Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mulling The Pros And Cons Of A Govt. Shutdown
Congressioinal Republicans are at odds about whether they should try to block all funding for the health law’s implementation — even if it triggers a government shutdown. Some say it wouldn’t work anyway and might bring with it a high political cost. But a new poll shows blame would likely be split evenly between Democrats and the GOP.
State Highlights: Ga. Waits For Fed Approval On Provider Fee
A selection of health policy stories from Missouri, Georgia, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, West Virginia, New York and Minnesota.
Longer Looks: Fight Against Meth Labs Faces Drug Makers’ Opposition
This week’s articles come from The Fresno Bee, Health Affairs, The Atlantic and Mother Jones.
First Edition: August 15, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a range of health law implementation issues as well as whether the battle over the overhaul is worth a government shutdown.
In Efforts To Implement The Health Law, Delays Stack Up
Recent news coverage has focused on a delay until 2015 for the overhaul’s provision that limits out-of-pocket costs for some patients.
Anticipation Leads To Questions — Will The Health Exchanges Work?
McClatchy asks the central question: “Will it be smooth sailing or a ‘train wreck’?” Meanwhile, other news outlets report on issues such as how experts view the possibility of rate shock when consumers shop for coverage from these online marketplaces, as well as other related developments in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Georgia, Ohio and Colorado.
ASU’s Temporary Faculty Faces Reduced Hours — Many Blame The Health Law
In other implementation news, the Internal Revenue Service has finalized its rule for sharing taxpayer information with states and other agencies, while provider groups are protesting a federal rule that would put them at financial risk when patients fail to pay their health insurance premiums.
State Highlights: UnitedHealthcare Claims Ga. ‘Rigged’ Contract
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, California, Nevada and Florida.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Law Still A Hot Topic In Town Hall Meetings And On The Campaign Trail
During Congress’s August break, GOP lawmakers, armed with talking points, are maintaining strong positions against the overhaul and getting positive reinforcment from some of their constituents.
Talking Up The Health Law To Educate Consumers
News outlets report that a variety of health law advocates — ranging from federal, state and local officials to retirees and grassroots volunteers — are hitting the streets and knocking on doors to inform people about the law and counter what some say is “misinformation.”
Fla. Hospitals Reduce Hospital Readmissions By 15 Percent
The initiative headed by the Florida Hospital Association also reduced readmission rates for surgical complications and bloodstream infections and saved millions at 160 hospitals, it says.
Tax Credits: How Much Should Health Exchange Shoppers Expect?
A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation concludes that about half of the consumers who currently buy their own health insurance would qualify for federal subsidies to purchase coverage on the new online marketplaces.
Calif. Lawmakers Advance Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist Scope-Of-Practice Bills
The legislation will likely rally opposition over care quality concerns, even as the nurse bill loses a key supporter.
First Edition: August 14, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major media organizations, including news about a report that provides some insights into who will qualify for the health law’s insurance subsidies and how much those people might get.
The Countdown’s On To Opening Day, But Enrollment Challenges Persist
Stateline reports on Enroll America’s plan to focus on 10 states as it tries to get the uninsured enrolled in plans offered on the new online insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, the Senate’s top Republican, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is asking the administration to delay the exchanges because of data security concerns.
Administration Delays Health Law’s Limit On Some Out-Of-Pocket Consumer Costs
The New York Times reports that the change was included in a Department of Labor rule issued in February. Also in the news, KHN details the complex chocies the overhaul presents for people with disabilities and Bloomberg notes a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge allowing Oklahoma’s legal challenge to the law to proceed.
Sebelius Signals Openness To State Alternatives To Medicaid Expansion
Speaking to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said she is willing to work with states experimenting with new ways to insure poor Americans. Meanwhile, outlets in Virginia and Michigan report on the debate in those states about expanding the program.
State Highlights: Texas Waits For Feds’ OK On Higher Medicaid Payments
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas and Michigan.
AMA Criticizes Proposed 2014 Medicare Fee Schedule
Modern Healthcare reports the the doctors’ organization also advanced a defense of the controversial RUC.
