Latest KFF Health News Stories
Boomers Face Dearth Of Home Caregivers; Medicare Expands Home-Care Pilot Project
As baby boomers age, the U.S. will face a challenge trying to fill more than 1 million new home care positions to meet their needs, The Associated Press reports. In the meantime, Medicare is adding more groups to a pilot program aimed at lowering costs for Medicare beneficiaries by providing them with home-based care.
IRS Rule Could Keep Working-Class Families From Affordable Coverage
An IRS rule could mean some working-class families may not be able to afford employer-sponsored insurance nor qualify for federal subsidies under the health law, leaving a key part of America uninsured. Childless adults, however, are in line for significant health insurance coverage gains under the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
First Hospital Penalties For High Readmissions Detailed
KHN examines new penalties hospitals face under the health law. Meanwhile, Medpage Today reports on the American College of Physicians’ new recommendations on government rules about doctors’ interactions with patients.
Medicaid Expansion Would Have Major Effect On State Economy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines issues surrounding the expansion of Medicaid coverage under the health law and notes that the extra federal money coming into the state would have a $72 billion economic impact over 10 years.
Choice Of Ryan Energizes Campaign–For Both GOP And Dems
Many outlets offer views of Rep. Paul Ryan after GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney named him as his vice presidential choice.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Fla. Groups Ask Gov. For Essential Benefits Hearings
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Colorado and Washington state.
Some Mass. Health Premiums To Rise; Blue Shield Of Calif. CEO Pay Down Slightly
The increase in Massachusetts’ small business and individual health care insurance premiums is down from increases of 5.5 percent on average last year.
First Edition: August 13, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports, examinations and analyses of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running mate pick – Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
2013 Medicare Readmissions Penalties By Region
Medicare evaluated the readmission rates of 3,104 hospitals in determining the first year of penalties in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, ultimately penalizing 71 percent of those hospitals. The first column in this chart lists 305 hospital referral regions, which are area health care markets identified by the Dartmouth Atlas. The second column in this chart […]
2013 Medicare Readmissions Penalties By State
Medicare evaluated the readmission rates of 3,104 hospitals in determining the first year of penalties in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, ultimately penalizing 71 percent of those hospitals. This chart lists states in the first column. The second column shows how many hospitals in each state had at least 25 heart attack, heart failure or […]
Medicare To Penalize 2,217 Hospitals For Excess Readmissions
Too many patients are returning to the hospital soon after being discharged, a costly problem the government is tackling.
Hospitals Treating The Poor Hardest Hit By Readmissions Penalties
Many hospitals warn that Medicare penalties for high readmission rates will hurt facilities that most need resources.
Sources and Methodology: Where the Hospital Readmissions Data Came From
Kaiser Health News’ data on hospital readmissions penalties comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. On Aug. 1, CMS published data tables containing the “Readmissions Adjustment Factor” for individual hospitals. More On Readmission Penalties Medicare To Penalize 2,211 Hospitals For Excess Readmissions Hospitals Treating The […]
Choice Of Rep. Ryan Puts His Plan To Overhaul Medicare At Center Of Campaign
Republicans believe Romney’s pick will help reset the debate and add enthusiasm for the ticket, but Democrats see an opening to move the debate beyond the president’s record.
Democrats React Swiftly To Romney’s V.P. Pick
Armed with talking points related to the House G.O.P. budget plan advanced by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., which includes sweeping proposed changes to Medicare, Democrats go on the attack.
FAQ: How Paul Ryan Proposes To Change Medicare
The Republican-controlled House, along party lines, twice approved Ryan’s proposals to overhaul the popular program by giving beneficiaries a set amount of money every year to buy coverage from competing health plans. That is a fundamental shift from today’s program, where the federal government must help pay for every doctor visit and medical service that an individual uses.
Ryan Is A Hero On The Right But He Could Also Presents A Risk For Romney
News outlets examine some of the history and criticism of the plan.
3 House Republicans Ask For GAO Report On CMS Spending
Three House Ways and Means Committee Republicans have asked the Government Accountability Office to review money spent by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on programs not related to Medicare and Medicaid. In January 2011, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, […]
Today’s Headlines – August 10, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health law’s tax provisions and insurance rebates: The Associated Press/Washington Post: Health Care Law’s Big Tax Hikes Hit The Wealthiest 2 Percent – Others Also Caught In The Net Who gets thumped by higher taxes in President Barack Obama’s health care law? […]