Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Associated Press reports on this development.
Kronick Named To AHRQ Top Spot
Medpage Today reports that Richard Kronick, PhD, will become the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality later this month.
Telemedicine Boosts ER Care For Kids In Rural Areas
New research shows that rural emergency room physicians are increasingly using videoconferences to gain access to specialty care.
GAO: Postal Health Plan Could Add To Retired Workers’ Costs, Impact Medicare
The proposal to opt out of the federal health plan would save billions of dollars but could bring uncertainties for employees.
Keeping NYC Hospitals Open Becomes New Issue In Mayoral Race
In the meantime, New York state health officials have posted a plethora of data online about the state’s hospitals and doctors.
State Highlights: Mental Health Contract Raised Costs In La., Audit Says
A selection of health policy stories from California, Louisiana and the District of Columbia.
Sebelius Urges Texas Leaders To Pitch Plan To Cover Poor
Speaking in Texas, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said it was up to state leaders to propose alternative ways to expand health coverage to the poor. Meanwhile, in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott raised privacy concerns related to so-called navigators, who will be trained to walk people through their insurance options under the health law.
More States Release Prices For Obamacare Plans
The Associated Press reports that Montana released monthly premiums for health insurance plans that will be sold on that state’s exchange while the Connecticut Mirror reports on rates in that state and how the exchange will enable consumers to comparison shop. Also in the news, Kansas insurance agents are encouraged to take an online course so they can sell plans that will be available in Kansas’ online marketplace.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: August 20, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the continued efforts by the Obama administration and some states to raise awareness about the health law’s new insurance options.
Detailing The Health Law’s Implementation Hurdles
Continued opposition to the overhaul is one of the administration’s biggest challenges. In addition, many consumers eligible to buy insurance in new online marketplaces still don’t understand their benefits and obligations under the law. Meanwhile, insurance companies are gearing up to sell policies.
Rates Released For Colorado’s Online Insurance Marketplace; MNsure Launches Paul Bunyan Ad Campaign
The Wall Street Journal explains to readers about the two types of health exchanges – run either by the state or federal government – which are scheduled to begin operating on Oct. 1. Other news outlets report on developments regarding these marketplaces in Minnesota, Colorado, Alabama, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Docs Prescribe More Radiation If They Have Financial Interest In It
Doctors who have a financial interest in prescribing radiation treatment do it more, a congressional study says. In the meantime, new Medicare payment incentives drive a rise in e-prescribing.
Insurers Seek Clarity On Who’s Responsible If Consumers Who Receive Subsidies Don’t Pay Their Share
Insurance officials are asking the Obama administration to make clear who is responsible financially if people who get federal subsidies to buy health insurance don’t pay their premiums.
In Arkansas Race, Candidates Spar Over Who Hates The Health Law More
Meanwhile, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., says during the Sunday talk shows that he expects modifications to the health law to iron out its kinks will be necessary at some point down the road.
State Highlights: Fort Worth To Move Retirees Into Medicare Advantage Plans
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, California, Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois and Oklahoma.
Health Law Critics Raise Privacy Concerns About Navigator Program
Some state attorneys general say the plans for hiring and training navigators don’t have enough consumer safeguards.
News outlets examine how the Medicaid expansion and other health law changes might reshape the program in various locations across the country.
Obama Scolds GOP For Efforts To ‘Gum Up’ The Health Law
In his Saturday address, the president says if Republicans continue to work to undermine the overhaul, they will be doing a disservice to their constituents. But Republican Rep. Capito warns health law is not working and calls for an implementation delay.
