Kaiser Health News - Insurance

Republicans Ask GAO To Probe Sebelius' Fundraising

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GOP lawmakers seek an investigation of the Health and Human Services secretary's efforts to secure more funding for a private group that will help with the implementation of the health law. At the same time, an HHS spokesman offered more detail regarding whom she contacted.

CBO: Cadillac Tax's Bark May Be Worse Than Its Bite

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:53:00 GMT

With fewer people than originally projected likely to be affected by the tax, the cost of the health law will go up due to lost tax revenue.

CMS Examines Interaction Between Medicaid And Health Insurance Exchanges

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:31:40 GMT

Also in the news, developments on Medicaid expansion from Arizona, Ohio and Iowa.

Research Roundup: Surgical Residents Not Happy With New Schedules

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:26:00 GMT

This week's studies come from JAMA Surgery, the American Journal of Public Health, Academic Emergency Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Management Associates.

First Edition: May 17, 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:25:52 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the GOP vote to repeal the health law -- for the 37th time -- as well as how the current IRS scandal is being connected to the health law's implementation.

Retiree Medical Expenses Fall, But They Still Exceed Most People's Expectations

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:43:00 GMT

A study released by Fidelity Investments estimated that a couple, who are enrolled in traditional Medicare and retiring in 2013, will need $220,000 to cover medical costs throughout their retirement.

State Roundup: N.D. Abortion Clinic Sues To Stop New Law

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:42:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from North Dakota, Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Oregon, Oklahoma and North Carolina.

Viewpoints: When A Doctor Should Keep Quiet; 2 Views Of Hospital Pricing; Stem Cell 'Snake Oil'

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:31:57 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

First Edition: May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:20:00 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Senate confirmation of Acting Chief Marilyn Tavenner to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Calif. Health Exchange Awards $37 Million For Health Law Education Efforts

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:24:00 GMT

The grants will go to 48 organizations to help the state explain benefits, show consumers how to access insurance and encourage small businesses to participate.

State Roundup: Veto Of Medical Charity Tax Break Scrutinized In Ga.

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:23:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, New York, Florida, California and Kansas.

Are The Health Law's Coverage Requirements Scaling Back Some Restaurants' Expansion Plans?

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:22:30 GMT

The Wall Street Journal reports how uncertainty about the expense of insuring employees could be leading to a slow down by some fast-food chains.

First Edition: May 15, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:33:15 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest Congressional Budget Office projections could further stall efforts to reach a grand bargain that includes changes to Medicare and other entitlement programs.

State Roundup: Ore. Health Co-Ops To Compete With Big Insurers

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:42:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado and California.

'Navigators' To Play Pivotal Role Helping Consumers Sign Up For Health Insurance

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:38:00 GMT

Roll Call reports that many of the people who sign up for insurance through the new online marketplaces will face language barriers, or may never have had coverage before. Also, CQ HealthBeat reports that Web-based insurance brokers want "a place at the table."

Medicaid: Texas Providers Push For Higher Reimbursement; Ill. Nursing Home Supporters Call For Restoration Of Funds

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:37:18 GMT

Medicaid programs -- reimbursement for providers in Texas, proposed cuts in Illinois and application delays in Connecticut -- make news.

Health Law Could Require Some American Indians To Buy Insurance Or Pay Penalties

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:36:00 GMT

The Associated Press reports that the overhaul's definition of "American Indian" only includes those tribes that are recognized by the federal government, though more than 100 tribes are recognized by state governments but not that U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Other outlets report on insurance rates under the ACA, doctor-owned hospitals and the "doc fix" in Congress.