Latest KFF Health News Stories
Self-Referred Biopsies Cost Taxpayers Millions, GAO Reports
Physicians who prepare and examine tissue samples within their own practices, or who use services in which they have a financial interest, report higher use of these services, which could be driving up costs to Medicare, according to the Government Accountability Office.
North Dakota Judge Strikes Down State Law On Nonsurgical Abortion Drugs
In the meantime, new abortion and “personhood” proposals in that state rankle some medical professionals.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Minn. Health Plans Stockpile Nearly $2B In Cash
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, California, Georgia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
House Subcommittee Schedules Markup Of ‘Doc Fix’ Bill
The panel on July 22 will consider a measure repealing the current Medicare physician payment formula. Also in the news, some fact-checking on House GOP efforts to repeal the health law.
Pilot Program Finds Improving Quality Easier Than Lowering Health Care Costs
The Wall Street Journal reports on the first-year mixed results of the health law’s pilot project, known as the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization program.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a look at how the health law will really work.
A Handful Of State Marketplaces Opt Not To Charge Smokers More For Premiums
The health law allows insurers to charge smokers 50 percent higher premiums than nonsmokers but some states have decided not to allow that distinction in plans sold on the new online exchanges.
Electronic Health Records Help Cut Costs For Mass. Community Docs: Study
The adoption of electronic health records by community doctors helped drive down health costs, a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported. Previous studies, many dealing with academic teaching hospitals, have yielded mixed results about the effects electronic health records (EHRs) have had and have drawn concerns over the adoption of health […]
Why Your Doctor May Still Have Paper Records
The federal government is paying doctors go to digital. But many practices are daunted by the expense and other obstacles as they struggle to take the leap from paper to electronic records.
Health Exchange Countdown: Insurers, Regulators Test Drive New Plans, TV Ads
News outlets report on how the health law’s online health insurance marketplaces will work, the products that will be available through them and the efforts to enroll millions of uninsured or underinsured people.
State Insurance Exchanges Launching TV Ads To Encourage Enrollment
A folk singer playing guitar in front of a mountain stream. A Disney-like animated video about how “a new day is coming.” An announcer talking about “change is here.” A woman jumping up and down in celebration in a baseball team locker room. These images are from the first television advertisements being aired by state-run health […]
Ripple Effect Of Employer Mandate Delay Seen On Policies, Politics
Politico reports on how the Obama administration’s decision may create some difficulties for employers. Other media outlets detail how Republicans will try to capitalize on it this week on Capitol Hill.
Texas Health Care Providers Bracing for Medicaid Enrollment
The Lone Star State is not expanding its Medicaid program, but enrollment is still expected to surge as families seek coverage to comply with the individual insurance mandate.
Freestanding ERs, Urgent Care Centers, Frequent Flyers Change Marketplace
News outlets offer various reports on how emergency and urgent care facilities are affecting how America delivers health care.
Reid Says He’s Open To Senate Abortion Ban Vote
But the Senate leader warns that Congress shouldn’t focus on “fringe” issues. Meanwhile, political analysts say the Republican push to limit abortions scores points with the party’s conservative base, but could widen its “gender gap” in the 2014 elections.
Health Law Opponents Using Campaign-Style Maneuvers
NBC News looks at the political tactics of conservatives hoping to derail the health overhaul. Meanwhile, one senator’s attempt fails to cut funding and stop implementation.
ACO Pioneers Face Decision Deadline
Modern Healthcare reports that Medicare Pioneers have until July 15 to let the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services know if they plan to stay in the program for a second year. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Mirror offers a picture of how accountable care organizations work.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Health Overhaul Scam Opportunities Emerge
As the health law roll-out continues, more attention is being paid to the opportunities it may create for scammers and fraudsters.