Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 19, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how public perceptions and political opposition continue to swirl around the health law’s implementation.
HHS Awards Grants To Aid In Health Law Navigation
The grants are part of the health law’s outreach and assistance efforts — both of which are viewed as being among the linchpins to the law’s success.
Planned Parenthood Among Groups Tapped To Receive Health Law Grants
Three state-based Planned Parenthood groups were awarded funds to help educate consumers about the insurance options available from the overhaul’s online insurance marketplaces. Other news outlets highlight various other organizations that received funding to be ‘navigators.’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Capitol Hill Health Plan Fix Could Include Abortion Coverage
Access to abortion coverage is not offered to other federal employees who get health insurance through the government’s plan. In other congressional news, more analysis of the possible budget battles that could occur over a threatened government shutdown and funds to implement the health law.
Sebelius On Making The Health Law Work
Key to achieving that goal, she said during an interview with USA Today, are navigators who will help educate the public about the health law’s options.
State Highlights: Pushback By Penn State Employees; Medi-Cal Cuts Loom
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
A California Audit Finds Oversight Lacking In Regard To Mental Health Spending
News outlets report the review concluded that the state has failed to properly monitor programs funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
Research Roundup: Doctors Aren’t Paid To Talk; Savings From High-Deductible Plans
This week’s studies come from the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA Internal Medicine, the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, The Rand Corporation and media outlets.
First Edition: August 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the $67 million in grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services to help groups assist consumers in navigating the health law.
As The Health Law Reshapes The Marketplace, Concerns Emerge
Narrow networks and other efforts to control steps are gaining media attention.
States Continue To Wrestle With Health Law Implementation Issues
Even as a Arkansas effort by a private group to block the health law appears to be falling short, states like Missouri continue to contemplate expanding Medicaid, and, in California, the health exchange experiences growing pains.
Analysis: Physicians Worried About Lawsuits Tend To Order Extra Diagnostic Tests
Reuters reports on a new study.
Critical-Access Hospitals Would Face Funding Trims Under New Plan
The proposal, advanced as part of a report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, would curb enhanced payments to as many as two-thirds of these facilities.
Medicare Changes Appear To Be Driving Reduced Used Of Dialysis Drugs
The Washington Post reports on a new study, which finds Food and Drug Administration warnings did not cause a sharp drop in the use of these drugs.
Mo. Lawmaker Readies Challenge To State Coverage For Sterilization, Contraceptives
A lawmaker in Missouri prepares to challenge the state government’s insurance coverage that includes sterilization and contraceptives. In the meantime, a group prepares to appeal a ruling upholding the health law’s contraception coverage mandate to the Supreme Court.
DOD Says Same-Sex Spouses To Get Benefits In Early September
By early September, gay spouses of military members will get full benefits, including health care coverage. The Department of Defense said the benefits will be retroactive to the Supreme Court decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act in June.
Health Law Promises To Be A Boon For Advertisers
Already, TV executives expect insurers alone to spend as much as $1 billion. Meanwhile, the pro-health law group Organizing for Action released its latest spot.
GOP Operatives Struggle To Find Message On Health Care, Other Major Issues
As the Republican National Committee holds its summer meeting, leaders like former presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich and Ohio Gov. John Kasich highlight the need to advance solutions to the nation’s health care challenges, rather than being the party that only says “no” to Obamacare.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
