Latest KFF Health News Stories
Two GOP Senators Push To Choke Off IRS Health Law Implementation Funds
Also in the news, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is positioning himself to be the lead sponsor of legislation that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. Meanwhile, the nursing home industry is stepping up its lobbying efforts to protect its Medicare funding.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
IOM Urges Congress Not To Shift Medicare Payments To Pay More In Areas With Low Costs
A panel of experts says the government should by wary of suggestions that cutting payments to high cost areas and rewarding low-cost areas would help improve care and reduce Medicare costs.
GAO Analysis: Health Premiums Vary Widely
The Government Accountability Office report, which is based on prices reported by insurers, shows that consumers face a wide range of premium prices, deductibles and annual exposure to out-of-pocket costs.
Some Warn Of ‘Overwhelming’ Mental Illness Care Cost Without New Research Investment
News outlets also look at treatment and new models for caring for mental health patients. In the meantime, a former congressman says the Obama administration will soon issue final rules to implement the 2008 Mental Health Parity Act.
For Many States, Medicaid Expansion Plans Remain Unsettled
Federal officials remind Florida lawmakers that it is not too late to opt into the program, while in Virginia, Politico reports the issue could be decided by this fall’s gubernatorial election. Also, an Arizona push to get the issue on the ballot in November may fail because of paperwork errors and the Michigan Senate considers a tweaked expansion bill that requires co-pays for new Medicaid enrollees.
State Highlights: D.C. To Use Cash Reserves To Pay Medicaid Providers Off
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Texas, California, Oregon, Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
This week’s articles come from The New Yorker, the Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Slate and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about WellPoint’s second-quarter profits and the Insitute of Medicine’s findings about geographic varitions in Medicare spending.
Schizophrenia, Suicide And One Family’s Anguish
Homer Bell was 54 years old when he committed suicide in April in a very public way — he laid down in front of a bus in his hometown of Hartford, Conn. It was the culmination of three decades of suffering endured by Bell and his family because of his illness, schizophrenia. Harold Schwartz, the […]
GAO: Current Insurance Costs For Individual Policies Vary Widely
Will premiums go up or down under the health law? It’s been one of the most contentious questions in recent weeks, as states examine the rates submitted by insurers applying to sell coverage through new online marketplaces that open for enrollment Oct. 1. Critics of the law have argued that new rules, benefit requirements and taxes will drive […]
Report recommends that Congress use Medicare’s influence to push doctors and other providers to work more closely and share in financial risk for care that is too costly.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection.
Fierce Battle Shaping Up Over Health Law’s Rollout
The White House believes a successful rollout of the health law will help determine President Barack Obama’s legacy, while Republicans appear equally intent on reaping political benefits by gutting this and other administration priorities.
Michelle Obama Seeks Latino Activists’ Assistance With Insurance Enrollment
Speaking Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza, the first lady urged the organization’s members to encourage their friends and families to enroll in new coverage options.
State Abortion Clinic Restrictions Could Impact Women’s Health Care Access
Stateline reports that abortion opponents are advancing new clinic standards that may be impossible to meet. Abortion rights supporters fear these rules could force many clinics to close, making it more difficult for some women to get a broad array of health care services.
Study: Docs Place ‘Major Responsibility’ For Health Care Costs On Others
In a survey of doctors by Mayo Clinic researchers, most respondents pointed to lawyers, health insurers, hospitals, drug companies and patients as having a large stake in cutting costs.
Bipartisan Proposal Would Change The Way U.S. Values Medical Procedures
Some members of Congress believe it is time to “redo the RUC” and strengthen oversight of the American Medical Association committee that helps to set payment levels.
State Highlights: Medicaid Pilot Project Costs $32B More Than Expected
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado and California.
Some States Plan Aggressive Marketing Of Health Exchanges
News outlets report on state implementation activities, including efforts by California and Oregon to promote new health insurance marketplaces, presentations made to New Hampshire’s special commission weighing whether to expand Medicaid and a closed door meeting by Idaho exchange officials.