Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law Politics Are Far From Over
The Washington Post reports that the political winds in individual states will impact the health law’s chances for success or failure — maybe even more than the current technical challenges that have been a hallmark of its roll out.
Federal Exchange: Expectations Were Rosy, But Consumer Frustration Taking Root
The Washington Post reports that visits to healthcare.gov dropped 88 percent between Oct. 1 and Oct. 13. In an interview, President Barack Obama said the glitches consumers have experienced must be addressed.
What’s In? What’s Out? Tracking The Health Law Changes And The Budget Talks
After playing a central role in the negotiations, two health law tax provisions — one related to reinsurance and the other a levy on medical devices — appear to be off the table.
California Exchange Draws Strong Interest, While Hawaii’s Finally Opens
Media outlets report on the progress of state-run exchanges, ranging from the nearly 100,000 application starts in California, to Hawaii’s two weeks-delayed launch, to Oregon officials’ concern about sites using sound-alike names.
Sebelius Gets ‘Full Confidence’ From Obama Despite Shaky Exchange Rollout
Amid a Republicans chorus calling for her to be fired, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius got the “full confidence” of President Barack Obama Tuesday.
State Highlights: Calif. Gov. Vetoes ‘Biosimilars’ Bill
A selection of health policy stories from California.
Where Seniors Live Affects Their Health Care And The Medications They Get
The Associated Press examines how geography can make a key difference in the treatments that Medicare beneficiaries receive. Other outlets look at the annual open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans. USA Today reports that thousands who rely on nursing home trust funds have had their savings mismanaged or stolen.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories detailing how certain health law provisions are factoring in to the continuing congressional budget stalemate.
Rocky Opening Leaves Health Law’s New Co-Ops Jittery
Nothing is more important for a startup burning through cash than winning customers and revenue. So problems with the Affordable Care Act’s online marketplaces aren’t just an inconvenience for new insurance co-ops; they’re a threat.
Senate Leaders Close In On Deal That Leaves Health Law Intact
The agreement could include a one-year delay in the health law’s reinsurance tax, as well as a measure to tighten income verification standards for qualifying for health insurance subsidies.
Data Suggest State-Run Online Insurance Marketplaces Making Progress
Meanwhile, headlines across the country offer updates on specific state exchanges in California, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota and Colorado.
Forms Not Ready For Those Seeking Exemption From Health Law Mandate
News outlets also report that e-brokers cannot offer exchange plans right away, and that some people may try to use the online marketplaces to mislead consumers.
Ohio Board Readies Decision On State’s Medicaid Expansion
A seven-member state committee holds the fate of Ohio’s Medicaid expansion in its hands as it prepares to vote on the proposal, and none is talking about how they plan to vote.
Medicare Open-Enrollment Begins: Seniors Should Carefully Consider New Options
Officials are cautioning seniors to closely consider their options — and to stay away from the health law’s new online marketplaces — as open-enrollment season begins for Medicare managed care and prescription plans.
Confusion, Anger And Criticism Mark Some Obamacare Attitudes
The public is still puzzled, tea party groups seeth with anger over the piecemeal chipping away of the health law and Sen. Mary Landrieu stands out among colleagues from the South for supporting the law. Meanwhile, a former Obama administration spokesman reveals criticism over the insurance exchange launches.
Hospital Chiefs Earn Big Bucks For ‘Glitzier’ Medicine
A JAMA Internal Medicine study found that quality of patient care at a facility is less likely to be reflected in the CEO’s pay than other factors.
State News: Insurer Drop-Out To Affect 22,000 On N.Y. Medicaid Managed Care
A selection of health policy stories from New York and Texas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Shutdown Commentaries: Compromise May Take Nick Out Of Health Law; ‘The Party Of Gimme’
Opinion writers examine the efforts on Capitol Hill to solve the current budget impasse and its effect on health spending.
