Latest KFF Health News Stories
Even If State Economies Recover, Health And Medicaid Costs Will Be A Burden
Rising health care and Medicaid costs coupled with flat revenue are parts of a bevy of economic problems states face in the coming years even if the economy recovers, according to a new report from the State Budget Crisis Task Force — led in part by a former Federal Reserve chairman.
State Officials Stake Out Positions On Implementing Health Law
Virginia’s Republican attorney general, the first to file suit against the health law, wants his state to opt out of expanding Medicaid, while Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell, a Republican, signals his state will pass on setting up a state-based health exchange. In Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, issues an executive order to authorize such an exchange.
State Roundup: Ore. Issues New Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Rules
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Florida, California and Massachusetts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a new report that offers a gloomy fiscal forecast for states as they confront rising health care costs, underfunded pensions and a range of other economic challenges.
Health Law Critics Sharpen Fight Focus On Insurance Tax Credit
According to news reports, critics have pinpointed this part of the health law in their effort to undo the sweeping overhaul. Meanwhile, USA Today reports that very few middle-income taxpayers will pay more as a result of the measure’s taxes, fees and penalties.
Drug Coverage Issues, Dual Eligibles Program Draw Democrats’ Interest
According to these stories from Politico and Politico Pro, some House Democrats are calling on the Department Of Health and Human Services to use the Medicare prescription drug program as a model for the health law’s essential health benefits drug coverage requirement. Also, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., is joining the chorus of voices concerned about a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services demonstration program for dual eligibles — they say it’s a classic example of the right idea but the wrong execution.
Medicaid Expansion Unsettles Governors’ Meeting
Governors express sharp disagreements about whether to expand Medicaid, as mandated by the health law. Meanwhile, a pediatric expert warns congressional staff that state efforts to roll back Medicaid eligibility could cut coverage to millions of poor children.
State Roundup: Mass. To Allow Coupons For Some Branded Drugs
A selection of health policy stories from Maryland, Massachusetts, Kansas, Washington state, California, Minnesota, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Study: Medicare Payment Adjustments Could Take Toll On Safety Net Hospitals
A change in Medicare hospital payments, which is based on quality and scheduled to kick in this October, could add to the financial problems faced by facilities that treat largely the poor and uninsured.
Grassley: FDA Officials OK’d Surveillance On Groups Of Doctors Wary Of Medical Device Safety
The Washington Post reports on the lastest development regarding actions by high-ranking Food and Drug Administration officials to track the communications of employees who expressed concern about this safety issue.
Obama Defends Health Law In Ohio Town Hall Meeting
President Obama says he doesn’t mind the “Obamacare” label and is chastising Republican Mitt Romney for not championing the Massachusetts health overhaul.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Truvada Gains FDA Approval As HIV Preventive
The daily pill is the first aimed at reducing the risk of contracting HIV in healthy people who are at high risk of contracting AIDS. It will have a boxed warning that it should be used only by people whose HIV-negative status is confirmed prior to prescription and at least every three months after.
Va. AG Cuccinelli Clashes With State Board Of Health Over Abortion Clinic Regulations
The attorney general maintains that the board went beyond its authority by removing a provision from the regulations that would have required existing clinics to meet new hospital construction standards. Also in Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell appointed an anti-abortion physician to the board of health. Meanwhile, in other state news, Planned Parenthood has filed suit against Arizona.
Minnesota Finalizes $41 Million Contract For Online Health Exchange
The state announced the two-year contract with Maximus, a Virginia-based company, to design and maintain a state-run insurance exchange.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report that concludes that few Americans will pay more as a result of the health law.
Govs Stake Out Political, Policy Positions On Medicaid Expansion
During the National Governors Association meeting this past weekend in Williamsburg, Va., the nation’s state executives continued to wrestle with what to do in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision.
Repeal Strategies Take Shape — Though None Will Likely Be Easy
Some health law opponents view the measure’s subsidies as a key point at which to aim attacks.
States Are Fertile Ground For Health IT Opportunities
The Washington Post reports on this business development.
Health Law’s Real Estate Surtax Will Touch Very Few Transactions
The Los Angeles Times examines this provision of the health law.
