Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Films Focus On ‘Ailing’ American Health Care System
Several new films being released examine the American health care system. One being released in theaters this week includes a look at the nation’s for-profit system and proposes greater use of alternative healing.
House Republicans Criticize Efforts To Get Health Law A Starring Role In TV Shows
Also in Capitol Hill news, a House Democrat introduced legislation to increase the number of government-supported medical residencies as a way to address the nation’s looming doctor shortage.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State Roundup: Pittsburgh Health System Merger Falls Apart
A selection of health policy news from Arkansas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Massachusetts, Montana and Georgia.
Abortion Laws Causing Confusion, Consternation
In Indiana, abortion rights advocates are trying to change a law restricting abortions induced by prescribing a pill. Also in the news, a deadline nears for Planned Parenthood in Texas.
Health Exchanges, Essential Benefits Issues Central To Health Law Implementation
News outlets are reporting on states’ efforts to define “essential benefits” as lawmakers and state officials press for information about how health exchanges will be created.
First Edition: October 1, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the start of a Medicare pay-for-performance effort as well as the latest from the campaign trail.
States Moving Ahead On Defining ‘Essential’ Health Insurance Benefits Under Federal Law
At least 16 states have decided on a minimum set of benefits for individual and group health plans starting in 2014, and many more states are close to decisions.
Also, GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan and Vice President Joe Biden traded barbs on Medicare this weekend.
Today’s Headlines – Sept. 28, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about political and policy-oriented health care developments. The Washington Post: Medicare Working To Boost Obama In Swing States, Poll Finds Voters in three critical swing states broadly oppose the far-reaching changes to Medicare -associated with the Republican presidential ticket and, by big margins, prefer […]
Obama, Romney Spar Over Medicare, Health Reform Policies
News outlets offer a variety of coverage on these issues – including how Medicare is playing in the polls and what motivates senior voters. And a new Families USA study offers a critical assessment of Mitt Romney’s health policies.
Health Policies Bubble Up In House And Senate Races
The Associated Press reports on the pull presidential coattails could have in some down-ballot races, and other news outlets report on how Medicare is playing in Virginia, Nevada and Wisconsin races.
Issa Threatens To Subpoena HHS Medicare Advantage Documents
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services is using an $8 billion Medicare bonus payment demonstration project to mask the health law’s cuts to Medicare advantage plans in advance of the election.
Employers Offer Buffet Of Health Care Coverage Choices — But With Limits
Some companies are offering employees a set amount to spend during the next open enrollment period for health insurance and making the employees choose coverage themselves — instead of offering one or two plans to them.
Patients, Physicians Face Health IT Divide
Medpage Today reports that though about 60 percent of patients are eager to access their health records and communicate with their doctors online, only about 40 percent of physicians have the capability to do so.
Viewpoints: Obamacare A ‘Big Plus’?; What Happened To GOP Anger Over Health Law?
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Counterfeit Drugs For Sale: FDA Issues Warning Regarding Online Pharmacies
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that many online pharmacies are fraudulent, according to the Associated Press.
Liberal Christians Protest Hobby Lobby Lawsuit Over Contraception Coverage Mandate
Elsewhere, fallout from Texas’ budget cuts for family funding services has forced several clinics to close.
Report: States, Feds Collected $30B In Fraud Settlements In 20 Years
A new report finds federal and state authorities have collected more than $30 billion from drug company fraud settlements in the last 20 years.
Republican Governors Push HHS For Health Law Implementation Details
In yet another letter sent Thursday to the Obama administration, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, the chairman of the Republican Governors Association, demanded information and offered a new round of criticism regarding the overhaul. Also on Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced $224 million in grant awards to five states to help fund the development of health exchanges.