Latest KFF Health News Stories
Some Republican Health Staffers Flee The Hill
Politico reports that some GOP health care staffers have left Capitol Hill to take lobbying jobs that offer more money, fewer hours and less frustration. In other Congressional news, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to scale back proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage.
Medicaid Expansion Triggers Flurry Of State Legislature Debates, Decisions
The Washington Post reports that Arkansas has discovered “wiggle room” regarding the expansion. Meanwhile, debates in state legislatures continue over what should happen in Arizona, Utah, California and Texas. And, in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Corbett plans a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
State Roundup: Sequestration’s Impacts Include Less Grant Dollars
A selection of state health policy stories from Texas, Missouri, Connecticut and North Carolina.
States Consider ‘Dental Therapists’ To Address Shortage Concerns
Dentists are voicing their concerns over patient care as more states consider licensing “dental therapists” to help alleviate a dental care shortage — and so far only two states are using them.
State Health Law Implementation Efforts Trigger Confusion — And Even Arguments
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that businesses continue to find some provisions of the law “bewildering” while the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel offers a view on the size and scope of issues in play in Wisconsin. The Hill reports that the health insurance provider fee is also causing angst.
State Progress Report On Health Exchanges: More May Be Happening Than Expected
Politico reports some states that have been reticent or even opposed to setting up their own exchanges, like Ohio and Virginia, may be more hands-on than expected. Various reports from the Associated Press and MinnPost chart action in other states.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the budget blueprints expected on Capitol Hill this week.
Rep. Ryan Says Budget Plan Will Assume Repeal Of Health Law
In an interview on Fox, the House Budget chairman doesn’t make clear if the plan he will announce this week will call for a total repeal of the 2010 law but he says Republicans are still keen to get rid of the health overhaul.
Obama Continues Efforts To Woo Republicans
In what one news outlet described as a “charm offensive,” President Barack Obama is seeking common ground with rank-and-file Republicans for a deficit reduction deal that would overhaul the tax code and slow the growth of Medicare and other entitlement programs.
Insurers See Opportunities In Medicaid Expansion While States Mull Pros And Cons
Business analysts view the expansion as “several hundreds of billions of dollars” worth of opportunity for Medicaid health plans. Meanwhile, news organizations track the continuing debate in Kentucky, Florida, New Hampshire and Texas about whether to participate in the expansion.
Survey: Large Employers Pushing Health Providers For More Price Transparency
The survey, conducted by Towers Watson and the National Business Group on Health, also found that most large companies plan to keep continue offering employees an insurance benefit in the next five years.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Operating Rooms, Hospitals Face Challenges In Eliminating Risks, Delivering High Quality Of Care
USA Today reports that many hospitals have not adopted technologies that would help elminate the risk of leaving sponges in patients during surgery. Meanwhile, the Associated Press offers a list to help patients avoid problems in the hospital.
Sebelius Credits Health Law With Slowing Medical Cost Growth
News outlets report on various aspects of the health law’s implementation.
College Students Face Long Waits For Mental Health Care As Demand Grows
In the meantime, lawmakers in Georgia are pushing to allow those who’ve had mental illnesses to get gun licenses.
Ark. Abortion Law Sets Off New Clash Over Reproductive Rights
The law, which the legislature passed by overriding the governor’s veto, comes as a strict Idaho law was struck down by a federal judge.
Calif. Insurance Commissioner Calls Blue Shield Rate Hike ‘Unreasonable’
The state’s top insurance regulator criticized proposed rate hikes of as much as 20 percent for 268,000 individual policyholders, but he and other state officials don’t have the authority to reject the increases.
State Highlights: Ga. Health Bills Advance On ‘Crossover Day’
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky and California.
CMS Signals Exhanges Are ‘On Track’; HHS Gives 4 More States Conditional Approval
Meanwhile, three states — Utah, Idaho and New Mexico — are facing a time crunch to be ready for an Oct. 1 launch for their exchanges, and some states are seeking an OK from the federal government to direct low-income residents who are eligible for Medicaid to buy health coverage with tax dollars from the exchanges.
ACO ‘Pioneers’ Feeling Skittish About Next Stage Of Implementation
The providers who are participating in this health law effort to control costs and improve quality are nervous about the second year’s emphasis on accountability.
