Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 30, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the scheduled, across-the-board spending cuts — known as sequestration — could play into the partisan politics of broader budget debate that includes Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement programs.
States And The Medicaid Expansion: This Year’s Big Choice
The Associated Press reports that the decision to pursue or not pursue the health law’s Medicaid expansion is one of the biggest that governors and state legislatures will wrestle with this year. Meanwhile, news outlets also report on develoments in California and Missouri that are related to this part of the health overhaul.
States Look To Speed Shift Of High-Risk Pool Enrollees Into Exchanges
Meanwhile, the Associated Press checks on the status of the online insurance markets in the District of Columbia, New York, New Mexico and South Carolina.
Report Calls For Greater Emphasis On Preventive Care
A report issued by the Trust for America’s Health is urging a revamp of state and local public health efforts to better integrate and focus prevention strategies.
When Hospitalists Feel Overburdened By Workload, Patient Care Suffers
A survey finds that hospital-based general practitioners feel overburdened by patient loads to the point where it has a negative impact on patient assessments, satisfaction and possibly safety outcomes.
Coal Company Seeks To Set Up Trust To Limit Costs of Retiree Health Benefits
The company, which is currently under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, has filed papers with the court to limit its health care obligations regarding active employees as well as retirees and their spouses.
Calif. Medicaid Providers Appeal Court Decision That Would Allow Cut In Pay
California is also preparing for a boom of children who will soon qualify for dental care in the Medicaid program. In the meantime, transitions in the Kansas’ Medicaid program encounter problems.
Officials Consider Suicide’s Place In Mental Health Gun Control Debate
Officials are looking at suicides as a major cause of gun death in America. In Maryland, a mental health gun control task force is considering recommending that medical personnel report suicide threats to authorities while suicides also take center stage in Massachusetts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
House Lawmaker Explores New Ways To Fill Veteran Mental Health Care Gap
Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who chairs the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, is advancing a proposal to allow veterans who have trouble accessing care to tap into the Tricare network of health care providers.
State Roundup: Fla. Leaders Pay Less For Coverage Than Workers
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Kansas, Nebraska, Florida and California.
First Edition: January 29, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a series of examinations of health law implementation developments on the state level.
Democrats Defend Safety Net, Propose Modest Adjustments
Meanwhile, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., portrays spending cuts to those programs as a path to growth.
Building Health Insurance Exchanges
News outlets report on small business concerns, the potential impact of immigration reform and how some medical device makers are passing on new fees to their customers.
Oklahoma Pushes Back Against Feds’ Rebuttal In State’s Health Law Challenge
The Oklahoma attorney general’s argument charged that the Internal Revenue Service does not have the power the federal government claims is necessary to implement the health overhaul.
Shelters For Abused Elderly Take Hold, Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Questioned
The Associated Press examines the rising use of shelters for the elderly who have been abused, and Kaiser Health News reports that long-term care ombudsmen face questions about their independence.
Harkin’s Retirement Leaves Hole In Senate Health Care Leadership — And Parties Are Scrambling
Also in the news, a retirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Health Industry Shows Stock Market Muscle
Despite various concerns and challenges, health care stocks, including shares of for-profit hospitals, have fared well in the opening weeks of 2013.
How The Medicaid Expansion Is Playing In Certain States
In New Jersey, advocates are making a case for the state to pursue this part of the health law, but Wisconsin’s governor is pointing to its complexity as an argument against it. The Washington state legislature is also giving an expansion a long look.
State Roundup: Feds Say Ariz. Overbilled Them $12M On Medicaid
A selection of health policy stories from Arizona, Maryland, North Dakota, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina and Texas.
