Latest KFF Health News Stories
Examining Cost: Why Are Health Care Services So Expensive?
The New York Times looks at the cost of care and asks why it’s so difficult for consumers to find out what a service costs. In the meantime, new research shows ending copays and making medication easier to use drives lower rates of hypertension.
Sorting Out End-Of-Life, Long-Term Care Issues As America Ages
One doctor is helping families cope with end-of-life care while a looming shortage of caregivers worries some.
Medicare: Docs Not Leaving Program; Sen. Baldwin Pushes To Protect Rural Hospital Funds
In Medicare news, doctors may not be leaving the Medicare program in droves as some think. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is pushing back against Medicare cuts to rural hospital reimbursement, and some hospitals are making follow-up care changes to lower readmission rates.
State Highlights: Iowa Asks For Federal Waiver For State Health Coverage Plan
A selection of health policy news from Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Georgia and Kansas.
Medicaid Expansion Still Unsettled In Some States
State legislators in Michigan could vote as early as Tuesday on a bill to expand the health insurance program for the poor. In Wyoming, lawmakers consider an alternative approach developed by Arkansas. And in Arizona, a group trying to block the expansion faces a deadline to put the matter on the ballot.
First Edition: August 26, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the ongoing battles between those who support the implementation of the health law, and those who oppose it.
Republicans Continue To Pound Obamacare, Threaten Budget Vote
News outlets covered the ongoing “defunding” controversy.
80 House GOP Members Urge Boehner To Defund Obamacare
House Speaker John Boehner floated the idea of a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown in October. But conservatives in his caucus expressed opposition, insisting that funds be stripped from the health care law even if that forces a government shutdown.
State Laws Could Upend Elements Of The Health Law Enrollment Effort
Twelve states have passed such laws, including measures that could undermine funding for “navigators.” Also, news outlets report on the latest from California, Wisconsin and Florida regarding this and other issues related to health exchanges.
Congressional Obamacare Sparring Matches Continue At Home
Both sides of the political aisle in Washington are continuing their Obamacare sparring sessions at home in their districts during the August recess with town hall meetings and debates on the law taking spotlight.
State Highlights: Colo. Effort To Reduce Hospital Readmissions Pays Off
A selection of health policy stories from Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia, California, Texas, Arizona and North Carolina.
Delta Air Lines Tells Feds: Health Law Makes Costs ‘Rise Dramatically’
The airline is saying its increased health-care costs will be tens of millions of dollars.
Local Governments Wrestle With Employee Hours And Health Coverage
Even though the requirement that employers — including state and local governments — offer full-time employees health coverage does not kick for 16 months, many are alreayd making cuts, The Washington Post reports.
Federal Court Strikes Down Arizona Abortion Law
The measure would have kept Medicaid funding from some providers, including Planned Parenthood.
Utah’s Medicaid Expansion Decision On Hold
Medicaid news from Utah and Ohio.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Moving Kids Onto Medicaid; Competitive Markets
Studies this week come from JAMA Surgery, JAMA Psychiatry, Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, The Urban Institute, the Heritage Foundation, The Kaiser Family Foundation, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, the Commonwealth Fund, the Annals of Internal Medicine, The Heritage Foundation and news outlets.
First Edition: August 23, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, inlcuding reports on what’s becoming of the potential for a deficit deal, as well as the political posturing related to House GOP efforts to block health law funding even if it means shutting down the government.
UVA, UPS To Stop Health Benefits For Some Workers’ Spouses
While the university cited costs, UPS noted that, because the overhaul will require most employers to provide insurance, spouses should be able to gain coverage from their own workplaces.
Political Hijinx Surround Gov’t. Shutdown Threat, Push To Defund Health Law
News outlets report on the possible mid-term election impact of the GOP push to shut down the government if the health law receives funding.
