Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: Nation’s Older Population Strains Budgets In Northeast
A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, Alaska, Texas, Oregon and California.
AFL-CIO Ramps Up Criticism Of Health Law
The labor federation approved a resolution Wednesday urging changes to parts of President Barack Obama’s health care law that it says would drive up the costs of union-sponsored health plans to the point that workers and employers would abandon them.
Longer Looks: Understanding the Mind; Facebook Depression; Planning For A Successful End Of Life
This week’s selections come from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, NBC News and The New Yorker.
First Edition: September 12, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a range of stories related to the politics and policies in play as Oct. 1 — the health law’s big day — quickly approaches.
Some House GOP Lawmakers Take Hard Line Position Against Health Law Funding In Debt Limit Debate
As Republican leaders unveiled a plan to avert a government shutdown, they faced the challenge of building support for the proposal within their own ranks because it does not defund the health law. Some within the caucus reacted with skepticism. But, if enough support can be shored up, a vote could be scheduled as early as Thursday.
Federal Officials, Contractors Give Health Exchange ‘Data Hub’ Thumbs Up
Several contractors gave positive reports about their readiness to launch the health law’s new online marketplaces Oct. 1 at a House hearing Tuesday, although one expert predicted a “rocky start,” and several Republicans said they were not reassured.
State Highlights: S.F. Suing Nevada Over ‘Dumped’ Patients
A selection of health policy stories from California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Georgia and Oregon.
Big Changes For Addiction Treatment Predicted Under Obamacare
An estimated 40 million people could enter treatment because the health law recognizes drug addiction and alcoholism as chronic diseases that must be covered by insurance plans, according to the California Health Report. Other news outlets report that Tennessee officials blame Obamacare for the shutdown of a state program that covered 16,000 people but didn’t meet the law’s coverage requirements and also how scam artists are trying to cash in on people’s confusion over the law.
FDA Takes Steps To Restrict The Use Of Pain Meds
The Food and Drug Administration will require a class-wide label change for long-acting opioids aimed at limiting use of these drugs to patients with severe, refractory pain.
Some Big Insurers ‘MIA’ From State-Based Exchanges
CNN reports that health plans such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna are practicing watchful waiting to see how the launch of these online marketplaces and the 2014 push to expand coverage rolls out. Meanwhile, California’s exchange will be ready, according to its executive director, and most uninsured Kentuckians will receive discounts, says the governor.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Parsing Obamacare’s Impact On Employment
A new survey shows that despite worries about the health care law, chief financial officers anticipate improved hiring conditions over the next year, according to CBS News. Other media outlets report on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s challenge to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to visit Seaworld where he says employees’ part-time hours have been capped to avoid the requirement that they be offered health coverage.
First Edition: September 11, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that some House GOP lawmakers are taking a hard line against funding for the health law in the ongoing debate about raising the nation’s debt limit.
Covered California ‘On Track’ To Launch Enrollment Oct. 1
The California state agency implementing the health law said computer tests indicate the website will be ready to go on the launch date. Also in the news, organizations and businesses dig into efforts to promote enrollment in the overhaul’s new online insurance marketplaces, but political battles continue to surround the “navigator” program.
New Medicaid Enrollees Under Health Law More Likely To Be Younger, Healthier
States expanding Medicaid under Obamacare are likely to see more people who are healthier, thinner, white and male, according to a study in the Annals of Family Medicine. Another Health Affairs study finds the expansion could pay for health care for the chronically homeless, thereby saving money for states and local governments.
New Types Of Choices, Expertise Add Value To Idea Of ‘Aging In Place’
The New York Times reports on this trend in geriatric care.
Health Exchanges Will Help Some Retirees Bridge The Medicare Gap
The New York Times reports on how the health law may assist some retired people who do not yet qualify for Medicare obtain affordable health insurance. In addition, Kaiser Health News details how the health law does and does not intersect with Medicare.
The Health Law Could Add An Extra Pinch At Tax Time For Some Consumers
The Wall Street Journal reports that some people who receive government help to buy coverage could find they owe Uncle Sam money at tax time. Meanwhile, a new online poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos examines the question of whether young, unisured people will buy into the health law’s new insurance offerings.
House To Consider Measure To Hold Obamacare Exchange Subsidies Until Applicants’ Income Is Verified
In other news on Capitol Hill: Sen. McConnell’s close ties to Humana are examined, the Senate eyes legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration greater oversight of compounding pharmacies, and Republican lawmakers are questioning Obamacare’s hiring practices.
A selection of health policy stories from Texas and California.
