Latest KFF Health News Stories
Transplant Officials To Consider Changes In Organ Donation
NPR reports that the United Network for Organ Sharing will consider new guidelines for donation after cardiac death when patients still have at least some brain activity.
Reimbursement Caps Mean Some Calif. Hospitals Reduce Surgery Prices
A pilot program saved $5.5 million over two years, a study found.
State Highlights: Calif. Eyes Health Care For Immigrants; New Scrutiny For N.Y. Home Health Firms
A selection of health policy stories from California, New York, Missouri, Arizona and Oregon.
More Options For Dental, Vision Coverage For Federal Employees
In the meantime, the nation’s largest public pension fund, the California Public Employees Retirement System, moves to provide equal access to health care for transgender people.
HHS Inspector General Details Prescription-Writing Abuses
The new report finds that health providers such as massage therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers often wrote prescriptions — and Medicare paid for them.
Research Roundup: Examining The Health Of Future Medicaid Patients; Rural Trauma Care Issues
This week’s studies come from JAMA, JAMA Surgery, JAMA Internal Medicine, the Georgetown Health Policy Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Mississippi Political Fight Threatens Medicaid Program, Care For 700,000
The state’s Democratic and Republican lawmakers are embroiled in a game of chicken that threatens to blow up the Medicaid program, which serves 700,000 poor Mississipians. Meanwhile, reports from Indiana, Montana and California detail other developments related to state officials’ decisions about whether to expand the program under the health law.
Texas House Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban
In Texas, lawmakers cut short debate and approved new abortion regulations that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, among other things. In Wisconsin, a bill would require an abortion doctor to make burial arrangements for a fetus.
Viewpoints: Mich. Gov. Says Medicaid Expansion Would Save Money, Lives
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Doctors, Hospitals, Insurers Prepare As Health Law Implementation Nears
The New York Times profiles a Louisville clinic’s efforts to be ready for changes, while several outlets look at the progress of the health exchanges where consumers will be able to buy insurance plans.
Companies Examine Ways To Cut Health Costs, Deal With Obamacare
The New York Times explores how employers are wrestling with approaches to health costs, as well as the health law’s new requirements.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including articles about the 100-day sprint toward opening the online health insurance marketplaces.
Hospitals Offer Better Food As Patient Satisfaction Becomes More Important Under Federal Health Law
Hospitals have gone from curing disease to curing meats to boost reviews and qualify for larger Medicare payments.
Officials Prepare For ‘Biggest Open-Enrollment Season We’ve Ever Seen’
With 100 days until Obamacare marketplaces open, much work remains to be done — here’s where they stand.
Political Fight Jeopardizes Mississippi’s Entire Medicaid Program
Democrats and Republicans in Mississippi are locked in a fight over the health law’s Medicaid expansion that could threaten reauthorization of the state’s Medicaid program — and care for 700,000 residents.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield Bets Big On Obamacare Exchanges
The Blues are expected to offer health plans nearly everywhere and are supporting marketing campaigns in key states such as Texas and Florida, where political opposition to the health law has been strong.
Rate Shock? Let’s Talk About It Later, Says Colorado Insurance Commissioner
Colorado is among the states getting their first glimpse of how much health insurance will cost under Obamacare in 2014. Colorado’s insurance commissioner Jim Riesberg says he’s pleased with what he’s seen so far, but, “talking about rates at this point in time could lead to a lot problems in the future.” Riesberg says that’s because […]
After Months Of Debate, Iowa Gov. Signs Health Care Expansion Into Law
Media outlets offer coverage of developments In Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and Pennsylvania regarding the Medicaid expansion.
Health Law Rebates Paid By Insurers Tally $500 Million
About 8.5 million Americans will receive rebates, which come out to be about $50 less per family than last year. The Obama administration says the decrease is a good thing because it indicates insurers are getting more efficient.
Nonprofit Group Launches PR Push About Health Exchanges
This weekend marks 100 days until the new online insurance marketplaces created by the health law should be up and running. With the count down to Oct. 1, the effort to educate the public, especially those eligible for new coverage, becomes increasingly important. Meanwhile, news outlets examine the development of the marketplaces.