Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details of Wednesday’s Capitol Hill testimony by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Administration: 1M More Sign Up, But Enrollment Is Short Of Target
Almost a million more people enrolled in insurance coverage under the health law during the month of February, bringing the total to about 4.2 million, according to a report released Tuesday.
Some States Weighing Enrollment Extension
Several states that are running their own marketplaces and have experienced problems are considering allowing residents more time to sign up for insurance. Also, a number of local news outlets examine their states’ enrollment totals released this week by HHS.
Skip Health Coverage And The Penalty May Exceed Expectations
The notion that, during its first year, the penalty for not getting health insurance is relatively small is not entirely accurate. News outlets also report on how the health law is affecting retiree health care, insurers’ rate-setting processes, pregnant women’s coverage and provider networks.
Polls Examine Support For Health Law, Contraceptive Coverage Requirement
A CNN/ORC poll detected a slight increase in support for the overhaul, with much of it coming from upper-income and college-educated people. Meanwhile, an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found 53 percent of Americans agree with the rule requiring most employers to cover contraception.
House GOP Votes To Expand Health Law Religious Exemptions
If approved, the bill would expand who doesn’t have to buy health insurance because of their religious beliefs. Its prospects in the Democratic-controlled Senate are unknown.
GOP Victory In Florida May Spell Trouble For Democrats
The race largely turned on the federal health care law, with the Republican candidate campaigning for its repeal and the Democrat saying it should be fixed, not abandoned.
State Highlights: No-Bid Contract Decision In Calif.; Navigator Restrictions In Kan.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Florida, Kansas, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Obama Pitches Health Coverage On ‘Funny Or Die’ Show
The president appeared on an edgy Internet comedy show called, “Between Two Ferns,” to urge young people to sign up for health insurance before open enrollment ends on March 31.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Hepatitis C Drug Fuels Cost Debate
A panel of experts said this week that the drug represents a “low value” to the health system because of its cost.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories about the Obama administration’s latest Obamacare sign up tallies and the outcome of a Florida special election that was marked by health law themes.
Administration Reverses Course On Proposed Medicare Drug Changes
After advancing a number of changes to the Medicare Part D program earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services withdrew its plan, which had drawn significant opposition from patients, drug companies and lawmakers in both parties.
As Enrollment Deadline Looms, Subsidies Still Confuse Some Consumers
The Wall Street Journal unveils a calculator to help explain these tax credits, or subsidies, while the CT Mirror looks at last-minute consumer questions.
Legal Concerns Raised Over Making Medicaid Recipients Work In Missouri
Elsewhere, some business groups enlist help to get their states to expand the program. Also, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urges Georgia’s governor to accept the expansion, which also makes news in New Hampshire and Utah.
Senate Dems Launch Counterattack On Koch Brothers
Charles and David Koch have underwritten millions of dollars’ worth of ads criticizing Democratic candidates on the federal health law and their ties to President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, The Washington Post’s fact checker gives one of those ads claiming a cancer patient had lost her “wonderful doctor” three Pinocchios.
GOP To Vote Friday On Tying Medicare Doctor Pay Fix To Repeal Of Health Law’s Insurance Mandate
The strategy could force Democrats into a difficult vote.
Cancer Doctors Push For Payment Changes
Also, some health companies are trying to improve patient outcomes by using predictive software to deliver care more efficiently, and a company lost another court decision to patent a genetic test.
Uninsured Rate Hits Lowest Point In Five Years
According to a Gallup survey released Monday, the health law appears to be achieving its central goal — reducing the number of Americans without insurance. But NBC News reports that Latinos continue to be more likely to be uninsured than white or black Americans.
HHS Inspector General To Examine Maryland’s Troubled Health Exchange
Rep. Andy Harris, the state’s only Republican member of Congress, requested the investigation even as lawmakers from both parties — who have used the difficulties of the online insurance marketplace in the run up to this year’s gubernatorial election — say they welcome the review. News outlets also track developments in California, New York, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, Colorado and South Carolina.
