Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the White House’s strategy for building support for the health law.
Some GOP Lawmakers Advance Plan For Health Law Showdown
Politico reports that a feud is brewing among Republicans about whether to use a government funding measure to choke off funding for the law’s implementation ahead of this fall’s budget battles.
Buying Obamacare Coverage Online May Require More Than Clicks
The Associated Press notes that shopping online for health insurance this fall may not be as easy as supporters have described since some tools may not be in place by Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Politico reports on warnings by Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, that consumers who misreport their income to qualify for insurance subsidies will have to pay them back the following year.
Research Roundup: Even Parents With A Pediatrician Often Choose Retail Clinics
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA, The Kaiser Family Foundation and news outlets.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Coalition Begins Effort For Ballot Initiative To Lift California’s Malpractice Cap
Supporters hope their proposal will qualify for the November 2014 ballot. In response, a second coalition — this one consisting of doctors and hospitals — is working to defeat the measure.
State Highlights: Officials Fight N.Y. Hospital Reopening After Sandy
A selection of health policy stories from New York, North Carolina, Arkansas, Florida and California.
Deals Between Surgeons, Medical-Device Makers Draw Scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal reports on a civil investigation into a network of physician-owned spinal-implant distributorships. Also, the Center for Public Integrity notes that budget cuts could cause several high-profile federal health-care fraud and abuse investigations to be scaled back.
Florida Blue To Get Reorganization Hearing Despite Conflict Worries
In the meantime, Georgia officials plan to change a bid process for a state employees health benefits contract after UnitedHealthcare protested one contract award.
Look Who Is Talking About Obamacare …
The Obama administration is enlisting help in educating the public about the health law from a range of sources — female bloggers, a comedy website and even the Washington Nationals’ presidential mascot.
New Poll Gauges ‘Politically Precarious’ Status Of Health Law
Also in the news, the vice president of a popular restaurant chain discusses how his business might respond to the health law’s coverage mandates.
CVS To Help Customers Learn About Health Law’s Coverage Options
CVS Caremark plans to launch an outreach campaign this fall that will include having so-called “navigators,” or specially trained guides, working in stores to give people individualized help.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about an effort by some GOP lawmakers to force a government showdown over health law funding.
Success Of Health Law’s Exchanges Rides On Young People
Meanwhile, the Associated Press estimates that outreach and advertising for the law will cost more than $684 million.
Crunch Time In The Countdown To Health Exchanges’ Opening Day
News reports also offer insights to how these online marketplaces are taking shape in Oregon and Connecticut.
WellPoint 2nd Quarter Earnings Jump 24%; Company Lists Future Possibilities
The nation’s second-largest health insurer also outlined the benefits it expects to reap from the health law and other growth opportunities.
Two GOP Senators Push To Choke Off IRS Health Law Implementation Funds
Also in the news, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is positioning himself to be the lead sponsor of legislation that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. Meanwhile, the nursing home industry is stepping up its lobbying efforts to protect its Medicare funding.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
IOM Urges Congress Not To Shift Medicare Payments To Pay More In Areas With Low Costs
A panel of experts says the government should by wary of suggestions that cutting payments to high cost areas and rewarding low-cost areas would help improve care and reduce Medicare costs.
GAO Analysis: Health Premiums Vary Widely
The Government Accountability Office report, which is based on prices reported by insurers, shows that consumers face a wide range of premium prices, deductibles and annual exposure to out-of-pocket costs.
