Latest KFF Health News Stories
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
IOM Urges Congress Not To Shift Medicare Payments To Pay More In Areas With Low Costs
A panel of experts says the government should by wary of suggestions that cutting payments to high cost areas and rewarding low-cost areas would help improve care and reduce Medicare costs.
GAO Analysis: Health Premiums Vary Widely
The Government Accountability Office report, which is based on prices reported by insurers, shows that consumers face a wide range of premium prices, deductibles and annual exposure to out-of-pocket costs.
Some Warn Of ‘Overwhelming’ Mental Illness Care Cost Without New Research Investment
News outlets also look at treatment and new models for caring for mental health patients. In the meantime, a former congressman says the Obama administration will soon issue final rules to implement the 2008 Mental Health Parity Act.
For Many States, Medicaid Expansion Plans Remain Unsettled
Federal officials remind Florida lawmakers that it is not too late to opt into the program, while in Virginia, Politico reports the issue could be decided by this fall’s gubernatorial election. Also, an Arizona push to get the issue on the ballot in November may fail because of paperwork errors and the Michigan Senate considers a tweaked expansion bill that requires co-pays for new Medicaid enrollees.
State Highlights: D.C. To Use Cash Reserves To Pay Medicaid Providers Off
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, Texas, California, Oregon, Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
This week’s articles come from The New Yorker, the Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Slate and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about WellPoint’s second-quarter profits and the Insitute of Medicine’s findings about geographic varitions in Medicare spending.
Fierce Battle Shaping Up Over Health Law’s Rollout
The White House believes a successful rollout of the health law will help determine President Barack Obama’s legacy, while Republicans appear equally intent on reaping political benefits by gutting this and other administration priorities.
Michelle Obama Seeks Latino Activists’ Assistance With Insurance Enrollment
Speaking Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza, the first lady urged the organization’s members to encourage their friends and families to enroll in new coverage options.
Study: Docs Place ‘Major Responsibility’ For Health Care Costs On Others
In a survey of doctors by Mayo Clinic researchers, most respondents pointed to lawyers, health insurers, hospitals, drug companies and patients as having a large stake in cutting costs.
State Abortion Clinic Restrictions Could Impact Women’s Health Care Access
Stateline reports that abortion opponents are advancing new clinic standards that may be impossible to meet. Abortion rights supporters fear these rules could force many clinics to close, making it more difficult for some women to get a broad array of health care services.
State Highlights: Medicaid Pilot Project Costs $32B More Than Expected
A selection of health policy stories from the District of Columbia, New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado and California.
Bipartisan Proposal Would Change The Way U.S. Values Medical Procedures
Some members of Congress believe it is time to “redo the RUC” and strengthen oversight of the American Medical Association committee that helps to set payment levels.
Some States Plan Aggressive Marketing Of Health Exchanges
News outlets report on state implementation activities, including efforts by California and Oregon to promote new health insurance marketplaces, presentations made to New Hampshire’s special commission weighing whether to expand Medicaid and a closed door meeting by Idaho exchange officials.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
ACOs Trigger Activity By Consumers, Providers
As Reuters reports, consumers will actively have to seek out providers who are participating in this new delivery system model, and the Miami Herald checks in on how the idea is working in Florida.
Detailing How Health Law Premium Subsidies Will Work
Kaiser Health News asked a tax expert to explain who will be eligible for this assistance and how the process will work. Meanwhile, The Washington Post examines how the overhaul is linked to work-hour caps for part-timers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about efforts to both advance and undo the health law’s implementation.
Star Power Enlisted To Spread The Word About Health Law
The Obama administration is using the help of celebrities, including comedian Amy Poehler, actor Kal Penn and singer Jennifer Hudson, to educate young Americans about new insurance options under the law.
