Latest KFF Health News Stories
As More Employers Drop Coverage, Retirees Turn To Specialized Insurance Exchanges
Counselors help consumers who are eligible for Medicare enroll in plans that replace their old workplace benefits.
Study Finds Premium Support Plan Could Raise Medicare Premiums In Many Parts of Country
Seniors in both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans would be affected by the change, according to research that looks at how a voucher system would have worked in 2010.
Today’s Headlines – Oct. 15, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest developments and polling news from the presidential campaign trail as well as details about how Medicare and other health issues are shaping up in House and Senate races. The Washington Post: Presidential Contest Tight Nationally Ahead Of Second Debate On the eve of […]
Polls, Debate Prep and Ads About Medicare, Medicaid
Media outlets report on the latest poll findings and preview Tuesday night’s presidential debate. The headlines also detail the risks associated with the high volume of campaign ads voters face.
Health Care, Medicare Will Pose Major Challenges To The Winner
The victor of the presidential contest will face huge policy decisions including how to maintain Medicare’s solvency and whether to implement the 2010 health law. News outlets analyze where President Barack Obama and GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney stand on these issues.
Enrollment Season Opens For Medicare Advantage And Drug Plans
Today, Medicare beneficiaries can begin choosing their drug and medical coverage for 2013, and most seniors are expected to stick with the same policies they have already, despite price changes and a rating system that shows some plans may be better than others. Seniors have been reluctant to change plans, even if there are cheaper […]
Questions Abound On Compounding Pharmacies After Meningitis Outbreak
Compounding pharmacies are continuing to face intense scrutiny over their drug preparation and lobbying habits after one in Massachusetts is suspected in distributing a steroid that led to a meningitis outbreak.
Health Premiums Could Wipe Out Social Security Boost; Medicare Enrollment Begins
Some popular prescription drug plans face double-digit premium increases.
WellPoint Plans Reorganization; CVS Denies Knowledge Of Drug Refill Investigation
Health insurer WellPoint plans a reorganization under its new interim CEO, while CVS officials say they are unaware of a government probe of prescription refill practices, which was originally reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Hospital Payments Will Soon Be Tied In Part To Patient Satisfaction
The Wall Street Journal reports that, in the year ahead, nearly $1 billion in payments to hospitals will be based in part on patient satisfaction.
State Roundup: Health Care Construction Boom In Texas
News outlets report on health care developments in California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
News outlets detail the latest developments in the Virginia and Wisconsin Senate races, as well as in the House contests in California.
In V.P. Debate Redux, Candidates’ Policies Scrutinized
Coverage in the days after the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan examines policy positions, claims, and accusations related to Medicare, Medicaid and other policy points.
Several news outlets offer opinions on health care issues in the presidential campaign.
Viewpoints: Cancer Doctors Reject ‘Phenomenally Expensive’ New Drug; Protecting Patients’ Rights
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Romney’s Positions On Abortion, Planned Parenthood Funding Draw Political Fire
Both the Obama and Romney campaigns are issuing new campaign ads related to women’s health issues and attempting to stake out policy positions.
First Edition: October 15, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest developments and polling news from the presidential campaign trail as well as details about how Medicare and other health issues are shaping up in House and Senate races.
Safety-Net Hospitals Brace For Cut To Federal Subsidies
Because more people are supposed to be insured, the health law trims funding that is used to defray the expenses of treating a large number of uninsured and poor patients.
Chemo IV Vs. Pill Decision Can Come Down To Cost
KHN’s Insuring Your Health columnist Michelle Andrews answers a reader’s question about whether insurance companies cover chemotherapy pills at a lower rate — if at all — compared to intravenous treatment.
As Open Season Begins, More Medicare Advantage Plans Get Top Ratings
CMS announces that 127 plans earn four- or five-stars, which puts them in line for government bonuses.