Latest KFF Health News Stories
Seniors Make Bigger Gains Against Heart Disease Than Younger People
Media outlets report that rates for so-called avoidable deaths from cardiovascular disease declined among people under age 75, but the rates of decline were substantially slower among adults under age 65 and among blacks, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State Highlights: At Least 58 U.S. Abortion Clinics Close After New, Tighter Laws
A selection of health policy news from Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina, Connecticut and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Putting Seniors In The Hospital Under ‘Observation’ May Cost Them Thousands
NPR and Kaiser Health News report how many seniors think Medicare made a mistake when they find out they were never admitted to the hospital despite a several-day stay. Instead, they were on “observation status,” meaning that they may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in subsequent nursing home costs. Former Medicare Chief Donald Berwick tells the Boston Globe the administration should abandon the rule.
Who Will Care For Older Americans As They Age — And Who Will Pay For It?
The implications of caring for aging Americans continues to worry many as news outlets examine workforce and cost issues related to treating older Americans.
Texas Minors Can No Longer Use Tanning Salons
As of Sept. 1, the state became one of about a dozen to ban indoor tanning by the young, citing research linking the practice to deadly forms of skin cancer.
First Edition: September 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Balitmore Ravens will be part of the effort to raise public awareness about Maryland’s health exchange.
Baltimore Ravens To Host Ads for Maryland Health Exchange
Updated 8:15 pm Tuesday. The National Football League backed away from promoting Obamacare insurance marketplaces this summer after a sharp warning from Republicans. But the Baltimore Ravens seem to have stepped — or at least edged — into the gap. By including health insurance ads on their Gameday TV show and other content, the Super […]
Nearly Half Of U.S. Births Are Covered By Medicaid, Study Finds
About half the births in the United States are paid for by Medicaid — a figure higher than previous estimates — and the numbers could increase as the state-federal health insurance program expands under the Affordable Care Act, according to a study released Tuesday. All pregnant women with incomes below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, just […]
Health Law Spurs Concerns From Allies, As Well As Enemies
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, continues his battle to undo the health law, while a House Democrat from the deep South angers both sides of the political aisle. In other news, labor unions are frustrated the administration hasn’t responded to their Obamacare concerns, while Republicans in tough re-election fights are wary of accepting big premium support to buy insurance in the exchanges.
Policies, Operations Taking Shape For Online Insurance Marketplaces
Three states plan to open callc enters today to aid consumers in finding their way around new health exchanges, slated to start business on Oct. 1. Meanwhile, in Alaska, federal officials and local organizations are working to try to get a marketplace up and running before this deadline, and California’s marketplace offers more details about premium rates for coverage that will be available.
Washington Ranks 2nd In Nation In Uninsured Growth
This story was produced in partnership with With about 16 percent of its residents uninsured, Washington state falls solidly in middie of the pack, with Texas having the highest percentage of residents without health insurance: more than 25 percent. Massachusetts, where a state health-insurance mandate has been in place for years, has the smallest percentage […]
Health Industry Stakeholders Promote Exchanges, Launch Consumer Advertising
USA Today reports that a coalition of providers and insurers are actively promoting the online insurance marketplaces in states that have opted against running their own health exchange. Meanwhile, The New York Times examines how some insurance companies are advertising the new insurance system.
N.C. Program Shows Promise In Reducing Hospital Readmissions
A statewide transitional care program in North Carolina may hold hope for reducing hospital readmissions in the U.S., a new study finds. In the meantime, readmissions’ financial stakes become clear for one Minnesota hospital.
Medicare News: When Nursing Home Benefits Run Out; Reforming Doc Pay Fix More Costly Than Repeal
News outlets examine what options nursing home patients have when their Medicare benefits run out and the latest challenge to reforming how doctors are paid by the program — the price tag.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Calif. Bill To Expand Nurse Role In Health Care Dies
A selection of health policy stories from California, Ohio, Mississippi and Washington.
Health Law Could Be Boon For Safety Net Providers — And Crooks
News outlets report on how the law might affect clinics serving the poor, concerns about scams and details about how the individual mandate will work.
Rural Poor Likely To Feel The Pinch Of State Decisions Not To Expand Medicaid
Economist says half of the rural poor who would be aided by expansion live in states that have opted not to take that step.
News outlets covered various studies about health costs and doctor earnings.