Latest KFF Health News Stories
Rockefeller, MedPAC: Focus Dual Eligibles Overhaul On Care Over Costs
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to overhaul a demonstration project aimed at changing the way millions of individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid receive health care. In a letter to HHS, Rockefeller asked Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to “take immediate steps to halt this initiative as currently structured […]
Today’s Headlines — July 12, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about yesterday’s House vote to repeal the health law. The New York Times: Repeal Of Health Care Law Approved, Again, By House Waging old battles with new zeal, the House passed a bill on Wednesday to repeal President Obama’s health care overhaul law less […]
Republican-led House Votes (Again) To Repeal Health Law
The repeal effort is a means for Republican leaders to rev up voters before November’s elections. Five Democrats also voted with the majority. As with previous efforts, however, the measure is expected to languish in the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Governors Continue To Mull, Question Medicaid Expansion
It’s likely to be a hot topic this weekend as the nation’s governors meet in Williamsburg, Va.
State Roundup: Bankrupt Calif. City’s Retirees Sue
News outlets examine health issues in California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico and Oregon.
Study: Despite Popular Theory, Medicaid Patients Visit ER Mostly For Emergencies
Medicaid patients may not overuse the emergency room for routine care, despite popular notion, a new study has found.
GAO Questions Legality Of Medicare Advantage Bonuses
In a 10-page letter sent Wednesday to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Government Accountability Office’s general counsel raised questions about the $8.3 billion demonstration program, which Republicans had criticized as a ruse to mask some of the health law’s cuts in seniors’ benefits.
WellPoint Deal Triggers Predictions Of More Medicaid M&As Activity
The Wall Street Journal reports that investor activity on Monday suggested these deals are likely to continue.
The Changing Dynamics Of Doctors’ Offices
The New York Times reports on how some physicians are dispensing drugs in their offices. Meanwhile, CNN Money explores the “demise” of the solo practitioner.
Medicaid News: Federal Officials Question Drop In Pa.’s Rolls
In Pennsylvania, the federal government is checking into why 130,000 people were removed from the Medicaid program.
Judge Keeps Injunction Against Miss. Abortion Law In Place
A federal judge continued to block a Mississippi law that could close the state’s last abortion clinic, while he considers more evidence.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: Keeping Parkinson’s A Secret
This week’s selections include articles from The New York Times, Slate, The Economist and The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Romney Vow To Repeal Health Law Received With Boos
GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was the target of boos after he told the NAACP that he’d repeal Obama’s federal health law if he became president. The audience, however, applauded other parts of his speech.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about yesterday’s House vote to repeal the health law.
Hospitals Finding Patients On Google, Facebook
Officials say the strategy helps patients, as well as providers. But critics complain it’s about revenue generation, not about improving health.
Teaching Doctors About The Cost Of Care
All new doctors take the Hippocratic Oath, promising to care for their patients to the best of their abilities. But what does that mean in terms of the cost of that care, when medical debt accounts for more than 60 percent of personal bankruptcies in the United States? The fee-for-service payment system has long rewarded doctors […]
Study: Mass. Global Payment Approach Lowers Costs, Improves Care
There’s some encouraging news in the ongoing struggle to control health care costs without sacrificing quality. The Alternative Quality Contract, a global payment model put in place by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in 2009, has both curbed costs and improved the quality of care, according to a Harvard Medical School study published today […]
Could Grass-Roots Pressure Trigger Change Of Heart In Texas?
Health reform advocates and Democrats in Texas are reacting to Gov. Rick Perry’s vow to turn down both the Medicaid expansion and health insurance exchange mandated in the federal health law. Anne Dunkelberg of the left-leaning, Austin, Texas, think tank Center for Public Policy Priorities said that the Legislature will get to vote on whether […]
Firefighters Prevail In Fight for Health Insurance
President Obama has told federal agencies to start offering seasonal firefighters the same health benefits year-round federal employees get. The order came as legislation to make the change was introduced in Congress.