Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Supreme Court’s three days of oral arguments regarding the health law.
Doctors’ Smartphones And iPads May Be Distracting
Doctors who carry mobile devices are often hit with a flurry of texts, e-mails, Facebook messages and tweets that sometimes keep them from patients’ needs.
The Health Law And The Supreme Court: A Primer For The Oral Arguments
The fate of the health law is at the center of the most-anticipated arguments in more than than a generation. Here are key points to keep in mind while watching the action.
Free Health Clinics At A Crossroads
Free health clinics have long been places people turn to when they don’t have health insurance or any money to pay for care. But the health law’s expansion of coverage puts free clinics in uncharted territory.
Supreme Court Watch: Counting Down To Health Law’s Historic Arguments
News outlets previewed the issues before the court, including the individual mandate and the Medicaid expansion.
Komen Facing Fundraising Challenges, Resignations Of Executives
Susan G. Komen has been feeling the effects of the controversy about the withdrawal (and then reinstatement)of its funding for Planned Parenthood.
In Conservative California, Confusion And Contempt For Health Law
Residents of a largely conservative region in California where 1 out of every 3 people lack coverage share their attitudes toward the health law.
Medicaid Arguments At Court May Affect Other Federal Programs
The New York Times examines the far-reaching implications of the arguments over the federal health law provision expanding Medicaid. Also, Sen. McConnell uses GOP address to talk about replacing the health law.
Romney Assails Health Law; Obama Embraces ‘Obamacare’
On second anniversary of the law, former Massachusetts governor says, “It’s amazing how many things are wrong with it.” At the same time, the president tweets that Obamacare isn’t a “dirty word.”
Feds To Test Paying For Medicaid Patients With Psychiatric Emergencies
A group of states is testing whether Medicaid patients who seek emergency psychiatric care at private psychiatric hospitals are better off if the federal government picks up part of the costs. Right now, the federal government does not help states pay for inpatient psychiatric care for many Medicaid patients—a longstanding policy meant to discourage states from […]
The Health Law Officially Turns Two — Now What?
Supporters are marking the health law’s second birthday today even as questions swirl about whether it will get to celebrate a third. Meanwhile, media outlets examine where implementation stands and what is yet to come.
House Appoves Bill To Kill Medicare Cost Panel
In what is viewed as a largely symbolic move, the GOP-led House passed a bill that would undo the health law’s Medicare cost control board. Though the measure initially drew some Democratic support, those votes all but disappeared after the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board was linked to medical malpractice legislation. The bill is not expected to go anywhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Today’s Headlines – March 23, 2012
Happy Friday! It’s the anniversary of President Obama signing the health reform law — here’s what the news has to say this morning: The New York Times: House Votes To Kill A Medicare Cost Panel In a rebuff to President Obama, the Republican-controlled House passed a bill on Thursday to abolish a Medicare cost control […]
House GOP Doctors Say Ryan Medicare Plan Doesn’t Reduce Costs Enough
The GOP Doctors Caucus is sending letters Friday soliciting ideas on how to “save” the seniors’ program and build bipartisan support.
High Court Health Law Action Already Making Political Waves
As supporters and opponents of the law formulate strategies to take advantage of the buzz surrounding next week’s oral arguments, a new report looks at how much has been spent in public opinion ads on the law.
Lawmakers Examine Ways To Stop Prescription Painkiller Abuse
Lawmakers held a hearing Thursday on what steps the federal government can take to help prevent the abuse of prescription painkillers.
Administration Chides Two Insurers For ‘Unreasonable’ Rate Increases
Although the government cannot force the companies to walk back the hikes in nine states, it is seeking to draw attention to the issue and asking for a public justification for the increases.
Romney, Santorum Continue War Of Words Over Health Law Mandate, ‘Template’
Mitt Romney’s record on the individual mandate is coming up again as fellow GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum continues his drum beat that Romney’s Massachusetts health reform law was the “template” for the national overhaul.
Health Business Sector Braces For Impact Of Supreme Court Review, Decision
Insurers and other parts of the health care industry are taking steps to brace for what the decision might be while also preparing for the changes the law puts in place.
State Highlights: Mass. Enforcing Individual Mandate; Improving Kids’ Dental Coverage
A selection of stories from Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Montana, Arizona, Connecticut and Maryland.