Latest KFF Health News Stories
Commentators examine the repercussions of the Missouri Senate candidate’s comments about rape and abortion.
Viewpoints: Medicare As A 401(k) Plan; Health Doublespeak
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Judge Finds Texas Can End Planned Parenthood Funding Before Final Ruling
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Texas can cut off funding to Planned Parenthood before a ruling is made on the legality of the Texas legislature’s law banning funding to the provider of women’s health services over its abortion services.
First Edition: August 22, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including political reports related to the abortion debate and Medicare issues.
Today’s Headlines – August 21, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports from the campaign trail, where House candidates are turning up the Medicare debate; and from the health care marketkplace, where Aetna acquired Coventry Health, a Medicare and Medicaid insurer. The New York Times: As Romney Enjoys Ryan’s Spark, Rivals Try To Fan It But […]
Romney, Ryan Blast Obama On Medicare, Health Law
But the Los Angeles Times checks some of their claims against President Barack Obama. In addition, Obama makes an apparance in the White House press room to answer questions and draw distinctions between himself and his GOP opponents.
Do Akin’s Rape Comments Put GOP Ticket In Harm’s Way?
News outlets analyze the potential repercussions to Mitt Romney’s presidential bid by the statements made by Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin. Also examined is presumptive GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan’s co-sponsorship of legislation with Akin, including one that would give legal protection to an embryo.
Survey: Hospitals Name Their Least Favorite Insurers
Updated at 11 a.m. with comments from Cigna. It is a truth universally acknowledged that health insurance companies can be a pain for patients. What may be a surprise is that hospitals often complain, too. For the same reasons: Denied claims. Low reimbursement. Late reimbursement. Thickets of red tape. Each year ReviveHealth, a hospital public relations firm in Santa Barbara, […]
Study: Declining Rates Of Circumcisions Among Infants Could Drive Up Health Costs
Johns Hopkins researchers examine the 20-year decline in male circumcision rates and assert it could raise medical costs related to sexually transmitted diseases and other health problems.
Poll: Calif. Voters Support Health Law; Mont. Considers Medicaid Expansion
States are confronting a bevy of issues in implementing the health care law including gauging public support for the law, fights over a contraception coverage mandate, expanding Medicaid and assessing the Medicare prescription drug “doughnut hole.”
State Roundup: Texas Insurance Regulator Pulls Out-Of-Network Notice Rules
A selection of health policy news from Texas, California, Massachusetts, Georgia and Oregon.
Abortion Issue Gets Spotlight In Swing States
Meanwhile, as the GOP prepares to include tough anti-abortion positions in its party platform, the Associated Press notes that voters in the presidential race will get a stark choice on social issues, including access to birth control and abortion rights.
Views On Medicare: Ryan Plan Could Hurt Disabled Americans; Pitting The Poor Against Seniors
Opinion writers continue to look at the debate about Medicare as it becomes a focal point of the presidential election.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care issues from around the country.
Open Enrollment: Trying Times For Employees
USA Today reports on a new survey the heralds the approach of open enrollment season.
House GOP Leaders Press For Details On Health Exchanges
Modern Healthcare reports that, with three months remaining before states must submit their health exchanges applications, House Republicans wrote a letter to acting Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Adminstrator Marilyn Tavenner seeking information.
Brand-Name Drug Makers Bet Coupons Will Help Their Products Edge Out Generic Competition
The Associated Press reports on this market development.
Reactions To Rep. Akin’s Comments: ‘Offensive And Ignorant;’ ‘Loathsome;’ ‘Bad Science’
Opinions are uniformly negative in response to the Senate candidate’s comments on rape during a TV interview.
Medicare Debate Moves To The Forefront Of Congressional Races
The future of the popular entitlement has become an issue in close House races, with both sides casting themselves as the program’s protectors.
Aetna Acquires Additional Stake In Medicare And Medicaid Business
Aetna’s plan to buy insurer Coventry will add 5 million customers to its rolls.