Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Releases New Insurance Exchange Rules, Includes Controversial Surchages
The 3.5% “user fee” would apply to health plans run by the federal government in states that don’t want to operate their own exchange.
White House Fiscal Plan Draws Cool GOP Response
The proposal reflects Democratic priorities, focusing on stimulus spending and unspecified spending cuts this year, and legislation in 2013 that would cut as much as $400 billion from Medicare and other government entitlement programs over the next decade in exchange for $1.6 trillion in tax increases.
Fiscal Crisis, Threats Of Sequestration Cause Provider Angst
If the “fiscal cliff’s” scheduled cuts take effect, physicians will face a 2 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursements. Separately, however, they also are confronting a 27 percent pay cut as a result of the failure to fix the Medicare physician payment formula.
Research Roundup: High Rates Of Postdischarge Complications
This week’s studies come from the Archives of Surgery, the Annals of Internal Medicine, the Journal of Neurosurgery and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Supreme Court May Decide Gay Health Benefits Issues
The justices could consider same-sex marriage, which would affect health benefits for federal employees and possibly Medicaid.
Major Maker Of Generic Lipitor Halts Production
The New York Times reports that this action was taken by the a producer of the generic version of Lipitor until the company an figure out how glass particles may have ended up in pills distributed to the public.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton unveiled a plan outlining the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to combat AIDS around the world.
GAO: Medicaid Payment Information Late, Inconsistent
The Government Accountability Office’s report examined two Medicaid databases.
Decoding Part D Marketing And Other News
The Medicare NewsGroup examines the complexity of Part D plans.
Traveling Med Tech Indicted On New Charges Related To Hepatitis C Outbreak
The technician was indicated Wednesday in New Hampshire on 14 new charges. The outbreak involved more than 30 patients in New Hampshire while people in a number of other states also were exposed.
Viewpoints: Fighting To A Draw On Medicare; A Coming Era Of Austerity
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mo. Governor Wants Medicaid Expansion; Other States Consider Health Exchanges
After mulling the controversial decision, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said Thursday he wants the state to expand Medicaid, a key part of the health law, but he faces substantial opposition from Republicans who control the legislature.
Mass. Republicans Want Top State Health Official To Resign
Massachusetts Republicans are calling for the resignation of the state’s health and human services secretary over how she handled the recent meningitis outbreak and drug test tampering allegations.
Appeals Court Temporarily Blocks Contraception Rule
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction from the rule for Frank O’Brien and his company — which is the fourth private business to secure such a temporary order.
States, Courts, Employers Contend With Health Law’s Requirements
News outlets follow developments on health insurance exchanges, requirements for mental health parity and employer coverage and assess still-pending lawsuits.
State Highlights: Ruling On Privatizing Fla. Prison Care Expected Soon
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, California, Illinois and Georgia.
First Edition: November 30, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about the continuing partisan back and forth regarding “fiscal cliff” negotiations as well as reports on the health law’s implementation.
Medicare, Other Entitlement Programs Key To ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Deal
Politico reports that “inside the talks,” a framework for addressing the “fiscal cliff” is taking shape that includes both tax increases and entitlement cuts. Other news outlets note that publicly, President Barack Obama is playing down spending cuts, while GOP leaders demand entitlement reductions but without offering specifics.
Several Health Law Provisions Take Effect In New Year
While health exchanges and the Medicaid expansion grab most of the headlines, media outlets explore other, lesser-known provisions soon to take effect.
State Roundup: Conn. Health Care Programs Face $70M
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, Mississippi, Florida, Illinois, California, Minnesota and Kansas.
