Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Medicare Issue Reverberates During Convention

Morning Briefing

As both parties press their views about revamping the program, a National Journal survey of “insiders” finds both sides think they can win on the issue. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that even as the Romney-Ryan ticket seems to be holding its own against Democratic attacks on the issue, some Republicans down the ballot are concerned.

Ryan Says GOP Will Protect Medicare

Morning Briefing

In a speech to the Republican convention, the vice presidential candidate parried Democratic attacks on his Medicare proposals, saying, “The usual posturing on the Left isn’t going to work. Mitt Romney and I know the difference between protecting a program and raiding it.”

Ryan: ‘Greatest Threat To Medicare Is Obamacare’

KFF Health News Original

Rep. Paul Ryan, the GOP vice presidential nominee, was not the only speaker who denounced the health law at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. State Attorneys General Pam Bondi and Sam Olens spoke about the federal lawsuit against the law, and former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee called the law’s provisions an “attack on my Catholic brothers and sisters.”

Today’s Headlines – August 29, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news from the Republican convention in Tampa and previews of Rep. Paul Ryan’s speech coming tonight. The Wall Street Journal: Republicans Anoint Romney Where Mrs. Romney sought to round out her husband’s public image, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey suggested the policy direction Mr. […]

Georgia Governor Rejects Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

Gov. Nathan Deal told reporters at the GOP Convention that he has no intention of expanding the program because the federal government’s commitment to pay the full cost for three years, and 90 percent thereafter “is probably unrealistic.” An estimated 650,000 Georgians would gain health coverage under an expansion.

Foundation Promises $500M For Patient Safety Effort; Starts With $9M Hopkins Grant

Morning Briefing

A foundation has promised to spend $500 million over the next decade on hospital safety to try to prevent patient harm. The first $9 million will fund a project at Johns Hopkins to develop tools to eliminate common threats in hospitals.

Poll: Abortion Not Decisive Issue For More Than Half Of Voters

Morning Briefing

While the 2012 presidential race has energized pro- and anti-abortion rights groups, a new CBS News poll shows that as many as 57 percent of registered voters in both parties say it’s possible they would vote for a candidate who disagreed with them on the issue. However, women are less likely than men to say that.

Medicaid Cuts Hit Dental Services; Minn. Seeks Waiver To Save $151 Million

Morning Briefing

The New York Times looks at the problems that come when the health care program for low-income people doesn’t meet their dental needs. At the same time, Minnesota news outlets report on an effort by their governor to get federal authorities to approve changes in the Medicaid program there.