Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare: Docs Not Leaving Program; Sen. Baldwin Pushes To Protect Rural Hospital Funds
In Medicare news, doctors may not be leaving the Medicare program in droves as some think. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is pushing back against Medicare cuts to rural hospital reimbursement, and some hospitals are making follow-up care changes to lower readmission rates.
Sorting Out End-Of-Life, Long-Term Care Issues As America Ages
One doctor is helping families cope with end-of-life care while a looming shortage of caregivers worries some.
Examining Cost: Why Are Health Care Services So Expensive?
The New York Times looks at the cost of care and asks why it’s so difficult for consumers to find out what a service costs. In the meantime, new research shows ending copays and making medication easier to use drives lower rates of hypertension.
GOP Push To Defund Health Law Spurs Capitol Hill Debate
During the weekend talk shows, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, acknowledged that he does not have the votes to be successful and that he will need the help of significant grassroots pressure to win the battle.
State Highlights: Iowa Asks For Federal Waiver For State Health Coverage Plan
A selection of health policy news from Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Georgia and Kansas.
Medicaid Expansion Still Unsettled In Some States
State legislators in Michigan could vote as early as Tuesday on a bill to expand the health insurance program for the poor. In Wyoming, lawmakers consider an alternative approach developed by Arkansas. And in Arizona, a group trying to block the expansion faces a deadline to put the matter on the ballot.
First Edition: August 26, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the ongoing battles between those who support the implementation of the health law, and those who oppose it.
Kids With Costly Medical Issues Get Help, But Not Enough
More than 2 million kids in the US are born with multiple chronic illnesses that often require frequent trips to the hospital, and the number of medically complex kids is growing about 6 percent a year. Medicaid usually steps in to help pay, but that can create logistical problems for families.
No Shopping Zone: Medicare Is Not Part Of New Insurance Marketplaces
Administration officials are planning campaign to convince millions of seniors that they don’t need to sign up for the online exchanges.
Bare Bones Health Plans Expected To Survive Health Law
Retailers, restaurant chains and others find they can continue to offer such coverage and avoid the health law’s heftiest fines.
Why Health Law’s ‘Essential’ Coverage Might Mean ‘Bare Bones’
But how can a law praised for expanding coverage — one that includes an “employer mandate” to offer “minimum essential coverage” — allow companies to offer insurance that might not even cover hospitalization?
Republicans Continue To Pound Obamacare, Threaten Budget Vote
News outlets covered the ongoing “defunding” controversy.
80 House GOP Members Urge Boehner To Defund Obamacare
House Speaker John Boehner floated the idea of a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown in October. But conservatives in his caucus expressed opposition, insisting that funds be stripped from the health care law even if that forces a government shutdown.
State Laws Could Upend Elements Of The Health Law Enrollment Effort
Twelve states have passed such laws, including measures that could undermine funding for “navigators.” Also, news outlets report on the latest from California, Wisconsin and Florida regarding this and other issues related to health exchanges.
Congressional Obamacare Sparring Matches Continue At Home
Both sides of the political aisle in Washington are continuing their Obamacare sparring sessions at home in their districts during the August recess with town hall meetings and debates on the law taking spotlight.
State Highlights: Colo. Effort To Reduce Hospital Readmissions Pays Off
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia, California, Texas, Arizona and North Carolina.
Local Governments Wrestle With Employee Hours And Health Coverage
Even though the requirement that employers — including state and local governments — offer full-time employees health coverage does not kick for 16 months, many are alreayd making cuts, The Washington Post reports.
Delta Air Lines Tells Feds: Health Law Makes Costs ‘Rise Dramatically’
The airline is saying its increased health-care costs will be tens of millions of dollars.
Federal Court Strikes Down Arizona Abortion Law
The measure would have kept Medicaid funding from some providers, including Planned Parenthood.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.