Latest KFF Health News Stories
Joint Commission Offers Ranking Of Hospitals On Quality, Patient Safety
The hospital accreditation board recognized 620 hospitals as top performers based on 45 measures. The rankings reflect performance in 2011.
Report: Medical Home Model Should Have Physician At The Helm
A report issued Tuesday by the American Academy of Family Physicians urges the concept of medical homes as a solution to the looming primary care shortage, but argues that such practices should still be led by doctors.
Report: Obesity Rates Will Continue To Grow, Health Care Costs Will Follow
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health concluded that, based on current trends, most Americans could be obese by 2030.
Wis. Officials Say Medicaid Funding Will Need To Rise $650M Over Two Years
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services in a request to Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday that the increase was needed because of rising health care costs, higher program enrollment and lower federal funding.
Minn. Governor Moves Forward On Insurance Exchange, Shifts Oversight
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is shifting responsibility for a key part of the federal health overhaul in his state — a health insurance exchange — to a different state agency. He’s also moving forward on implementing the exchange, he said Tuesday.
House Panel To Consider Health Law Change That Would Help Brokers
A House committee is preparing a bill that would change the health law’s medical loss ratio provision to exclude brokers’ fees from counting as administrative costs.
Are Electronic Medical Records Leading To Higher Medical Bills?
The Center for Public Integrity investigates this question.
State Roundup: Ore. Insurance Co-Op Readies Coverage
A selection of health policy stories from New Jersey, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Kansas, North Carolina and Indiana.
The Wall Street Journal reports on how a health law regulation could undermine Democrats’ efforts to attract hispanic voters.
First Edition: September 19, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a series of reports detailing who makes up Romney’s so-called “47 percent” who get tax breaks and what federal assistance they receive — whether it is Medicare, Medicaid or another entitlement program.
Joint Commission Praises 620 Hospitals For Quality
Updated at 1:10 p.m. on Sept. 20. The Joint Commission, the nation’s major hospital accreditation board, is releasing its annual list of hospitals that have excelled at adhering to basic procedures for treating common illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes. The commission is recognizing 620 hospitals — 18 percent of those it accredits — as “top […]
Family Physicians Reject Suggestions To Have Nurses Lead Practices
With a shortage of primary care providers looming, the idea of using nurses and physician assistants to fill the gap often appears to be gaining traction. But according to a report released Tuesday by the American Academy of Family Physicians, having more nurse practitioner-led medical practices is not a viable solution. “Perceived shortages don’t justify […]
Medicare Battle Heats Up California House Race
A recent town hall shows how explosive the Medicare debate can get in the hottest races in the country.
Medicare’s Prominent Place In Pennsylvania Congressional Race
KHN’s Marilyn Werber Serafini talks about how the Medicare issue is playing in the race for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District between Democrat Dr. Manan Trivedi and GOP incumbent Jim Gerlach.
Unchecked Rise In Obesity Will Be Costly To States, Report Says
A new report analyzing obesity trends warns that health care costs will increase alongside U.S. waistlines if current rates are left unchecked. It calls for mobilizing public health efforts and expanding funding to help adults and children become leaner. Mississippi, Louisiana and West Virginia have the highest adult obesity rates, but projections of health trends for 2030 […]
Today’s Headlines – Sept. 18, 2012
The New York Times: Limits Placed On Immigrants In Health Care Law The White House has ruled that young immigrants who will be allowed to stay in the United States as part of a new federal policy will not be eligible for health insurance coverage under President Obama’s health care overhaul. The decision — disclosed […]
Some States Mull Partial Medicaid Expansion Under Health Law
Also in the news, a report about how a ruling barring health coverage for illegal immigrants, allowed to stay in the United States because they were brought here as young children, is angering Hispanic groups.
Health Policy Issues Are Hot Topic Online In Key States
CNN reports that news stories related to the health law and other health policies are being shared online more than those about other issues.
Health IT Firms Scrambling For Workers
Technicians are needed to help hospitals develop and use electronic health records. Other reports look at the efforts to develop secure and efficient digital records.
IOM Report: Military Needs To Do More To Treat, Prevent Drug And Alcohol Abuse
The Institute of Medicine found that the military’s programs don’t keep up with standard medical practices used in civilian life and that health care providers aren’t adequately trained at all levels.