Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: Insurance Rate Hike Requests Drop As A Result Of Govt. Scrutiny
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, requests by health insurers for double-digit rate increases dropped. The report credits the health law with this development.
After Newtown Shootings, Advocates Hoping For Major Infusion In Mental Health Spending
Supporters of broader access to mental health care see the current debate as an opportunity to reverse long-time budget cuts across the country. Meanwhile in Texas, some mental health activists are seeking changes in detention policies.
With No Budget, Panel To Study Health Care Work Force Shortage Has Never Met
As health law implementation efforts advance, workforce issues continue to draw headlines. Meanwhile, the Obama administration released final rules Friday regarding key elements of the overhaul, and the law’s birth control coverage mandate continues to be the subject of court challenges.
Govs. Jindal, Walker Offer Views On Averting Sequester, Reducing Deficit
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal suggested delaying implementation of parts of the health law. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker recommends focusing on paring back Medicare and Social Security spending.
Re-Election Pressures May Be Driving Some GOP Govs Toward Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, news outlets report on health law implementation news from a variety of states, including Florida, California, Indiana, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Virginia, Kansas and Kentucky.
State Roundup: N.Y. GOP Readies Medicaid Probe After Allegations
A selection of health policy news from New York, Michigan, California, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Research Roundup: Patients Hesitant To Focus On Costs
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, JAMA Internal Medicine, JAMA Surgery and other news sources.
First Edition: February 25, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the looming sequester, how health programs fit into the debate and how the automatic budget cuts are being viewed by various stakeholders.
Some Red States Wavering On Opposition To Medicaid Expansion
This week, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, one of the fiercest critics of this health law provision, reversed his position and said he would proceed with the expansion. But he’s not the only one, and, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, it’s because the idea is just “too good to pass up.”
Expansion Debate, Decisions Play Out In Va., Ga., Texas
As state legislators and governors wrestle with budget issues and health law implementation decisions, the role of the Medicaid expansion is shaping up in different ways in different locations.
After January Renomination, A Hearing For Tavenner Appears Likely
The Washington Post inteviewed the Obama administration’s pick to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
HHS Funds Projects In 25 States To Try To Lower Medicaid Costs, Improve Care
The first wave of grants, totaling $300 million, were announced Thursday and included proejcts in Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon and Vermont.
Compounding Pharmacy Trade Group Changes Position On FDA Oversight
The Washington Post reports on this development.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Texas, S.C. Lawmakers Weigh Added Spending For Medicaid
The Texas House approved supplemental funding while a S.C. legislative committee passed a bill with $75 million in new spending for that state’s Medicaid program.
Mich. Panel Strips Abortion From Blue Cross Bill; Ark. House Takes Action
State legislatures wrestle with measures that deal with abortion.
D.C., Minn. Lawmakers Consider Mandating Hospital Nurse-Patient Ratios
The measures would force hospitals to maintain lower nurse-to-patient ratios to try to reduce workload on nurses and to provide better care. Hospitals say the moves would be too expensive.
State Roundup: Long-Term Care Rate Hike Planned In Calif.
A selection of state health policy stories from California, Oregon, Vermont, New York and North Carolina.
Sequester: Who’s To Blame? Who Will Feel The Pain?
News outlets analyze the political pressure and partisan in-fighting that is taking shape as the sequester countdown continues. Meanwhile, McClatchy and The New York Times attempt to answer questions about the impact of the scheduled cuts.
