Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Longer Looks: HIV Epidemic In The Deep South; Planning For Alzheimer’s
This week’s articles come from The New Yorker, Health Affairs, The New Republic, Matter and Slate/Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about emerging political strategies related to the health law and the upcoming congressional elections.
Census Changes Will Make It Hard To Gauge Health Law’s Impact
The revisions are intended to make the survey more accurate, but specific questions will be so different that the results will not be comparable to previous years.
Enrollment Extensions Wind Down But Health Law Politics Getting Complicated
People wanting coverage on the federal and some state websites needed to sign up by Tuesday, and federal officials say they won’t again extend the deadline. In addition, news outlets examine why it will take time to determine whether the overhaul is a success and how Republicans are treading carefully as they call for overturning a law that has provided benefits to millions of Americans.
Vulnerable Democrats Fight Health Law Stigma
In tight races around the nation, Democrats are hoping that stories about the health law’s rocky rollout are behind them, while Republicans try to make the races a referendum on the law.
A Heavy Lift? Legal Challenge To Medicare’s ‘Two Midnight’ Rule
Modern Healthcare reports that some legal experts say it will be tough to convince judges to overturn the controversial rule on classifying Medicare in-patients.
Uninsured Rate Drops More In States That Expanded Medicaid, Run Own Exchanges
News outlets also provide updates on Medicaid expansion efforts and debates in Colorado, Virginia, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina and Indiana.
Scientists Trying To Merge Millions Of Patient Medical Records
The attempt includes collecting and connecting terabytes of patient medical records from every patient recently treated at one of New York’s major hospital centers. Meanwhile in Kansas, a council discusses ways to regulate so-called “secondary use” of patient health data.
Veracity Of Abortion Political Ads Case Going To High Court
Ohio banned false statements from political campaigns. The lawsuit is from an anti-abortion group.
Exchange Fixes, Questions In Oregon, Maryland, Massachusetts
Cover Oregon severed a contract with technology consultant Deloitte as it moves into a new era of fiscal austerity, while the Maryland exchange continues to enroll consumers in coverage. The problems with Massachusetts’ exchange are not expected to impact that state’s current budget.
State Highlights: Mass. Can’t Ban Painkiller, Judge Rules; Kan. And Health Care Compact Bill
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Kansas, Florida, Michigan, Connecticut, Maryland, Arizona, Hawaii, Missouri and Georgia.
With End-Of-Enrollment Surge Behind Them, Insurers See Health Law Positives
With End-Of-Enrollment Surge Behind Them, Insurers Have More Positive Health Law View
Politico reports that many insurers are contemplating expanding — or initiating — their involvement in the overhaul’s online insurance marktplaces. Meanwhile, other news outlets examine how this year’s tax day, April 15, is just one part of the intersection between the health law and the Internal Revenue Service.
Arizona Takes Another Abortion Restriction Step
Now the state has the authority to “surprise” inspect clinics without a warrant.
Viewpoints: Cooking The Census Books; Immigrants Left Off Health Law; Abortion Still A ‘Tripwire’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report detailing how changes in the Census Bureau’s annual survey could mask the health law’s impact.
CBO Shrinks Estimate Of Health Law Spending Based On Lower Subsidy Costs
Expanded insurance coverage under the health law will also show slower premium growth, helping lower the total cost of the law, the nonpartisan office said.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the president’s nominee to head the Health and Human Services Department, may have some goodwill, but she will still have to navigate plenty of challenges — starting with her confirmation hearing.
Wal-Mart Exec Who Led Health Care Expansion Steps Down
News emerged Monday in an internal staff memo that John Agwunobi would leave his post running the retailer’s health and wellness division.
Disparity In Medicare Provider Payments In Oregon, Data Show
Information gleaned from the federal government’s Medicare data dump shows that Oregon providers and provider groups were paid $508 million in 2012. However, some providers made more than others. Meanwhile the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that arising from the data, Wisconsin Congressional members want physicians rated on quality of care.
