Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP To Challenge Health Law’s Definition Of Full-Time Worker
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor says Republicans will seek to change the law’s definition of full-time workers to those logging more than 40 hours a week. Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Grassley criticizes the administration’s response to questions about whether insurers must accept third-party payments to cover an enrollee’s premiums.
In Maryland, Support Is Solid For Health Overhaul, State’s Exchange
A new poll finds 55 percent of state residents back the federal health law, even as Maryland plans to spend $2 million to address a problem with the online insurance marketplace. In related news, the deadline is approaching for states to spend federal grants they received to set up exchanges.
Viewpoints: Democrats Turn Tail; Amending ACA Is Tough; Belgium Takes Hard Stance On Dying Kids
A selection editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Ky. Malpractice Bill; DOJ Enters Whistleblower Case
A selection of health policy stories from Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, California, Colorado and Florida.
Delayed Obamacare Deadlines ‘Far From Unprecedented’
From pollution controls and maritime safety rules to financial regulations, enforcement of complicated new laws has often been delayed, Bloomberg News reports. Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday it would be a good start if 5 to 6 million people sign up for new health law policies by March 31, an acknowledgement that enrollments might fall short of the unofficial 7 million target.
Longer Looks: Doctor Training For ADHD, Obamacare And Epilepsy, Clues In A Drop Of Blood
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, Salon, Politico, Slate, Wired and Notre Dame Magazine.
First Edition: February 20, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Medicaid expansion challenges in Virginia and Arkansas.
The Health Law’s Changing World Order
News outlets report on how consumers, employers and even providers are grappling with a score of emerging issues — ranging from health care costs and demand to the challenges of trying to understand the complexities of the marketplace.
Ark. House Vote Falls Short For ‘Private Option’ Medicaid Expansion
Also in the news, other states — including Missouri, Wyoming and Utah — continue to contemplate their own efforts to expand the program or health insurance coverage for low-income people.
Examining Wide Price Differences In The Insurance Marketplace
An NPR segment looks at how the cost of insurance varies across the country. Also, it offers a report on Colorado’s efforts to set up a system for consumers to find out what medical procedures cost.
State Highlights: Kan. Eyes Health Law Opt-Out; Calif. Voters Could Set Malpractice Cap
A selection of health policy stories from Kansas, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Florida, Maryland and Georgia.
Beta Version Of Cover Oregon Gets Mixed Reviews
The troubled Cover Oregon insurance exchange unveiled its long-awaited beta website to mixed reviews Tuesday. Meanwhile, Humana announced it will waive fees for enrollees who bought plans on the Mississippi exchange who see a doctor by the end of June for a non-preventive visit. Also, Republicans probe state websites which are still having major problems.
1 in 4 Check Online Doctor Ratings
And 59 percent of people think those ratings are at least “somewhat important.”
No ‘Job Loss’ Results From The Health Law, Sebelius Says
Countering GOP claims that stemmed from a recent Congressional Budget Office report, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius argued that no evidence supports the idea that the overhaul will drive down employment.
Viewpoints: ‘Sham Surgery’ For Research; Bigger Hospitals May Not Bring Better Care
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: February 19, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the doubts that now surround Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion plan — a compromise plan that has gained national attention.
Automated Obamacare Payment System Months From Completion
Meanwhile, California, Texas and Arizona exchanges do poorly at enrolling Latinos, while in Oregon, insurance agents and other consumer guides hope to get their first look today at an overhauled website. In Texas, a campaign targets neighborhoods with high rates of uninsured residents.
Va. Finance Panel Advances Alternate Approach To Expanding Medicaid
The state’s Senate Finance Committee proposed using funding set aside to pursue an expansion of the traditional Medicaid program to help as many as 400,000 state residents buy private insurance. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, the private alternative faces a critical vote. News outlets also provide other updates related to the Medicaid expansion from California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.
Some Older Americans Get Relief From Health Law
The Associated Press reports that people in their 50s and 60s who lost jobs during the recession are signing up for new coverage in large numbers.
Long-Term Care Insurance Costs Up After Insurer Miscalculations
Prices to buy long-term care insurance have risen during the last few years after insurance company mistakes came to light.
