Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Highlights: Free Calif. Health Care Clinic A Big Draw
A selection of health policy stories from California and North Carolina.
Maryland Sets Insurance Marketplace Plan Benchmark; Other State Health Law News
In Maryland, a board sets a state employee health plan as the benchmark for others in the marketplace. In the meantime, New Mexico examines what it has to gain from a Medicaid expansion, and Virginians give a thumbs down to the health law.
Research Roundup: Saving Money With Hospital Observation Units
Analyses, briefs and research from Health Affairs, JAMA, the Archives of Internal Medicine, the Milbank Quarterly and the Commonwealth Fund.
First Edition: September 28, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about political and policy-oriented health care developments.
Study: States, Feds Recover Billions In Medicaid Drug Fraud Settlements
Eager for revenues, states are settling more cases than ever — and at record amounts — with drug makers accused of defrauding Medicaid programs, according to a new analysis from the consumer group Public Citizen. In just the first half of 2012, the federal government and states have recovered $6.6 billion, according to the report. Overcharging health […]
Not Your Typical Presidential Debate Forum For Obama, Romney
There’s nothing unusual about the way The New England Journal of Medicine displays the “Perspective” section this week: In dueling columns, under an original article on a “novel androgen-receptor blocker” for prostate cancer. But the authors of two of the perspectives are far from typical: B. Obama and M. Romney. The introduction to both is basic: […]
Today’s Headlines – Sept. 27, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law and Medicare are buzz words in public opinion polls and on the campaign trail. Los Angeles Times: Romney Cites His Healthcare Law As Proof Of His Compassion Mitt Romney, while campaigning in Ohio on Wednesday, highlighted the healthcare law […]
Talk On The Trail: Romney Praises His Own Mass. Health Reforms, Denounces The 2010 Health Law
In what The Washington Post describes as “political flexibility,” GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney touted the state health law he signed while Massachusetts’ governor as proof of compassion and empathy, while also sharply criticizing the federal health law, which is viewed as President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement.
Polls: Obama Scores Higher In Trust On Medicare
A new Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll found that 52 percent of the public trusts President Barack Obama over GOP presidential pick Mitt Romney to do a beter job with Medicare’s future, although young people are more receptive than seniors to Republican Medicare proposals. Meanwhile, a survey by AP-GfK found substantial belief in the widely challenged idea that the law includes “death panels.”
Md. Blues Chief Blasts Plan To Shift Hospital Costs To Insurers
Negotiations to avert a breakdown in Maryland’s unique system of regulating hospital prices have deteriorated into a stalemate between the state’s largest insurer and the Maryland Hospital Association. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield CEO Chet Burrell, speaking out for the first time about the talks, blames hospitals for their proposal to shift hundreds of millions in costs to CareFirst and other private insurers in an attempt […]
Inspector General: Medicare Wrongly Paid Millions For Refills On Restricted Prescriptions
A government report concludes that Medicare regularly paid for refilled pain pills and other meds that actually require a fresh prescription, according to The Associated Press.
Big Employers Change The Way They Provide Health Benefits
The Wall Street Journal reports on developments related to the health benefits provided by two large employers. Also, in the backgroun, The Associated Press reports on how smart decision-making and money saving will be eaiser during this year’s open enrollment season.
Medicaid: Ariz. Expansion Savings Detailed; Kan. Prepares For Managed Care Approval
In Arizona, a new report details how a Medicaid expansion there would save the state money and create jobs. In Kansas, an official says the state’s planned move of Medicaid recipients to managed care is likely to be approved by federal authorities.
Viewpoints: Obama, Romney Pitch Health Care Plans In NEJM
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
HHS To States, Lawmakers: Federal Exchange Will Be Ready On Time
This pair of stories from CQ HealthBeat take a look at various issues emerging regarding the implementation of helath exchanges.
Politico: GOP Budget Plan In The Red Without Ryan Cuts
Politico examines the impact that a little-noticed change in the House Republican budget plan will have on Medicare.
FDA, Docs, Consumers Scrutinizing Medical Apps
Consumers are increasingly relying on mobile applications to monitor their own health as some question whether the FDA can evaluate the apps fast enough.
Texas Budget Cutting Causes Closure Of 50 Clinics Offering Family Planning Services
In the meantime, Missouri has fined Aetna $1.5 million for failing to allow employers to opt-out of contraception coverage in their plans, and Virginia’s Attorney General approves new regulations on abortion clinics.
State Roundup: Pharmacies Struggle With New Drug Controls
A selection of health policy news from Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, California, Kansas and Oregon.
Longer Looks: Brains Are Saved As High School Football Season Begins
This week’s articles come from ABC News, The New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Reuters.