Latest KFF Health News Stories
Poll: Americans Divided On Health Law But Oppose Defunding It
A majority of Americans don’t want to defund Obamacare, even as they remain divided on liking the law. The poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation also found that 51 percent of Americans don’t understand how the law will affect them. (KHN is an editorially independent program of the Foundation.)
Some Insurers Refusing To Pay For Proton-Beam Cancer Therapy
Blue Shield of California joins two other insurers who contend that other cancer treatments are just as good, and far less expensive.
After Voting To Cut Payments To Dialysis Clinics, Many Lawmakers Seek A Reversal
On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers are rethinking the Medicare policy for kidney patients because clinics argue they may have to close or cut services. Elsewhere, the president of the American Medical Association is optimistic Congress will change Medicare’s payment formula, and a Republican senator wants all congressional staff to get coverage in Obamacare’s exchanges.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Search For, Reap Benefits From Programs To Lower Health Care Costs
Bloomberg explores the heavy financial toll of caring for a loved one with a disability. In the meantime, as states like Minnesota, Oklahoma and Florida see slower health care cost growth through implementing novel programs, others — like Nevada and Wisconsin — search for the magic tonic to lower their own costs.
State Highlights: Calif. Dems Propose Alternative Prison Care Plan
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Georgia, Massachusetts and Kansas.
First Edition: August 29, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about ongoing fiscal fights surrounding efforts to raise the nation’s debt limit and to defund the health law. Also, the White House enlists former President Bill Clinton to help spread the word about the overhaul.
Michigan Senate Approves Expansion Of Medicaid
The vote was a victory for Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who pushed for passage, bucking the sentiments of many in his party. It is now all but certain that nearly half a million residents will gain coverage when Michigan joins the list of states opting to expand the program under the federal health law.
Obama Administration Releases Final Rules For Individual Mandate
The rules codify the penalties under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, as well as who will be exempt from them.
Deadline Delayed For Finalizing Details With Insurance Plans On Federal Exchanges
Reuters reports these agreements are not likely to be signed until mid-September. Also in the news, the race is on to train navigators while in Washington state, Group Health will omit abortion coverage in exchange plans. And Republicans on Capitol Hill offer a new plan for insuring government officials.
Sarah Palin Signs Up To Boost ‘Defund Obamacare’ Effort
Battles over funding Obamacare continue as both sides lay plans to raise their voices over the other. In the meantime, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin backs a GOP plan to deny federal government operating funds unless Obamacare funding is left out.
Wal-Mart To Offer Health Benefits To Same-Sex Partners Of Employees
The nation’s largest private employer said it’s making the move to have one policy for the entire company, which must otherwise navigate each state’s laws regarding civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Polls Offer Insights About How The Health Law Is Playing Out
One poll, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that the public is increasingly aware of the health law and its online insurance marketplaces, but what they are hearing is not necessarily from sources they trust the most. Another survey by Deft Research found that older people are more likely to duck the individual mandate due to cost concerns.
New Models For Care Coordination And Accountability Cut Costs, Study Finds
The study, published in Tuesday’s Journal of the American Medical Association, examined how some approaches that lower spending and improve quality for one set of patients could spill over and benefit other patients.
Viewpoints: Upton Says GOP Health Ideas Overlooked; Tying Insurance To Jobs Is A Bad Idea
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Fla. Nursing Homes Quietly Drop Pediatric Units
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Florida, Virginia, California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
First Edition: August 28, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the vote by Michigan lawmakers to expand Medicaid.
Health Law In Cross Hairs As Debt-Limit Deadline Approaches
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said Monday the nation will hit its debt limit in mid-October, setting up a potential clash between the White House and some House Republicans who say they will tie their votes on raising the debt ceiling to defunding the health law. Also in the news, a survey of business economists cites future deficits as the nation’s most pressing problem, which will be exacerbated by aging baby boomers reliant on Social Security and Medicare.
What’s The Real Start Date For Health Exchanges? Oct. 1 Or Jan. 1?
The Washington Post asks this question, and offers Jan. 1 as the answer because it is the day the health law’s individual mandate takes effect and the policies purchased from the new online insurance marketplaces kick in. The Oct. 1 date is the “soft launch.” Meanwhile, progress reports from Colorado, Washington and California on the health exchanges.
Use Of Antipsychotics Down Among Nursing Home Residents
The Wall Street Journal reports on a two-year federal effort to reach targets of reduced anti-psychotic drug use.
