Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare, Health Policies Stay In Spotlight At Top Of The Ticket
The Washington Post compares how Medicare fares under the health law versus under the Ryan plan, while NBC questions whether the GOP effort to hammer President Obama for reducing Medicare spending to pay for the health overhaul will work — especially since GOP budget proposals make the same cuts.
On Campaign Trail, Polls And Politics Swirl Around Medicare, Abortion Debates
A New York Times/CBS News/Quinnipiac poll finds that even in the midst of the Medicare debate, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney appears to have gained ground in Florida and other swing states.
Few State Laws Restricting Abortion Make Exceptions For Rape Victims
Politico Pro examines state abortion laws and finds few waivers for rape victims. Also, California lawmakers spar over rape comments made by Missouri Republican Rep. Todd Akin.
HHS Softens Stage 2 Meaningful Use Standards For Electronic Health Records
In other health information technology news, the American Hospital Association has suggested modifications to Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Health Care Pilot Program.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Research Roundup: Who Do Patients Seek For Primary Care?
This week’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, the Archives of General Psychiatry, the New England Journal of Medicine, the Kaiser Family Foundation and other news outlets.
State Highlights: Rate Regulation On Calif.’s Ballot; Ga. Workers Face Premium Hike
A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, Kansas, South Carolina, Minnesota, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
HHS Awards New Insurance Exchange Grants To 8 States
The funding will be used to help build marketplaces for consumers to buy coverage.
Judge Questions ‘Ripeness’ Of Challenge To Contraception Coverage Mandate
Meanwhile, two more Christian universities have brought lawsuits against this Obama administration policy.
Calif. Insurer Agrees To Pay Record Settlement Over Medicaid Payments
A health plan in California has agreed to pay a record $320 million settlement over allegations it was overpaid by the state’s Medicaid program. Also in the news, a California hospital chain will pay $16.5 million to settle with the California Medicaid program and Medicare after a patient “kickback” investigation.
First Edition: August 24, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports comparing presidential candidates’ Medicare plans and health reform views.
Hospital Banks ‘Liquid Gold’: Human Breast Milk
When Ashley Beecher had her first daughter, nursing was a struggle, and she sometimes had to supplement her baby’s diet with formula. But when she had her second daughter in January, it was a very different story. “Very early on I noticed [that] I’ve got so much more milk than what this child is drinking,” […]
15 Minutes With Your Doctor; Ransoming Health Records
Every week Shefali S. Kulkarni selects interesting reading from around the Web. The New York Times: How Much Can Patients Learn In A 15-Minute Doctor Visit? Built more like a former professional basketball player than an elementary schoolteacher nearing retirement, the patient dropped a bagful of prescription medications on the table in the examining room […]
Today’s Headlines – August 23, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest round of stories about how Medicare and abortion issues are emerging both in the presidential campaign and congressional races. The New York Times: In Poll, Obama Is Given Trust Over Medicare The Romney-Ryan proposal to reshape Medicare by giving future beneficiaries fixed amounts […]
Campaigns Jockey For Upper Hand In Medicare Debate
Just as new polls find that voters in three key swing states are more likely to trust President Barack Obama than GOP presumptive nominee Mitt Romney on Medicare, the Romney campaign is struggling to quiet controversies related to this issue.
Abortion Issues Continue To Stir Political Pot
Although GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s campaign advisers say they don’t anticipate the need to adjust their strategy to respond to the latest fracas over reproductive rights, news outlets analyze the possible repercussions of the dust-up regarding Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin’s statements about “legitimate” rape and pregnancy.
Viewpoints: Cantaloupes And Food Safety; Diversity In Health Incentives
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Commentators welcome the addition of Medicare policy to the presidential campaign rhetoric.
Commentators from the left and right examine the controversy.
CMS Moves Forward With Initiative To Coordinate Medicare Primary Care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center will administer the program, which was created by the 2010 health law. Five hundred medical practices have been selected to participate.