Latest KFF Health News Stories
CBO: Republican ‘Fix’ To Health Law Would Hurt Coverage, Cost $74 Billion
The Congressional Budget Office report comes out as House Speaker John Boehner discusses whether there’s a future for a GOP bill.
GOP Signals It Would Attack Hillary Clinton On Health Care
The Wall Street Journal reports that Republican strategists say they would target Clinton’s stance on health care, should she run for president.
Ads Critical Of The Health Law Trigger Attacks And Counter Attacks
The Washington Post fact checks another Americans for Prosperity ad featuring a so-called “Obamacare” victim, and the AFP president responded to criticism waged at the group by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Utah Gov. Rejects Full Medicaid Expansion, Opts Instead For ‘Private’ Plan
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert unveiled a proposal that would use federal money to help qualifying state residents buy private health insurance and would, he said, keep the state in control of the program. In Virginia, the political back-and-forth over expanding the program continues.
President’s Budget To Include Billions For Training New Doctors
President Barack Obama’s budget will be released next week.
Maryland Exchange Can’t Tell Whether Medicaid Enrollees Are Still Eligible
The state is unable to determine whether current enrollees continue to qualify for the state-federal program for the poor as a result of a glitch which officials estimate could cost $30.5 million over two years.
Despite Appearances, Agreement Exists About Some Health Care Improvements
USA Today notes that consensus can be found regarding five steps. In other implementation news, NBC News reports on a new service being offered by some tax preparers — health insurance enrollment.
State Highlights: N.C. Medicaid Reform Plan Unveiled
A selection of health policy stories from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, New York, and North Carolina.
Viewpoints: The Evolution Of Medicare; Generic Drugs And Patient Safety; New Food Labels
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Medicaid Peer Support; ACA’s Asset Rules For Coverage
This week’s studies come from Medicare & Medicaid Research Review, the Journal of Medical Internet Research, Dartmouth Institute, the National Academy for State Health Policy, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health Affairs, the National Institute for Health Care Reform and the Center for Studying Health System Change.
First Edition: February 28, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the latest developments for those states that are running their own health insurance exchanges and facing difficulties.
State Highlights: N.C.’s Medicaid Managed Care Proposal
A selection of health policy stories from North Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Colorado.
Medicaid Expansion Continues To Trigger State House Debate, Strong Opinions
In states such as Virginia, Maine and Utah, lawmakers hold entrenched positions about whether to pursue this provision of the health law.
Online Insurance Shoppers May Soon Turn To Third-Party Sites
The Washington Post reports that as officials work toward the final enrollment season push, the administration is turning to some private entrepreneurs to help sign up people. Also, the Los Angeles Times examines how many young people are signing up.
Co-Op Plans Report Early Successes As Well As Challenges
News outlets look at the nonprofit co-op plans established by the health law.
Biden, Hillary Clinton Promote Health Law
The vice president’s office will reach out to groups this week. Clinton, on a visit to Florida, offered a defense of the law, but said she was open to changes that could help small business owners.
Will GOP Candidates Profit From Laser-Like Focus On Health Law?
Some Republicans worry the focus, which includes nearly every advertising dollar, is too heavy a bet. Meanwhile a Senate race in Colorado is shaping up to be one where health care issues play big.
New Nutrition Labels To Highlight Calories, Added Sugar
First Lady Michelle Obama will introduce the new labeling, which will have greater focus on calories and added sugar.
Medicare Part D Cost-Saving Plan Draws Opposition On Several Fronts
Among other things, the proposal would limit the types of antidepressants — and other kinds of drugs — that are available to Medicare beneficiaries. Drug industry and insurer groups are lining up against the change.
House GOP Group Drafting Health Law Alternative
Also, Sen. Rand Paul takes aim at President Obama’s nominee for surgeon general over the pick’s political work, but the Senate may still hold a confirmation vote.
