Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

15 Minutes With Your Doctor; Ransoming Health Records

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

CMS Moves Forward With Initiative To Coordinate Medicare Primary Care

Morning Briefing

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.

Issa Questions IRS On Health Law Insurance Subsidies

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

Planned Parenthood In Texas Braces For End To State Funding

Morning Briefing

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.

First Edition: August 23, 2012

Morning Briefing

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.

CBO Says Medicare Spending Growth Slower Than Expected

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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 […]