Kaiser Health News - Politics

Grassroots Tactics Being Used In Health Law's Roll-Out

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:46:00 GMT

An outside group backing the health law plans to air a series of ads this summer supporting the measure. The first ad, part of a million-dollar buy, touts parts of the law that are already in place.

Medicaid Expansion: Second Thoughts And Changes Of Heart?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:45:00 GMT

PBS NewsHour reports on some states with GOP governors who opposed the health law but want to pursue the Medicaid expansion. In one such state, Arizona, the Republican governor signed expansion legislation after a bruising fight with conservatives in the legislature. But, in Maine, the governor vetoed such a measure for the second time while news outlets offer updates from Virginia, Michigan and Ohio.

House GOP Plans Vote Today On Abortion Bill

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:15:05 GMT

The measure, which would ban abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, has drawn a White House veto threat. In other Capitol Hill news, health care issues continue to be part of the immigration reform debate and some lawmakers have asked for a review of federal grants and programs designed to assist the severely mentally ill.

Former CMS Head Berwick Enters Mass. Gov Race

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:14:33 GMT

Donald Berwick, a former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced Monday that he will run for governor of Massachusetts. Berwick served for a year and a half as head of CMS and had since then expressed interest in remaining in the public arena.

Viewpoints: Controlling Costs; Health Law's Guarantee Of Coverage; ACO Liability

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:13:11 GMT

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

State Highlights: Texas Pharmacists Want Medicaid Price Transparency

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and California.

First Edition: June 18, 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:34:31 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new publicity push in support of the health law.

Health Exchanges: Choice Of Plans Will Vary Sharply From State To State

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices -- or lack thereof -- will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.

Political Cartoon: 'No-Go Pogo?'

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:31:41 GMT

Take a look at KHN's lighter side, featuring today's cartoon and health policy haiku.

Michigan Inches Toward Medicaid Expansion

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:26:13 GMT

Also in the news, Virginia remains undecided on the expansion as a legislative panel, called the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission, holds its first meeting, and The Arizona Republic details how Gov. Jan Brewer closed the deal in that state.

Some GOP Lawmakers See Health Law As Means To Stall Immigration Reform Efforts

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:24:41 GMT

On Capitol Hill, immigration reform, sequester cuts and abortion issues continue to grab headlines.

Viewpoints: Don't Change Course On Medicare Reforms On Medical Equipment Prices; Liberals' Agenda Depends On Cutting Entitlements; Making Hospital Prices Public

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:23:43 GMT

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

Political Battles Congeal Around IRS Scandals, Implementation Questions

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:23:19 GMT

The Associated Press reports that the funding sought by the Obama administration for the Internal Revenue Service's health law activities could be in jeopardy as a result of recent scandals. Meanwhile, The Hill reports that GOP lawmakers are developing plans for handling constituents' questions about the health law.

State Highlights: States Urge Using Life Insurance For Long-Term Care

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:21:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Oregon.

First Edition: June 17, 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:40:59 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law.

Arizona Legislature Approves Medicaid Expansion

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:47:00 GMT

After a months-long, high-stakes political battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

Employers' Challenge: Offering 'Affordable' Coverage

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:46:00 GMT

The Associated Press reports on the health law's requirement that employers with more than 50 workers provide affordable health coverage or face fines. But what is affordable? And will workers be helped or hindered by the rule?

Political Cartoon: 'Daddy's Little Girl?'

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:23:42 GMT

Take a look at KHN's lighter side, featuring today's cartoon and health policy haiku.

State Highlights: Ga. Ponders Higher Health Plan Rates For Employees

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:15:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, Virginia, California and Oregon.

Texas Scrambles To Find Money For Approved Health Care Projects

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:14:00 GMT

In Texas, revenue woes are hampering a series of health care experiments, including how the state gives health care to its poor and uninsured, though federal approval for the projects came in May. In California, lawmakers get set to add some dental coverage for the state's poorest residents.