAMA, Health Affairs and The Gerontologist.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a recommendation that Oregon switch its troubled health exchange from a state-run marketplace to healthcare.gov.
