Latest KFF Health News Stories
More Than Half Of U.S. Docs Now Using EHRs
The Wall Street Journal reports on this finding, which is included in federal data being released today.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Medicaid expansion is shaking out in Virginia and Texas, as well as a report about the role health care is playing as the House attempts to negotiate an immigration reform measure.
Marketing New Health Insurance Options Poses Challenges
The Wall Street Journal explores issues surrounding the health law’s “navigators,” a small army of people who are supposed to help millions of Americans sign up for coverage. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News reports on questions about how the one in five households who lack traditional bank accounts will be able to pay their insurance bills.
Implementation Issues: Coverage ‘Ping Pong’ Among Emerging Concerns
The notion of how life events could cause disrupted health coverage is a focus for policy makers. In addition, news outlets also are reporting on developments related to high-risk pools, and a break between the White House and organized labor regarding how the implementation process is shaping up.
Ground Battles Continue Over States’ Medicaid Expansion
News reports from Texas, Louisiana, Iowa, Florida and Maine highlight states’ continuing debates over this health law provision.
Some GOP Lawmakers Target HHS Secretary Sebelius For Fundraising
The members of Congress are questioning Sebelius’ efforts to solicit funds for Enroll America, which is trying to help get people signed up for benefits under the federal health law.
Health Care Innovations In Technology Spotlight
A Silicon Valley conference offers insights regarding what’s working and what is coming next for health care innovation. Meanwhile, some startup companies are aiming technology advances at medication adherence.
State Programs, Agreements With Feds Aim At Better Mental Health Care Delivery
States seek to improve how they deliver mental health care: In Georgia, a revamp shows success stories; Connecticut seeks an agreement to better care for children with mental health problems; and in Texas, lawmakers back a diversion program to keep the mentally ill from jail.
Study: Physicians Increasingly Rely On ERs To Determine Whether Patients Need To Be Hospitalized
The New York Times details these findings.
New Analysis Finds More Seniors Living In Poverty
The estimate, which takes health spending and other factors into account, concluded that 1 in 7 seniors lives in poverty. Projections indicate that number could go up if certain Medicare reforms took effect.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Nearly 13,000 Calif. Hospital Workers Set To Strike
A selection of health policy news from California, Louisiana, Vermont, Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.
Democrats Push Back Against Claims Of Health Law ‘Rate Shock’
House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats countered GOP claims that the health law is driving up insurance premiums by analyzing initial rate filings in five states.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories examining how the approaching implementation of some health law provisions is highlighting key policy questions.
IRS Scandal, HHS Fundraising Stir The Health Law Political Pot
The Obama administration’s efforts to raise money from private sources for the health law have led some likely donors to become “skittish.” Meanwhile, as GOP lawmakers seek to link the Internal Revenue Service issues to the health law, media outlets examine the IRS’s reach in this regard.
Employers Eye Limited Plans To Avoid Health Law Penalties
The Wall Street Journal reports that “bare-bones” health plans may help some employers avoid the law’s fines. Meanwhile, the Journal Sentinel explores how investors are assessing winning or losing stocks as a result of the law’s implementation.
State Roundup: Okla. Gov. Pushes Funding Fix To Cover 9,000 On Medicaid
A selection of health policy stories from Oklahoma, Texas, California and Massachusetts.
Findings Examine Work-Hour Restrictions, Impact Of Hospitalists’ Workloads
A survey found surgeons-in-training often skirt limits on work hours. Meanwhile, a new study concluded that the length of inpatient hospital stays increased when hospitalists’ workload went up.
Pentagon Advisor’s Biotech Firm Reaps Millions For Anthrax Drug
The Los Angeles Times reports on this development.
New Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual Released
Long-awaited update of “the psychiatrist’s bible” has stirred controversy.
