Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 24, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that a federal district court judge in Missouri has blocked state officials from restricting groups efforts to help people sign up for coverage as part of the federal health law.
Survey Finds Modest Drop In January Uninsured Rate
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index found that the uninsured rate for U.S. adults dropped by 1.2 percentage points in January as the health law’s coverage expansion took effect, with the biggest change seen among unemployed people and nonwhites.
In Calif., Anthem Leads In Enrollment; Md. Glitches Blamed On IBM Software
News outlets report on how state health exchanges and enrollment outreach efforts are proceeding.
Big Jump In Medicaid Signups Reported
More than 6.3 million people were found eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program since October, but it is unclear how many are newly insured since recipients must re-enroll each year. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urges mayors to push their states to expand the program. News outlets also look at developments in Virginia and Florida.
Checking The Facts: Policy Cancellations And Healthcare.gov Enrollment
The Washington Post examines the landmines associated with these statistics. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports on a new lawsuit in which a man claims Humana raised his premiums and then refused to honor his request to cancel the policy.
Abortion Opponents Mark Roe V. Wade Anniversary With D.C. Protest
The annual March for Life rally was held amidst frigid temperatures on the National Mall, marking the decision’s 41st anniversary.
Aetna CEO: Americans Have ‘Unsustainable Attitude’ About Increasing Health Care Costs
Bloomberg reports on comments made by Mark Bertolini about the U.S. health care system.
State Highlights: Minn. Improves Hospital Safety
A selection of health policy news from Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Iowa and Virginia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Experts predict that more employers with large numbers of part-time workers will follow as they attempt to keep costs low.
Looking Ahead: The President’s State Of The Union Address Talking Points
The Washington Post notes that key among President Barack Obama’s messages will be the defense of the health law.
Longer Looks: Leaving Antidepressants; The Lack Of Tech-Savvy Doctors
This week’s articles come from Al Jazeera, The Atlantic, Medscape, KevinMD and The New Yorker.
First Edition: January 23, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new survey indicating that the nation’s uninsured rate dropped modestly this month.
Target To Drop Health Coverage For Part-Time Workers
A corporate blog post by the company’s human resources chief cited the health plans now available on public health exchanges as part of Target’s decision, as well as the fact that only about 10 percent of its estimated 360,000 employees participated in the plan that is being discontinued. Those workers will be given $500 because their current coverage is ending.
Despite Gains, Covered California Lags With Latinos
California’s health exchange has enrolled more than 625,000 people in private insurance plans, but the state’s struggle to reach uninsured Latinos is drawing criticism.
Arkansas Official: No Back-Up If ‘Private Option’ Medicaid Expansion Is Blocked
The head of Arkansas’ Department of Human Services said he doesn’t have an alternative budget if lawmakers block the state’s Medicaid expansion plan when they reconvene next month. Meanwhile, news outlets in Florida, Idaho and Maine report on debates over whether to pursue the expansion.
State Highlights: N.Y. Hospitals Wait For Medicaid Waiver
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Washington and Georgia.
High Court Justices Debate Union Rights For Home Health Care Workers
The case was argued before the Supreme Court Tuesday and the justices seemed split. Justice Antonin Scalia may be the swing vote.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Maryland Advances Bill To Cover Frustrated Applicants
The Maryland Senate has sent the House of Delegates a measure to provide immediate health insurance to people who sought unsuccessfully to enroll in the state’s troubled health exchange. Meanwhile, Texas’ top insurance regulator released new rules for navigators and Minnesota’s exchange woes are covered.
