Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Warns Texas Gov. Against Adding ‘Cumbersome Requirements’ For Navigators
The federal letter comes in response to an effort by Gov. Perry to tighten rules to protect consumers’ confidential information. Also in news about the efforts to get the online marketplaces running, federal and some state officials again pledge that exchanges will be ready for operation on Oct. 1, but the Wall Street Journal reports on some new glitches.
Supreme Court May Hear Challenge To Obamacare’s Contraception Rules
Some companies object to the health law’s requirement that contraception services for women be provided free as part of a preventive care package.
‘Creepy Uncle Sam’ Urges Young To Stay Away From Obamacare
A Virginia-based conservative group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers launched a campaign this week urging young people to “opt-out” of the law’s mandate that all Americans have health insurance. Their first online ads feature young people going for doctor appointments, only to have a “Creepy Uncle Sam” pop up, ready to look them over.
Home Depot Will Send Part-Timers To Health Insurance Exchanges
The giant home improvement chain said it will send almost 20,000 part-time employees to the health law’s online marketplaces for insurance. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that small businesses are racing to renew their health policies before year’s end to avoid having to comply with the health law’s requirements, which take effect Jan. 1.
Research Roundup: ‘Cadillac’ Plan Taxes; Long-Term Care Services
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Commonwealth Fund, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Urban Institute, the Connecticut Health Foundation and news outlets.
Longer Looks: Psychology Of Gun Control; Saying Goodbye; Questioning ADHD
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, The Atlantic and Salon.
First Edition: September 20, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on the Capitol Hill hijinx surrounding efforts to defund the health law and avert a government shutdown.
House To Vote Friday On Bill Tying Govt. Funding To Repeal Effort
News outlets report that the decision by the House GOP leadership to link the two efforts increases the likelihood of a government shutdown.
House GOP Lambasts Senate Republicans For Caving On Obamacare
The showdown over the health law that some expected would unify the party has turned into a war of words between House and Senate colleagues. Meanwhile, Politico reports that while most people are focused on the threat of a government shutdown, the bigger threat is a U.S. debt default.
State Highlights: Penn State Ends Health Plan Penalty
A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Oregon and Texas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mental Health Questions Re-Emerge After Shooting Deaths In Washington
Mental health is again front and center in the gun control debate with some consensus on Capitol Hill that more resources are needed to treat the mentally ill. A new study also examines the relationship between gun ownership and mental illness in several countries.
Stateline examines concerns about what could go wrong and other news outlets look at enrollment, outreach and implementation efforts for the online marketplaces that will sell insurance policies.
Obama Focuses Attention On Fiscal Risks Involved In GOP Health Law Defunding Strategy
President Barack Obama issues tough talk about Capitol Hill during a speech to the Business Roundtable. Meanwhile, JP Morgan Chase & Co. backs away from a research note in which it predicted a delay was imminent in the launch of key provisions of the health law.
States Hammering Out Medicaid Decisions On Qualifications, Expansion
In news about state Medicaid expansions, a hospital association in Missouri explores the state’s place nationally and globally in caring for its poor. Elsewhere, Pennsylvania could require those out-of-work and on Medicaid to look for a job, and South Dakota mulls expanding the program.
House Conservatives Offer Obamacare Alternative
The legislation, advanced by the Republican Study Committee, would expand tax breaks for people who buy their own health insurance and increase funding for high-risk pools.
The clinic will offer a voluntary early retirement package to about 3,000 employees.
Who’s Leading The Charge? Politicians Jockey For Position In Battle To Undo Health Law
With a House vote set for Friday on a bill to strip the health law of funding and to avert a government shutdown, House and Senate lawmakers, state officials and other politicans angle for advantage.
Reprieve Over? Health Spending Projected To Climb 6% Next Year
The nation’s health care spending is slated to rise about 6 percent next year, according to a new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services report. This follows five years of slower growth expected to end as the nation’s economy recovers and the health law expands coverage. The spending increase is likely lower than it would have been, however, if the Supreme Court hadn’t allowed states to choose whether to expand Medicaid, researchers wrote.
Panel Chairman Describes ‘Narrow Window’ To Address Long-Term Care Issues
The Washington Post interviewed the chairman of a federal commission on long-term care, which released its recommendations to improve the system Wednesday. In the meantime, California eyes its own reforms.
