Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of health policy stories from Mississippi, Kansas, California, Missouri, Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Obama’s Presidential Legacy Linked To Supreme Court’s Health Law Verdict
Overhauling the nation’s health system has been the president’s most significant legislative achievement. As a result, the Court’s decision will also reflect on his effectiveness as a leader. Meanwhile, news outlets report on the White House’s preparations for the decision.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including scene setters for the much-anticipated Supreme Court health law decision, which is expected later this morning.
Decision Anticipation: Everyone Is Looking For Clues And Making Plans For What Comes Next
News outlets are examining the high court’s decisions earlier this week to find signals of what to expect in tomorrow’s health law decision. Meanwhile, the White House, congressional Democrats and Republicans, lobbyists, and even the general public offer glimpses of their views.
The Ruling’s Possible Market Repercussions
The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the health law has triggered a guessing game by some investors.
Romney, Obama Offer Messaging Previews For The Coming Health Law Decision
GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney says if the court strikes down the law, it shows President Barack Obama wasted three years. If court upholds it, he promises to get rid of the law if elected. Obama tells a campaign crowd the law is critical to expanding coverage to those who can’t get it.
California Plan To Move 880,000 Children Into Medi-Cal Met With Skepticism
A budget plan to save money by moving thousands of children into the Medicaid program is scrutinized while legislators scramble to draft companion legislation to implement the budget.
Mass. Insurers To Rebate $57M To Small Businesses, Individuals
The rebates, by five of the state’s largest insurance companies, will go to 50,000 individual policy holders and 50,000 small businesses.
When It Comes To Health Care Clinics, Wal-Mart Falling Behind Rivals
The retailer has fallen behind its industry rivals in the competition to open health care clnics in stores.
Hatch Overcomes Primary Challenge
The veteran Utah senator campaigned heavily on his seniority and experience, maintaining that they put him in a powerful position to work on issues related to deficit spending and health care costs. Meanwhile, a Missouri candidate is being hammered over his stance on the insurance mandate.
Senate Sends FDA User Fee Bill To Obama; House GOP Putting Pressure On AARP
In rare show of bipartisanship, the Senate overwhelmingly approved the FDA measure. On the other side of the Capitol, top Republicans delved into whether AARP represented its members’ interests when the lobby group for seniors supported the health law.
State Roundup: Conn. Budget Chair Threatens Governor On Health Cuts
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington state, Iowa and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories previewing the market, policy and political implications of the Supreme Court’ health ruling, which is due out on Thursday.
Thursday Is The Day For Health Law Decision
With stories that set the scene or provide a sense of history, news outlets offer guides about what to watch for when the Supreme Court unveils its health law decision, as well as some cautions about understanding it.
How Far Will The Ruling Reach?
What the Supreme Court decides will impact the billions of dollars that have already been spent to implement the measure, as well as consumers, employers, small businesses, the health care industry, the insurance marketplace, and, of course, politics and K Street.
Analysis Finds Double Payments For Medicare, VA Plans
A retrospective anlysis determines that the government pays duplicate costs for health care for peole who are enrolled in both Medicare Advantage and the Veterans Administraiton health care program.
A Lockheed Martin union has agreed to eliminate pensions for new employees in exchange for a health insurance option that covers out-of-network services. In the meantime, the Supreme Court will hear a case on benefits for US Airways workers.
Federal Task Force Urges Docs To Screen For Obesity, Offer Counseling
An advisory panel on Monday recommended that obese adults receive intensive counseling. This step could lead to an expansion of insurance coverage for weight-loss treatments.
Preventable ER Dental Care In Florida Cost $88M In 2010
In Florida, preventable ER visits for dental care cost that state $88 million, a new report said. In the meantime, California lawmakers sent the governor a bill for his approval that would give low-income children a new way to get dental care.
