Latest KFF Health News Stories
A roundup of health policy news from Michigan, Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Florida and Massachusetts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: December 10, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from major new outlets, including the latest about yesterday’s “fiscal cliff” meeting between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, as well as other health policy reports.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Medicare Advisory Group Recommends 1% Increase In Hospital Rates
The head of the group that advises Congress on Medicare issued the draft recommendation, which will be voted on by the full board in January.
Minn. Review Finds HMOs Working In Medicaid And State Health Programs Are ‘Generally Sound’
The probe, however, did highlight some areas of concern.
VA To Offer New Rules For Veterans With Brain Injuries
The new regulations will make it easier for veterans with traumatic brain injuries to get health care and compensation for a variety of illnesses. Meanwhile, an agreement between the VA and the Indian Health Service will allow some veterans to get care without travelling far.
States Cut Anti-Tobacco Efforts Despite Record Revenue From Taxes, National Settlement
States spend less than 2 percent of what they collect from tobacco taxes and a national tobacco settlement on smoking cessation and prevention efforts, a new report says.
More Compounding Pharmacies Closed As New Infections Are Reported
Massachusetts orders the closing of three more pharmacies, while health officials in at least two states report additional infections from contaminated steroids, although the latest cases are not life-threatening.
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, Minnesota, California, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Virginia, Kentucky and New York.
NPR notes that some backers of the “morning after” pill hope to get HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ to review her year-old decision to not to lift the age restrictions on the drug. The Texas Tribune also finds that legislators there are coming to grips with the cost of more than 20,000 babies expected because of the lack of state-subsidized birth control.
Raising Medicare’s Eligibility Age Would Bring Trade-Offs
The Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press examine the implications of one option being considered in the federal deficit talks and discover some surprising consequences, including higher premiums for those already covered by Medicare.
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, The Urban Institute, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Journal of American College Health and other news sources.
Marijuana Legalization In 2 States Comes Under Microscope
The New York Times reports the Justice Department and senior White House officials are debating legal action against Colorado and Washington, which could undermine voter-approved initiatives. Meanwhile, a USA Today/Gallup Poll shows Americans are divided on decriminalization efforts but believe the federal government should not intervene after states vote to take that step.
Christie Rejects State-Run Health Insurance Exchange
The New Jersey governor joined a growing number of Republican state leaders declining to set up state-based health insurance markets, saying he didn’t have enough information about the alternatives. Other media outlets explore what issues state leaders are weighing as they make such decisions — and what the implications are for consumers.
Boehner, Obama Move To Direct Talks On Budget
As the negotiations shift to the president and House speaker, some Republicans appear to be encouraging their colleagues to abandon staunch opposition to any tax rate hike, The Washington Post reports. But several outlets note that little movement is apparent from either side.
Conservative Lawyers Offer New Argument Against Health Law’s Mandate
The lawyers who helped bring the first challenge against the health law’s individual mandate think they’ve figured out another way to kill it using the Supreme Court’s own argument that it’s a tax. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama’s Justice Department files to dismiss an Oklahoma lawsuit challenging the law’s implementation.
Restaurant Chain Owner Backs Down, Won’t Cut Employee Hours Over Health Law
The owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants backed off threats to cut employee hours to part time, which would have allowed the company to avoid offering health insurance to workers.
First Edition: December 7, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations includes articles on the talks between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner on the “fiscal cliff.”
Medicare Changes Central As ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Countdown Continues
The Washington Post reports that some Republicans are urging House leaders to back higher tax rates for the wealthy in exchange for a deal to rein in spending on safety-net programs. Other news outlets report that AARP and other groups are warning lawmakers about the hazards of cutting benefits as part of a deficit reduction package.
