Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Orszag On CAP Cost-Control Proposals; High-Tech And Health Costs
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Longer Looks: Mississippi Learns From Iran’s Health Care System
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post and The Economist.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories detailing the latest news on various issues involved in the health law’s implementation, as well as reports about Medicare and Medicaid .
Experts Release 11-Point Plan To Reduce Health Spending
Some of the nation’s top health care experts, several of whom helped write the 2010 health care law, released a strategy Wednesday to take the next step — curbing spending. The proposals include state spending targets; competitive bidding for medical devices, laboratory tests and other Medicare services; and a dramatic move away from the traditional […]
KHN has assembled an overview of Mitt Romney’s record as governor of Massachusetts and the positions he has taken on the campaign trail.
Analysis: App-Happy Health Care Full of Optimism, Money
Welcome to the world of Internet-enabled health apps. The question, however, is whether these new tools will bring about fundamental health system change.
Israel’s Health Care In The Spotlight After Romney Cost Comments
Mitt Romney caused quite a stir earlier this week when he applauded Israel for spending far less on health care than the United States but neglected to mention that the Israeli system depends on the kind of government regulation he has decried at home. Romney on Monday highlighted the fact that Israel spends 8 percent […]
Group Health Teams With Hospital System In Pacific Northwest
The joint venture seeks to coordinate patient care and cut costs for employers and health plans.
Israel’s Health Care In The Spotlight After Romney Cost Comments
The Israeli health care system depends on government regulation similar to what Romney decries at home.
Today’s Headlines – August 1, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the legislation to limit health spending approved by Massachusetts lawmakers. NPR: Under Health Law, ‘No-Cost’ Birth Control Starts Today Beginning today, most new and renewing health insurance plans must begin offering a broad array of women’s preventive health services, most notably coverage of […]
Health Law’s Medical-Loss Ratio And Birth Control Coverage Requirements Kick In Today
Aug. 1 marks the deadline for insurers to refund consumers and employers if they didn’t spend at least 80 percent of premiums on health care. Another provision takes effect requiring most employers to include contraceptive and other women’s health services without copays in the insurance plans they offer workers.
The tentative deal would prevent a government shutdown before Election Day. Modern Healthcare reports, though, that the agreement does not include any changes or fixes to the physician payment formula-which will require a 27 percent cut in payments to Medicare physicians next year.
Future Retiree Health Costs Driving Postal Service Toward Default
In addition to this initial payment that is quickly coming due, a second hefty amount is due to the Treasury Department in September.
Feds Showcase New Medicare Anti-Fraud Command Center
The Associated Press reports on how the $3.6 million center will help fraud busters spring into action. Two GOP senators, however, questioned whether the facility will actually make a difference.
Romney’s Praise For Israeli Health Care System Follows Him Back To U.S.
Mitt Romney’s praise for the largely government-run Israeli health care system could paint him in an awkward corner, The Boston Globe reports. News organizations also examine Romney’s tax plan — and its proposed cut on tax breaks for medical expenses.
State Medicaid Expansion: Consequences For Coverage, Death Rate and Bottom Lines
States consider what myriad of consequences a Medicaid expansion could have. In Florida, a new study has leaders wondering how many lives could be saved by expansion. Meanwhile, as many as 182,000 Iowans could gain coverage under the plan. Also, Georgia considers cuts to the program.
Aetna’s Profit Falls 15 Percent, But Insurer Raises 2012 Forecast
The insurer, which still beat Wall Street expectations, also raised its earnings forecast for the rest of 2012.
House Rejects Bill Limiting DC Abortions
The measure, which did not get the two-thirds majority needed under special procedural rules, would have banned abortion in the District after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on a disputed notion that a fetus at that point can feel pain.
Mass. Legislature Approves Bill To Curb Rise In Health Costs
The plan ties health spending increases to overall economic growth and encourages more coordinated care.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.