Latest KFF Health News Stories
Poll: Economy Trumps Medicare, Women’s Health Issues
As delegates to the Republican National Convention gather in Tampa, a new poll finds GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama neck-and-neck. Romney will use the week to introduce himself to American voters, but news outlets warn against expecting much substantive policy to emerge from the speeches.
Obama, Romney Trade More Medicare Barbs
President Barack Obama went on the Medicare attack, using his weekly address to challenge Republican charges that he cut Medicare. Obama also launched a new ad saying that the Romney-Ryan ticket would end Medicare as it exists today. But the Romney campaign has Medicare messages of its own.
Official Predicts Consequences For Ala. Medicaid If Voters Don’t OK Emergency Funds
The Associated Press reports that the official running Alabama’s Medicaid program finances says if voters there don’t approve funding the program with more than $437 million from the state’s trust fund, the resulting large cuts could jeopardize medical care for the poor.
HHS Makes Official A One-Year Delay For ICD-10
Physicians will now not have to use this new set of diagnostic codes until Oct. 1, 2014.
Abortion Issues Emerge As Distraction For Republicans
GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney charges Democrats with trying to exploit comments made by Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin for political gain.
Views On Abortion Debate: Akin’s Defiance Hurts Romney; Sen. Snowe On Mending The GOP’s Image
As Republicans assemble for their convention, Rep. Todd Akin’s comments about rape and abortion are still reverberating.
Views On Medicare: Rep. Kathy Hochul’s Campaign; Ryan’s Vision; Wyden’s Role
Opinion writers focus on the presidential campaign’s Medicare debate.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mergers, Acquisitions And New Affiliations Change Roles For Insurers, Providers
News outlets report on changes in the health care marketplace.
Public Fear Of Medical Data Theft Slows Acceptance Of Electronic Health Records
A Harris Interactive survey has found that 63 percent of Americans fear their health data will be stolen — slowing public acceptance of electronic health records.
American Academy Of Pediatrics Says Circumcision Benefits Outweigh Risks
Shifting its stance, the pediatricians’ group now says the benefits of circumcising boys to protect against disease outweighs the risk, but that the decision should be up to parents.
The Links Among Paul Ryan’s Policies, Politics And Personality
The Washington Post examines the vision of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the likely GOP vice presidential nominee.
Romney Points To Mass. Law To Defend Positions On Women’s Health Issues
On the eve of the Republican convention, GOP presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney embraced the health law he signed while governor of Massachusetts as evidence that he would protect women’s access to health care.
States Consider Names, Logistics For Health Insurance Exchanges
California officials ponder how to brand the new marketplaces to create consumer buzz, while Connecticut officials move ahead with plans to launch next year.
State Roundup: Ga. AIDS Drug Assistance Waiting List At Zero
A selection of health policy news from Georgia, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Idaho, Alaska, California, Connecticut and North Carolina.
First Edition: August 27, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about this week’s GOP convention, the politics of Medicare and abortion, and the latest health policy news from the states.
Hospitals Look To Become Insurers, As Well As Providers Of Care
Under new model, “the last place I’ll want you to be is in the hospital,” says CEO.
Hospitals Tally Likely Costs From New Readmissions Penalties
Across the country, hospitals are estimating how much money they are going to forfeit when Medicare’s new penalties for excess readmissions kick in. Hospitals are also issuing divergent verdicts on whether they think the program is a good idea or not. Starting in October, 2,211 hospitals will lose a portion of their regular Medicare reimbursements […]
Today’s Headlines – August 24, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports comparing presidential candidates’ Medicare plans and health reform views. The Associated Press/Washington Post: Romney-Ryan Medicare Overhaul Plan Could Give Rise to A New Family Dynamic: Health Care Envy As the issue rises in importance in the presidential campaign, it’s leading to inevitable comparisons for […]
Mayo Clinic Seeks To Extend Its Reach With Series Of Affiliations Around The Country
The Minnesota-based medical center once looked to grow by building facilities outside its region but now is focusing on cooperative agreements with other hospitals.