Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the proposed rule released Wednesday by the Obama administration allowing the government to continue to pay for a significant portion of health insurance for lawmakers and Hill staffers.
Some States Say They Won’t Enforce The Health Law’s Insurance Reforms
Six states have taken this position, according to the Texas Tribune. Meanwhile, media outlets report on new developments regarding state activity on the health law’s Medicaid expansion and health exchanges.
Romney Warns Against Linking Efforts To Undo Health Law To Govt. Shutdown Threat
The former GOP presidential hopeful warned fellow Republicans that the party will “suffer” if some lawmakers continue to pursue this strategy.
State Highlights: Wis. AG Says Hospitals Can’t Deny Admitting Privileges To Abortion Docs
A selection of health policy stories from Wisconsin, New York, Oregon, Connecticut, California, Pennsylvania and Nevada.
CDC: Some States Report Decreasing Rates Of Childhood Obesity
Small but significant declines in obesity among low-income preschoolers were found in 18 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands from 2008 to 2011.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Isn’t A ‘Job-Killing’ Law; Hometown Insurer Aetna Pulls Out Of Conn. Exchange
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mostashari Steps Down From Top Federal Health IT Post
Dr. Farzad Mostashari, the national coordinator for health information technology, announced Tuesday he will step down this fall.
IG Report: Security Testing For Obamacare Data Hub Behind Schedule
News outlets report that a May review of the implementation of the health insurance exchange data hub found the contractor paid to develop security features is months behind on testing them. The Department of Health and Human Services responded that the review was several months old, “and significant progress has been made since then.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how deadlines have been missed regarding tests for the health cxchange privacy system.
Sebelius Disputes ‘Rate Shock,’ Assures Exchanges’ Readiness
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a call with reporters yesterday that the agency is “on target” to open new online marketplaces Oct. 1. She also spoke about personal “Obamacare” accounts which consumers can begin creating now in advance of being able to shop for plans.
State Highlights: Va. Governor Hopefuls Talk Mental Health, Medicaid Expansion
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and California.
In Maine, A First Look At Rates For Health Plans Available On The Exchange
News outlets also report on state efforts to implement the health law’s online insurance marketplaces in Connecticut and Hawaii.
Doc-Owned Hospitals Thriving In Texas Despite Ban From Medicare, Medicaid
In the meantime, Brooklyn deals with imminent hospital closures and what it means for care in the New York City borough.
Survey: Consumers Reluctant To Enter Health Care’s Digital Age
The Wall Street Journal reports on findings from a recent survey highligting this trend.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Marketing Challenge; GOP Not To Blame For Implementation Challenges
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Hospitals To Face More Severe Penalties For Patients’ Readmissions
News coverage continues regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ hospital readmissions reduction program with details of a final rule released Friday and a local look at how hospitals are faring in Georgia and Missouri.
Employers’ Coalition Seeks Mandate Delay ‘Clarity’
In addition, the Obama administration’s decision to delay the health law’s employer mandate is having a ripple effect regarding other initiatives.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the readiness of the health law’s insurance online marketplaces for the Oct. 1 enrollment kick-off date.
Consumers Can Take First Step To Enrolling In New Insurance Options Today
Consumers in most states can start the process of enrolling in Obamacare today, but they won’t be able to compare health insurance prices or buy coverage in the new federally run online insurance marketplaces until Oct. 1, administration officials said Monday.
GOP Still Embroiled In Intra-Party Split Over Govt. Shutdown And Efforts To Defund The Health Law
Some Republican governors are urging members of Congress to step away from the government shutdown threat. And while some GOP leaders are signaling that efforts to gut health law funding will not be considered in this fall’s budget battle, rank-and-file lawmakers have opinions of their own.
