Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Exchanges: Choice Of Plans Will Vary Sharply From State To State
The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices — or lack thereof — will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.
Michigan Inches Toward Medicaid Expansion
Also in the news, Virginia remains undecided on the expansion as a legislative panel, called the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission, holds its first meeting, and The Arizona Republic details how Gov. Jan Brewer closed the deal in that state.
Federal Officials Give Final OK For Florida’s Medicaid Managed Care Plan
Approval by the Obama administration was expected after it gave its initial go-ahead just hours before Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced his support for the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
Some GOP Lawmakers See Health Law As Means To Stall Immigration Reform Efforts
On Capitol Hill, immigration reform, sequester cuts and abortion issues continue to grab headlines.
Report Examines Medicare Spending Issues, Geographic Disparities And Hospital Payments
The report from the congressional advisory group MedPAC assesses a variety of issues, including penalties that Medicare has recently begun imposing on hospitals and how that affects facilities largely serving poor patients.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Political Battles Congeal Around IRS Scandals, Implementation Questions
The Associated Press reports that the funding sought by the Obama administration for the Internal Revenue Service’s health law activities could be in jeopardy as a result of recent scandals. Meanwhile, The Hill reports that GOP lawmakers are developing plans for handling constituents’ questions about the health law.
N.M. Project Aims To Electronically Connect Primary Care, Mental Health Providers
A new health care project in New Mexico — with an eye on expanding the project nationwide — will allow primary care doctors and mental health experts to connect electronically to provide better mental health care to the state’s residents.
Patients Opt For Walk-In Clinics Because Of Price, Wait Concerns
Retail and urgent care clinics are gaining steam as a way for people to see a doctor without the long waits or higher cost of getting care in traditional settings. In the meantime, Kaiser Health News reports on CEO bonus pay and how some CEOs are rewarded for increasing patient volume.
State Highlights: States Urge Using Life Insurance For Long-Term Care
A selection of health policy stories from California, Minnesota, Illinois and Oregon.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law.
Video: Hospital CEOs Rake In Bonuses
On World News Tonight Sunday, ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila reported on the investigation and what it says about the growing costs of hospital care.
Your Smartphone Might Hold Key To Your Medical Records
Hospitals and clinics are slowly replacing paper files with electronic health records, but information often isn’t easily shared. Smartphones may be one way consumers can bridge the electronic gap.
Hospital CEO Bonuses Reward Volume And Growth
As the country tries to rein in skyrocketing health costs, hospital leaders are still rewarded for expansion and profits. A KHN investigation, in collaboration with ABC News, looks at employment contracts and incentive pay at nonprofit hospital systems.
Questions And Answers About KHN’s Hospital CEO Bonus Story
How did Kaiser Health News choose and compile the data on hospital CEO bonus pay? Here’s a list of questions and answers.
How Does The CEO Earn His Bonus? At Most Hospitals, It’s Hard to Know
Despite concerns over the rising cost of medical care, hospitals — even nonprofit ones — give their CEOs large bonuses, and it’s often hard to know just why they’re earning them.
Chart: Hospital CEO Pay And Incentives
Kaiser Health News and ABC obtained compensation details for CEOs at dozens of top nonprofit and government-supported hospital systems.
Some Top Hospitals Shun CEO Bonus Pay
Some hospitals view bonuses for CEOs as a way to improve performance, but the leaders of some top hospitals believe all bonuses may be a mistake.
Florida’s Win: Feds Grant Medicaid Managed Care Waiver
This story comes from our partner, The News Service of Florida. TALLAHASSEE – The federal government gave final approval Friday to Florida’s long-debated proposal to overhaul the Medicaid system by requiring beneficiaries statewide to enroll in HMOs and other types of managed-care plans. The decision was not a surprise: Federal officials signaled earlier this year […]
Audio: Proton Therapy And Health Care Technology Costs
Proton radiation therapy is a hugely expensive way to treat some cancers, and some have questioned its cost-effectiveness — especially as it relates to other cancer treatments. Jenny Gold joined WNYC Thursday to discuss what makes the therapy so expensive, where the therapy is taking hold and why patients are drawn to this treatment. Press […]