Latest KFF Health News Stories
Issa Questions IRS On Health Law Insurance Subsidies
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has raised questions about the implementation of a key part of the health law — the tax treatment of subsidies for low-income people to purchase health insurance.
CBO: Medicare Spending Growth Slower Than Expected
The Congressional Budget Office released new projections for the country’s economic outlook Wednesday, forecasting that despite slower-than-anticipated spending growth, Medicare will account for an even larger share of the economy in the next decade.
Senate, Congressional Races Focus On Medicare Positions, Health Law Votes
Medicare moves to the forefront of House races in Pennsylvania while Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, defends his policies — including his health law vote — against TV ads and record spending brought by outside groups.
Kansas Officials Promise Smooth Transition For Medicaid Overhaul
In the meantime, Medicaid program changes and reforms in Virginia and Texas also make news.
San Francisco To Require Employers Pay More For Employee Health Care
Elsewhere, three major insurers in Connecticut are asking for rate increases of 13-14 percent for small business coverage.
Planned Parenthood In Texas Braces For End To State Funding
Officials are moving quickly to end state funding for Planned Parenthood, which for now remains a part of the Texas’ Women’s Health Program despite a judge’s ruling that state funds can be stopped while a related lawsuit is pending.
State Roundup: $2.8M In Fraudulent Public Assistance Given In Mass.
A selection of health policy stories from Oregon, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, New York and California.
Longer Looks: 15 Minutes With Your Doctor; Ransoming Health Records
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, ABC News, Mother Jones, The Huffington Post and CBS News.
First Edition: 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.
Medicare Takes Center Stage In Close Pennsylvania Races
Romney’s selection of Ryan as his running mate has energized Democratic faithful in many congressional districts with large numbers of seniors.
CBO Says Medicare Spending Growth Slower Than Expected
Amid its grim projections for the economy overall, the Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday said that Medicare spending growth is slowing, although the program will take up a larger share of the economy in a decade than it does now. In an update to its January report on the nation’s budget and economic outlook, CBO […]
Clinics Go Mobile To Take Health Care To The Street
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. Matt Levy, medical director of community pediatrics at Georgetown University, calls mobile health clinics permanently temporary. He runs one of the clinics in a truck that stations itself at various parking spots throughout Washington at regular hours during the week. He says the clinics like his are both a […]
Today’s Headlines – August 22, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including political reports related to the abortion debate and Medicare issues. The New York Times: Patients Would Pay More If Romney Restores Medicare Savings, Analysts Say Mitt Romney’s promise to restore $716 billion that he says President Obama “robbed” from Medicare has some health care experts […]
Poll: Majority Of Voters Say Medicare Needs Only Minor Changes Or None At All
A new round of polls finds that although voters have a slightly favorable view of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s pick for vice president, running mate Paul Ryan’s Medicare plans are viewed with a greater degree of skepticism.
In the short term, the Republican presidential candidate’s promise to stop the Medicare cuts included in the health law would increase beneficiaries’ costs. Meanwhile, the GOP draft platform embraces the Medicare changes advanced as part of Paul Ryan’s House budget plan.
Antiabortion Language In The GOP Draft Platform Draws Attention To Akin Flap
The Republican panel charged with drafting the party’s platform included language that would essentially ban abortion. Mitt Romney’s campaign says he supports “exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.”
State Roundup: Restraining Order Issued In Mo. Health Exchange Fight
A selection of health policy news from Missouri, California, Texas and Kansas.
For Top Employers, Health Benefits Viewed As Key To Employees’ Financial Security
The Des Moines Register reports on a trend among top employers to commit to providing employees with generous health coverage.
Hospitals Tackle Variety Of Health Law Issues
News outlets report on a variety of issues including the slow acceptance of ACOs and a legal set-back for doctor-owned facilities.
GOP To Revisit Health Law Taxes, Others Cite Federal Budget Cuts As Risk To States
Some Republicans hope to reopen the fight over taxes in the Democrats’ health law when Congress returns to work in November after the election, but Moody’s says federal budget cuts are riskier to states’ financial well-being than another costly part of the health law — its Medicaid expansion.