Kaiser Health News

An increasing number of consumers have these plans with lower premiums, but they must cover the first $1,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 of care before insurance kicks in, providing an incentive to haggle with doctors and hospitals.

A selection of health policy stories from Oklahoma, Texas, California and Massachusetts.

News coverage of the ongoing IRS scandal is focusing on Republican criticism of Sarah Hall Ingram, who is now in charge of helping to implement the health care law.

States will have the option to use data from food stamps, other programs, to enroll adults in Medicaid. Officials say the changes are geared to states that are expanding the program next year, but they may also be adopted by others.

As Republicans raise new questions about the IRS’ responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the health law, KHN’S Mary Agnes Carey talks to Joanna Kerpen, a partner at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, about the job ahead for the agency.

Just as the House took its 37th vote to repeal the health law, largely along party lines, the Republicans held their first hearing on the IRS's tax-exempt and government-entities division. Several media outlets report that Sarah Hall Ingram, who led the division when the questioned operations began, is now in charge of the branch overseeing implementation of parts of the health law.

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.

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.

In advance of its release, the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has triggered debate and controversy surrounding the many changes included in this 947-page book.

The New York Times reports on this marketing development.

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

The New York Times and Los Angeles Times report on specific hospitals that have been shown to be among the most expensive in the nation. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on interest from some senators in overhauling Medicare's hospital payment system.

A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Wisconsin and California.

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

Mathew Staver, the university's lawyer, told the judges Thursday in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Liberty would face millions of dollars in penalties if it refuses to provide employee health insurance that violates its religious beliefs.

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was among the members of Congress linking the IRS scandal to the repeal vote and even talk of impeachment.

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.

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

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.

In a 91-to-7 vote, the Senate approved President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Marilyn Tavenner, who has been the agency's acting administrator, was endorsed by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.