Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fight Brews Over Abortion Coverage In Va.’s Health Insurance Exchange
Abortion coverage could be banned in Virginia’s health insurance exchange if an amendment pushed by Gov. Bob McDonnell wins legislative approval. The bill faces an uncertain outcome in the state Senate.
State Roundup: Calif. Hires Consumer Group To Help Review Coverage Rates
A selection of health policy stories from California, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania.
States Continue Efforts To Find Their Own Way Forward On Medicaid Expansion
Today’s news regarding this health law provision comes from developments in Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Texas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from across the country.
Some Groups Urge HHS To Reverse Delay On Small-Businesss Insurance Program
The Obama administration announced Monday that it will delay — until 2015 — offering a choice of plans within health insurance marketplaces specifically for small businesses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest round of payment rates for private Medicare plans led to stock market gains for insurers.
Why You May Want To Reconsider That Plan With A Health Savings Account
Health plans with HSAs have limitations, and they could make a big difference in what consumers pay.
Image Sharing Aims To Reduce Need For Repeat Scans
Several state and regional health-information exchanges have begun sharing images electronically, and a number of companies sell image-sharing technology directly to hospitals and radiology clinics in a development that could slow health care spending. Meanwhile, a new medical school in Connecticut seeks to train primary care doctors.
Legislation Proposed To Help Vets Wrongly Denied Benefits
Two Minnesota lawmakers are pushing a bill to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who may have been discharged from the military after being diagnosed inaccurately. Meanwhile, veterans groups oppose efforts to change disability payments in connection with debt reduction talks.
Obama To Announce Initiative To Map Human Brain
The New York Times reports that President Barack Obama will unveil a broad new research initiative Tuesday, starting with $100 million next year, to find ways to record and map human brain circuits.
Senate Races: Health Law Divides Candidates in Mass., Ga.
In the Massachusetts special election for former Sen. John Kerry’s seat, only one candidate is campaigning as a supporter of the 2010 health law. In Georgia, three physicians are among those contemplating a run for retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ seat.
Vermont First In Parade Of States To Publish Premium Costs
The state is the first to publish proposed 2014 individual health insurance rates under the federal health law.
Roundup: Feds Cut N.Y. Medicaid Payments $1.2B; 93,000 Fewer Kids Enroll In CHIP In Pa.
A selection of health policy news from New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Georgia, Minnesota, Kansas, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Indiana House Panel Approves Medicaid Expansion Option
The legislation would use the state’s Healthy Indiana Plan to add coverage for 400,000 low-income residents.
Medicare Boosts Rather Than Cuts Payments To Advantage Plans
The insurance industry won a major lobbying victory Monday after the Obama administration backtracked on an earlier plan to cut Medicare Advantage payments to insurers by 2.2 percent in 2014 and instead decided to give them a 3.3 percent increase.
North Dakota Abortion Clinic Pledges To Fight New State Law
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington state, Kansas and Oregon debate proposals to strengthen or weaken abortion rights.
Administration Delays Health Law Provision For Small Businesses
The Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP, would have provided a variety of insurance options for small firms. When the law takes effect next year in states with federally run exchanges, these businesses will be able to offer workers a single plan instead.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news that the administration is delaying a health law provision aimed at small business and also opting to increase payments to Medicare Advantage programs.
States Boost Laws, Regulations Governing Abortion
States have passed a record number of abortion bills since 2011, including curbs on clinics and chemically induced abortions, and in North Dakota, a ban on abortions as early as six weeks. On the other side, New York and Washington are weighing measures to ensure abortion rights.
