Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

VP Candidates’ Answers On Abortion, Medicare Get A Second Look

KFF Health News Original

Last night’s vice presidential debate provided contentious contrast on the issues of abortion and Medicare between Vice President Joe Biden and the Republican nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan. The candidates sparred over the role their faith plays in their positions on abortion and laid out their tickets’ visions for Medicare reform. Here’s a sample of how […]

Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP All Targets For Fraud

KFF Health News Original

When it comes to health care fraud, medical facilities and hospitals are the top two offenders. That’s according to a new Government Accountability Office report released this week. According to the report, 10,187 individuals and entities were investigated in 2010 for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Medical facilities (including medical […]

Today’s Headlines – Oct. 12, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the health policy highlights from last night’s vice presidential debate. Los Angeles Times: Vice Presidential Debate Gets Prickly On Healthcare As the candidates for vice president parried, Ryan accused the Obama administration of “getting caught with its hand in the cookie jar,” and Biden charged […]

VP Candidates Spar Over Medicare Plan Specifics

Morning Briefing

During last night’s face off, Vice President Joe Biden and GOP vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan offered different plans, visions and, sometimes, even numbers for Medicare’s future.

Wal-Mart Expanding Program For No-Cost Employee Surgeries

Morning Briefing

Wal-Mart announced this week that it will expand a program that ends out-of-pocket procedure and travel costs for employees seeking some heart and spine surgeries if they go to hospitals across the country that have agreements with the retailer.

Romney Hints At Plan For Pre-existing Conditions, Lack Of Health Coverage

Morning Briefing

During a meeting with the Columbus Dispatch, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney offered a comment about people who lack insurance which is being characterized by some news outlets as “controversial.” Romney plans to repeal the health law but says uninsured people could still visit an emergency room and that people with pre-existing conditions could keep their insurance. On this point, however, he has yet to provide specifics, news outlets report.

Capitol Hill Fights Over Health Law, EHR Doc Payments Continue

Morning Briefing

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill sound off on the Obama administration’s “meaningful use” payments to doctors as the fight over parts of the health law and its oversight and D.C’s insurance exchange continue.

Biden, Ryan Face Questions About Abortion And Faith

Morning Briefing

Both candidates explained how their Catholic background helped to shape their policy views, including on abortion. News outlets reported that, based on answers from Vice President Joe Biden and GOP vice presidential pick Paul Ryan, it was clear that both were aiming to the larger, much sought-after audience of female voters.

Research Roundup: Medicare Open Season Awareness

Morning Briefing

This week’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund and other news sources.

VP Debate: How Faith Informs The Candidates On Abortion

KFF Health News Original

Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan talked about how their Catholic faith informs their stances on abortion at the vice presidential debate in Danville, Ky., on Thursday.

Study: Seniors Overspend On Medicare Part D

KFF Health News Original

Seniors spent on average $368 more than they needed to on drug coverage through Medicare Part D plans in 2009 — their decisions complicated by the sheer volume of plans available and difficulties involved in determining what makes a plan a good choice, a Health Affairs study released Tuesday has found. There are 1,736 plans available to Medicare beneficiaries for purchasing prescription […]

Today’s Headlines – Oct. 11, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including previews of how Medicare and other health policy issues might play in tonight’s vice presidential debate. The New York Times: This Election, A Stark Choice In Health Care When Americans go to the polls next month, they will cast a vote not just for president […]