Kaiser Health News - Insurance

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 Law's Impact On Premiums Still A Question

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:53:00 GMT

Meanwhile, news outlets report on the Obama administration's challenge to educate a largely uninformed public about the law's benefits.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Calif. Regulator Seeks To Bar Anthem From Small Business Health Exchange

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

Meanwhile, Minnesota officials announce the opening of a call center Sept. 3 to answer consumer questions about the state's online insurance marketplace, which will begin enrolling people a month later.

Immigrants' Health Care Costs Are Hot Topic On Capitol Hill

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

Other media reports detail Sen. Ron Wyden's proposal to allow accountable care organizations to focus on the sickest, most costly patients; questions from Rep. Darrell Issa, R.-Calif., about the navigator program's funding; and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's, D-Calif., angry response to a reporter's question about late-term abortions.

First Edition: June 14, 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:38:00 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how, after months of battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

Survey: Employers 'Pessimistic' About Health Law Costs

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:09:00 GMT

The Wall Street Journal reports on a survey that finds companies increasingly "pessimistic" they can avoid health care cost increases they believe will stem from the overhaul. Politico reports that insurers are showing little interest in small business exchanges. Also in the news, Indiana House Republicans worry that schools are cutting employee hours to avoid health law penalties.

Details Emerging About Costs For Health Plans Available Through Health Exchanges

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:08:00 GMT

CNN Money reports that some consumers may be surprised by the out-of-pocket costs -- including deductibles and co-payments -- these plans include. Other news outlets report on developments related to online marketplaces in California, Minnesota and Colorado.

Viewpoints: 'Tyranny' Over Insurers; Obama's Promises; Rep. Franks's Abortion Claim

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:44:07 GMT

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

Accenture: Boom Ahead For Retail Health Clinics

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:43:14 GMT

According to the consulting firm Accenture, the number of retail clinics will likely double by the end of 2015 -- a trend fueled by the demand for care by consumers who will become insured under the health law. Meanwhile, the Fiscal Times examines why some physicians are choosing not to accept any health insurance.