Latest KFF Health News Stories
Birth Control Coverage Rule Not So Simple
Politico examines the complexity involved in the health law’s birth control rules.
Federal Judge Blocks North Dakota Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Law
The ban would prevent abortions in that state after a fetal heartbeat could be detected — as early as six weeks into pregnancy, in some cases.
Medical Groups Oppose Efforts To Loosen Regs For Medical Imaging And Radiation Therapy Equipment
The organizations, which have sent letters to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, are concerned that this step would lead to lax standards.
Abortion Is Energizing Both Parties On Capitol Hill
Roll Call reports that even though no legislation is expected to pass this year on abortion, the issue is galvanizing partisans. Also in congressional news, outlets look at GOP efforts to end funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and an effort to improve VA health records.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Minnesota Approves Additional Federal Funds For Its New Health Exchange
The state is seeking another $40 million for operation costs. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the Quinn administration filed plans to award the contract to build the state’s online insurance marketplace.
Illinois Gov. Quinn Signs Medicaid Expansion Into Law
News outlets report on other developments related to state decisions about whether to expand the federal-state program for the poor in Idaho, West Virginia and California.
Polls: Most Don’t Support Health Law Repeal; Doctors, Too, Are Uninformed
A majority of Americans don’t want Congress to repeal the health law but believe its implementation is going poorly, according to a United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection poll. Meanwhile, a survey of physicians concludes they are unfamiliar with how the overhaul will work.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the White House is enlisting celebrities to aid efforts to enroll young people in the health insurance plans that will kick in this fall as a result of the health law.
Three Years In, GOP Leaders Have No Replacement For Health Law
Some point to the Obama administration’s delay of the employer mandate as proof the measure is collapsing under its own weight. Still, even as Republicans advance votes to repeal or reverse parts of the law as part of a ‘repeal and replace’ strategy, they have not advanced an alternative.
IT Issues Pose Challenges For Health Law
News outlets also report on how other changes are affecting small business owners, hospitals and students.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Investigating One Of The ‘Fundamental Flaws’ In The Pricing Of Health Care
The Washington Post investigates how the use of data plays into what some view as a distortion in physician pay.
Detroit Seeks Retiree Pension, Health Care Cuts In Bankruptcy Filing
Detroit and its retirees begin a court fight this week over how much the city can cut its pension and health care benefits as it seeks to discharge $19 billion in debt.
Anthem Blue Cross Won’t Join California’s Small Business Exchange
The move by California’s largest insurer for small businesses raised concerns about the state’s ability to offer competitive rates. Meanwhile, Humana will step in to fill a potential insurance void in Mississippi, offering coverage in 36 counties where no other plans had been slated to be sold.
New Life For ‘Death Panel’ Bill, But Same Fights Loom
One lawmaker has reintroduced his bill that would pay Medicare doctors for having “end-of-life” conversations with patients — an idea that has bitterly divided Congress in the past. In the meantime, another lawmaker wants to change — and simplify — Medicare’s reimbursement coding system.
Health Care Professionals Face Workplace Risks, On-The-Job Injuries
Also in the news, a report about trends in physicians’ educational pursuits.
D.C., Minnesota March Forward With Online Insurance Marketplaces
Meanwhile, Medicaid expansion plans continue to be hot topics in Arizona and New Hampshire.
Federal Judge Grants Hobby Lobby A Stay Against Birth Control Coverage Mandate
District Court Judge Joe Heaton gave Department of Justice lawyers until Oct. 1 to appeal.
What Will Insurance Premiums Under Obamacare Look Like?
Kaiser Health News and The Washington Post parse the significance of recent announcements in New York and Indiana.
