Kaiser Health News - Politics

Tensions, Threats Emerge In Ariz. Medicaid Expansion Debate

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

In addition, the legislative debate continues in Texas while in Florida there's speculation about what's to become of the state's uninsured population now that the legislature didn't take action.

State Highlights: La. Grand Jury To Examine $200M Medicaid Contract

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:11:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, Oregon, Connecticut, Kansas, North Carolina, California, and New York.

House Panel Considers Measure That Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:10:56 GMT

The bill, which is national in scope, is a response to the conviction of abortion provider Kermit Gosnell as well as a range of new state laws.

Health Care Issues Become Hurdle For Immigration Reform Measure

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:10:00 GMT

The key question that seems to have stalled progress for House lawmakers is how to handle immigrants who do not have health insurance.

Health Law Politics Swirl Around Scandal Reports, Implementation Frustrations

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:10:00 GMT

Some of the political ebb and flow is exactly as expected, with news reports noting that Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a staunch opponent of the overhaul, is focused on linking the Internal Revenue Scandal with the health law. However, in other coverage, The Associated Press reports that some labor unions, which were strong advocates, have become increasingly frustrated with some aspects of the law. In addition, a Republican Arizona legislator received threats in response to her support for an effort to pursue the Medicaid expansion.

First Edition: May 24, 2013

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:11:54 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details on California's new health insurance exchange rates, whether consumers will experience "rate shock" and what these numbers say about the health law's implementation.

States Embroiled In Medicaid Expansion Battles Are Running Out Of Time

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:09:00 GMT

Politico reports that this health law implementation issue remains an open question for about a dozen states. Some are on the brink of giving up for the first year but looking ahead to the next set of state legislature sessions. Meanwhile, news outlets report on related developments in Michigan, Iowa, Ohio and Texas.

Idaho, New Mexico Ask Feds To Run Health Exchanges

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:08:00 GMT

In addition, media outlets report that the nation's largest for-profit insurers will not participate in California's online marketplace. Eleven insurers have applied to operate plans in Colorado.

Political Cartoon: 'Pennsylvania Railroaded?'

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:40:38 GMT

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

HHS Report Finds Uptick In Doctors' Use Of Electronic Health Records

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:32:50 GMT

Also in the news, the Pentagon is in search of a new system for veterans' health care while San Francisco is "leading the way" in new health data applications.

State Highlights: Conn. Democrats Eye Shifting $400M In Medicaid Money

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from California, Connecticut, American Samoa, Georgia, Oregon and West Virginia.

Viewpoints: Sen. Alexander Sees Reflections Of Oliver North In Sebelius' Quest To Raise Funds; Vaccine Scare's Legacy

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

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

The Hill: Insurers Feel Pressure To Support Enroll America

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:24:28 GMT

The Hill reports that unnamed insurance industry sources say they feel that Enroll America, the non-profit group raising funds to support outreach to the uninsured, is "just an arm of the administration." In a separate story, The Hill notes new research concluding the trend toward part-time work and reduced health benefits began before the overhaul.

First Edition: May 23, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:14:00 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including various status updates about state activity regarding the health law's online insurance marketplaces.

Medicaid Expansion Popular In Southern States, Despite Govs' Opposition

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:46:00 GMT

A poll by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found popular support for this and other health law provisions in five southern states despite the conservative political climate. Meanwhile, expansion supporters are strategizing about their next moves in states where they have not been successful.

Market Pressures May Keep Premiums Low As Health Law Kicks In

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

USA Today reports this optimistic view is offered by some industry analysts and health insurance officials. Meanwhile, Politico does a status check on the legal challenges to the health law's birth control mandate. News reports also track the latest regarding the Internal Revenue Service controversy and the overhaul.

Outreach Effort Moves Forward Despite Sebelius Controversy

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:23:20 GMT

Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack tells CQ Healthbeat that the flap won't prevent a robust effort by the nonprofit group, Enroll America, to sign up the uninsured. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney draws parallels to earlier allegations about President Barack Obama's birth certificate.

Health Issues Play A Part In House Immigration Talks, Budget Cuts

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:15:00 GMT

Politico reports that issues related to the health benefits made available to undocumented immigrants as they seek citizenship could muddy House negotiations. In addition, House Republicans have pressed forward with budget cuts that would impact Indian health care and a number of other domestic programs.