Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Obama Seeks To Mobilize Grass Roots To Help Advance Health Law
Presdient Barack Obama spoke to the group Organizing for Action and said the role of these volunteers in terms of putting the new health care plan in place and advancing other second-term initiatives is critical — especially as the August congressional recess approaches.
State Highlights: DOJ Sues Fla. Over Keeping Children In Nursing Homes
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Connecticut, California, Missouri, Virginia, Oregon, Maryland and North Carolina.
Health Benefits — Who Gets What?
The Wall Street Journal examines the latest report from the Labor Department to assess health benefits for employees in the private sector.
Birth Control Coverage Rule Not So Simple
Politico examines the complexity involved in the health law’s birth control rules.
Federal Judge Blocks North Dakota Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Law
The ban would prevent abortions in that state after a fetal heartbeat could be detected — as early as six weeks into pregnancy, in some cases.
Medical Groups Oppose Efforts To Loosen Regs For Medical Imaging And Radiation Therapy Equipment
The organizations, which have sent letters to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, are concerned that this step would lead to lax standards.
Abortion Is Energizing Both Parties On Capitol Hill
Roll Call reports that even though no legislation is expected to pass this year on abortion, the issue is galvanizing partisans. Also in congressional news, outlets look at GOP efforts to end funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and an effort to improve VA health records.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Minnesota Approves Additional Federal Funds For Its New Health Exchange
The state is seeking another $40 million for operation costs. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the Quinn administration filed plans to award the contract to build the state’s online insurance marketplace.
Illinois Gov. Quinn Signs Medicaid Expansion Into Law
News outlets report on other developments related to state decisions about whether to expand the federal-state program for the poor in Idaho, West Virginia and California.
