Latest KFF Health News Stories
Latest Round Of Health IT Regs Will Be Topic Of Capitol Hill Hearing
The House hearing is planned in order to give lawmakers a chance to review a proposed rulemaking regarding incentives for so-called “meaningful use” of health information technology.
Same Illness, But Very Different Treatment Costs
A new study published in the September issue of Health Affairs focuses on the cost of care delivered by nearly 250,000 doctors to non-elderly adults.
The Associated Press reports this Medicare Part D news development.
As the Democratic convention began, a Republican-leaning non-profit organization unveiled a new advertisement criticizing the health law. Meanwhile, national health issues are picking up steam in House and Senate races.
Will Medicare’s Quality Incentives Be Big Enough To Make A Difference?
Incentives are among the quality issues coming to the fore as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services prepares to hand out bonuses and penalties based on how hospitals perform.
Ways And Means Panel To Review IRS Mission In Health Law
Several outlets report on issues related to the federal health overhaul.
Viewpoints: Anti-Abortion Democrats Praise Health Law; A Defense Of The Medicare Cost-Cutting Board
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Abortion Rights Supporters And Foes Pack Texas Hearing On Funding Planned Parenthood Clinics
The women’s health services provider, meanwhile, asks a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that would allow Texas to exclude clinics affiliated with abortion providers from getting funds from the Medicaid Women’s Health Program.
Democrats Focus On Women’s Health Issues, Abortion Rights
Pointing to both the health law and GOP policy positions, Democrats were steady in making their case to women voters.
Maine Sues CMS Seeking Medcaid Cuts Resolution
Maine — unhappy with how long a decision is taking — is suing the federal government over its request to lower Medicaid eligibility.
Mich. Officials To Appeal Ruling Stopping Pay Deductions To Cover School Retirees’ Health Care Costs
Michigan officials will appeal a ruling that declared unconstitutional a deduction of school employee pay to help pay post-retirement pension health care costs.
State Roundup: Mass. Cost-Containment Law Could Harm Provider Credit Ratings
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Wisconsin.
‘Obamacare’ Plays Starring Role In First Night Of Convention
Several speakers cited the 2010 health law as a signature achievement of the Obama administration Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. This video sample includes Stacey Lihn, the mother of a child with congenital heart disease, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, San Antonio Mayor Juli
Video Excerpts: Kennedy-Romney Debate 1994
As part of a video tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Democrats showed this 18-year-old debate excerpt at their convention in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday. In 1994, Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, challenging Kennedy, the incumbent at that time.
First Edition: September 5, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on how health reform is playing a role in presidential politics, both during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., and in a new GOP campaign ad.
UnitedHealth Cases Show Big Cost Differences For Same Illness
We’ve seen this before: a study showing large spending disparities to treat similar ailments and little if any link between expenditure and effectiveness. What’s different about this analysis is the patients. Many reports on cost and quality disparity (the best known is the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care) are based on data from the government’s Medicare program for seniors. This […]
Are Medicare’s New Quality Incentives Large Enough To Change Hospital Behavior?
In October, hospitals stand to gain or lose as much as 1 percent of reimbursements. But experts say most will break even.
UnitedHealth Cases Show Big Cost Differences For Same Illness
New study focuses on the care provided by nearly 250,000 physicians treating non-elderly UnitedHealthcare patients and finds large spending disparities to treat similar ailments.
State experiment gets scrutiny amid national debate over role of insurance regulation in rising coverage costs.
California Pilot Offers Caveats For Moving ‘Dual Eligibles’ To Managed Care
As federal officials evaluate state proposals to move millions of the nation’s poorest and sickest individuals into managed care plans, they might consider a recent report from the California HealthCare Foundation. The report analyzed California’s year-long transition of 240,000 low-income seniors and people with disabilities from fee-for-service plans into managed care as part of a […]