Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Mo. Lawmakers Look To Cap Malpractice Awards
A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas, Illinois and North Carolina.
First Edition: January 7, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about entitlement spending in the context of the debt debate, as well as reports regarding the health insurance industry.
McConnell, Others Demanding Spending Cuts – Including Medicare
News outlets, especially the Sunday talk shows, highlighted the ongoing partisan battles on entitlement cuts, including Medicare.
HHS Gives 7 States The Go-Ahead To Create Health Exchanges
So far, the Obama administration has approved the health exchange blueprints submitted by 17 states and the District of Columbia. And, the most recent set includes both red states, including Utah, and blue states.
Colorado Will Expand Medicaid, Claims Cost Savings Are In Progress
The state plans to expand its Medicaid program as much as the federal health law envisions — without spending any extra money to make it happen.
State Highlights: Texas Begins New Women’s Health Program
News outlets offer health articles in California, Minnesota, Texas, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
California Nurses Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers Join Forces
The move could change the scope of labor battles statewide and renew a rivalry between the nurses organization and the Service Employees International Union, according to media reports.
States Confront Myriad Of Health Law Implementation Issues
States face fallout from decisions on whether to implement key parts of the health law, including exchanges in California and Washington — where dental insurance will be mandated in plans offered in the marketplaces — and Florida, which missed out on co-ops and faces a decision on expanding Medicaid in 2013.
New Congress Brings Changes In Leadership, Expertise
Politico offers insights regarding the leadership style and health law attitude of Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., who will chair the House Labor, HHS appropriations subcommittee. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that two physicians were sworn in yesterday — doubling the number of doctors in the Democratic caucus.
Viewpoints: ‘Class War’ Over Medicare Funding; GOP Needs Courage To Cut Entitlements In Debt Fight
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Care And The Shakeout From The Fiscal Cliff
News outlets parse the particulars of how the fiscal deal will impact the health care system, and how the health industry is bracing for the next rounds in the budget battles.
Research Roundup: Gearing Children’s Hospitals For Future Patients
This week’s studies come from JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Internal Medicine, the New England Journal of Medicine, PLOS One and other news sources.
First Edition: January 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the Department of Health and Human Services gave seven more states the thumbs up to run their own health exchanges.
Fiscal Deal Political Fallout Will Likely Shape Future Medicare, Entitlement Spending Battles
News outlets continue to analyze how the fiscal deal will set the table for future deficit debates and when some of the difficult spending issues could again take center stage.
Some Health Law Funding Becomes ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Casualty
The agreement approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama would kill new funding for health insurance co-operatives. The fiscal deal also officially repealed the health law’s CLASS Act, but establishes a new bipartisan commission to develop a plan for long-term care services for elderly and disabled people.
Meanwhile, a health law rule released last week also stipulates that large employers offer unsubsidized coverage to employees’ dependent children.
Despite Uncertainty, 2012 Was Good Year For Hospital Stocks
Modern Healthcare reports that, even with the many unknowns surrounding the health law’s implementation, hospital stocks posted big gains.
Confusion Surrounds Regulation Of Various Types Of Drug Makers
Stateline reports that problems at a Masschusetts pharmacy, which were linked to deaths or illnesses in 19 states, highlight the oversight difficulties the federal government is facing.
A Closer Look At Latest ‘Doc Fix’
As part of the fiscal deal, a scheduled cut in Medicare physician payment rates was postponed — but its 10-year price tag is being borne by other health care players, especially hospitals.
States Consider Licensing Dental Therapists To Fill Cavities — And Care Gap
A shortage of dentists spurred Minnesota to license dental therapists, and several other states may follow suit, USA Today reports. Meanwhile, a health plan in rural South Dakota and Minnesota is hiring Native American healers as consultants.
