Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: February 24, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of Medicare Advantage payment rates, as well as a range of stories about the health law’s Medicaid expansion and online insurance marketplaces.
Feds Propose Medicare Advantage Payment Cuts, Could Have Election Impact
Medicare Advantage is the managed care program, run by private insurance companies, for seniors and disabled people.
Appeals Court Rules Against Notre Dame In Contraception Lawsuit
The 2-1 decision was handed down late Friday.
Public Sector Reduces Part-Time Shifts To Avoid Health Law
Despite the administration’s delays of the employer mandate, cities, counties and public schools have limited part-timers’ work hours so they don’t have to offer health insurance, reports The New York Times. Other media outlets report on targeted enrollment pitches to taxicab drivers, restaurant workers and artists, and on the GOP’s probe of an Accenture contract for work on healthcare.gov.
Private Exchange Benefiting From Health Law; Some State-Run Marketplaces Still Struggling
eHealthInsurance reports that interest in health coverage ginned up by the new federal law has helped new memberships rise 50 percent. Meanwhile, NPR examines the mixed record of the 14 states running their own marketplaces.
Doctors’ Groups Urge Members To Reduce Number Of C-Sections
The move is designed to reduce the risk of unnecessary surgery, but some physicians may resist the effort.
GOP Strategists Prepare To Pounce On Medicare Advantage Payment Changes
The new payment rates for private Medicare Advantage plans — expected to be announced Friday — are likely to become political fodder in the midterm elections, reports Politico. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans come out against proposed changes in the Medicare prescription drug program which they say would increase seniors’ costs.
Justice Dept. Joins In Whistleblower Suit Against Two Hospital Operators
This suit alleges that hospitals operated by Tenet Healthcare and Health Management Associates paid kickbacks to obstetrics clinics for referring certain patients.
Virginia Medicaid Expansion: The House Votes No, But The Senate Votes Yes
The votes will likely set up a conference committee showdown related to the state’s two-year budget plan. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on developments from Arkansas, Mississippi and California.
Political Tactician Applies Skills To Selling Health Insurance
The Washington Post profiles a White House staffer who went from being a field lieutenant in President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign to helping oversee the effort to persuade people to sign up for insurance under the health law.
Viewpoints: Docs On Drugmakers’ Payrolls; No Comparison Shopping In Health Care
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Feds Charge 25 In D.C. With Medicaid Fraud
Investigators said the scheme — which rang up $75 million in fraudulent claims — is the largest in the history of the city.
Legislature News: SEIU, Hospitals, Ore. Governor Cut Deal On Hospital ‘Triple Aim’
Elsewhere, Kansas lawmakers advance a bill that would exempt the state from the health law and some California lawmakers work to restore Medi-Cal cuts.
Research Roundup: Employers And Supreme Court Case On Contraception
This week’s publications include Health Affairs, JAMA Ophthalmology, The Kaiser Family Foundation, JAMA Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Heritage Foundation and The Urban Institute.
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, New York and Massachusetts.
First Edition: February 21, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports checking the status of different state health exchanges as well as efforts to expand Medicaid.
Va. GOP Pushes State House Vote On Medicaid Expansion
The recorded vote, likely to be held Thursday, is designed to demonstrate the sweeping Republican opposition to the expansion, which is one of Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s main legislative goals. In addition, for the second day in a row, Arkansas legislators voted down a Medicaid compromise bill. News outlets also offer related updates from Wyoming, Montana, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and Utah.
Ca. Sign-Ups Continue To Soar — Latino Enrollment Viewed As Critical
Covered California has almost reached its enrollment goal for March 31, according to numbers released Wednesday. Still, the state plans to spend millions on Spanish-language advertising in the weeks remaining before the open enrollment period ends next month.
War of Partisan Words Ramps Up For Election Season
A conservative group and “dozens of Democrats” are adjusting their messages for the midterm election.
