Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hearing Set For Wednesday On Miss. Abortion Law
A federal judge today will hear arguments on letting an abortion law in Mississippi go into effect. Opponents say the law could shutter the state’s only abortion clinic. Abortion issues are making news in D.C. and Iowa as well.
Republican Lawmaker Unveils Bill On Contraceptive Coverage Rule
The measure focuses on the potential tax implications of the Health and Human Services rule that contraceptives be counted — without cost-sharing — among the preventive health services that most employer-sponsored health plans offer.
Minn. Governor’s Letters Detail Plans To Implement Health Law, Exchange
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton sent letters to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Republican leaders in his state Tuesday saying that he is moving forward with implementing the health law — including the formation of a health insurance exchange — even though GOP leaders there are in a holding pattern.
Obama To Make Federal Health Insurance Available To Seasonal Firefighters
The directive to make federal health insurance coverage available to these seasonal employees follows a two-month electronic petition drive.
IOM Report: Nation Lacks Health Workers Trained To Meet Seniors’ Mental Health Needs
The Institute of Medicine report, released Tuesday, found the continued lack of trained health care providers will make it difficult to meet the growing demand for mental health services from the nation’s growing senior population.
HHS Inspector General: Many Medicare Anti-Fraud Contractors Have Ties To Companies They Investigate
The Associated Press reports that as many as two-thirds of these contractors had financial connections to claims processors.
State Roundup: Iowa Union Files Complaint Over Gov. Order On Insurance
A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, Florida, Kansas, California and Arizona.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Candidates Take Sides Ahead Of Latest Health Law Repeal Vote
Congressional candidates in Massachusetts and Colorado disagree over the course to take on the health law ahead of a repeal vote in the House Wednesday.
The Dust Up Continues As Some GOP Governors Reject The Medicaid Expansion
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, however, says he is considering opting out but would like more answers — both in terms of policy questions and the political outcome of the election — before he makes a decision. Meanwhile, Stateline explores how the Medicaid expansion will present a tough fiscal call for many of state executives.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the scheduled House vote on repealing the health law as well as how stakeholders — whether it be certain governors or wall street investors — are responding to the Supreme Court’s decision on the Medicaid expansion.
Politics Swirl Around Approaching House Repeal Vote
As the House proceeds toward its scheduled Wednesday vote to repeal the health law, Republicans hope to draw more Democratic votes this time around — even though they have not offered any clear alternatives. Although the measure will die in the Senate, the White House issued a veto threat.
WellPoint To Acquire Amerigroup
The $4.9 billion deal will put WellPoint into the big, although risky, health care market for Medicaid enrollees with the most costly health issues.
Perry Rejects Medicaid Expansion, Opts Not To Create State-Run Health Exchange
Gov. Rick Perry’s announcement that Texas will not pursue either of these two elements of the federal health law is drawing both national and regional headlines. But other GOP governors are delaying and mulling these decisions.
Roundup: Tough To Get On Calif.’s New Adult Day Care
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Indiana.
States Continue Stand-Off With Health Law — Or Push Forward
State leaders continue their grapple with how — and if at all — to implement the health care law, even after the Supreme Court upheld it.
New CBO Numbers On Health Law Expected Soon, A GOP-Led Senate Would Focus On Cost Control
This Capitol Hill news roundup includes reports about new health law budget numbers, and about how the GOP — if it gained control of the Senate — would focus on health care cost control rather than coverage expansion. Also in the news, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is proceeding with his questions about nonprofit hospitals and charity care. Finally, an ethics panel inquiry regarding a Nevada lawmaker moves forward.
Feds OK Oregon Medicaid CCOs, Ready $1.9B In Funding
The federal government has granted Oregon a waiver to run Medicaid coordinated-care organizations and will provide enhanced Medicaid money — $1.9 billion over five years — for the program.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
The Next Legal Blockbuster: Health Benefits And Same-Sex Partners
Lawsuits focus questions on whether same-sex spouses should be eligible for health insurance and other benefits.
