Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors Praise GOP’s Plans For Medicare Pay But Seek Uniform Quality Measures
At a Capitol Hill hearing, physicians offered thoughts about Republican efforts to change the way they are paid by Medicare. Meanwhile, Speaker John Boehner said the House may again consider a bill that would use money slated for prevention efforts to fund high-risk insurance pools.
State Roundup: Ala. Lawmakers OK Shift To Medicaid Managed Care
A selection of health policy stories from Alabama, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Connecticut, North Carolina and Georgia.
Harkin Lifts Hold On Tavenner Nomination To Lead CMS
But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the timing for a Senate vote on her confirmation as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is unclear.
Viewpoints: Capitol Hill Antics On Budget; A Mom’s Concern About Plan B Decision
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Federal Judge Criticizes FDA Regarding Plan B Contraception Decision
Judge Edward R. Korman said the Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to delay his ruling regarding the so-called morning-after pill was “nonsense” and would hurt poor and minority women.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about government data showing the wide variation in what hospitals charge Medicare patients for common inpatient procedures.
Harkin Releases Hold On Tavenner; Reid Says Timing For Vote Is Unclear
After Sen. Tom Harkin announced his decision, Majority Leader Harry Reid said it was unclear when the Senate would vote on the nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Harkin Lifts Hold On Tavenner Nomination
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Tuesday that he would allow the nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to go forward. He maintained, however, his objections to administration plans to transfer money from the health law’s prevention fund to support other activities.
Studies Suggest Slowdown In Health Care Costs May Last
The two studies in Health Affairs suggest that recent decreases in the rate of growth of health care spending may be a result of changes in how consumers pay for care and greater efficiency in how it is delivered and, therefore, may continue after the economy recovers.
For Health Law Backers, Part Of Challenge Is Managing Expectations
Some Democrats worry they will face political repercussions if there are snags that can be exploited by Republicans.
State Roundup: Medicaid Contractor Sues La. Over Canceled Deal
A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, California, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Minnesota.
Feds Move To Tighten Oversight Of Tanning Beds
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Food and Drug Administraition also seeks a warning for use of tanning beds by people younger than 18.
HHS Launches Probe Into Unusual Billing Patterns For Inpatient Hospice Care
Modern Healthcare reports that the HHS Inspector General is beginning an investigation into these cases.
Health Care Issues At Center Of Capitol Hill Questions About ‘Political Intelligence’
Also in the news, new draft “track and trace” legislation was released by two congressional panels.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
HHS Takes First Steps In Outreach Effort To Enroll Consumers In Health Exchanges
CQ HealthBeat reports that the Department of Health and Human Services is now collecting contact information for consumers so the agency can provide updates. Meanwhile, Illinois opened a competitive grant process to award funds to community groups to help with the state’s consumer education effort.
Premium Hikes Or Not? That Is The Question
An analysis by the New York Health Benefits Exchange projects that in New York, unlike in many other states, the health law will likely lead to lower health premiums next year. In Minnesota, though, one of the state’s largest insurers is seeking a rate increase of about 13 percent this summer — a few months before major provisions of the law take effect.
Medicare Studies: Payment Cuts Don’t Mean Insurers Pay More
Medicare payment cuts to hospitals don’t necessarily mean private insurers end up paying more, one study finds. Another reports that unifying Medicare’s benefits into a single plan could save the program $180 billion over 10 years, while lowering seniors’ out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid Expansion: Different States Rely On Different Strategies
The decision-making process in West Virginia was long and involved, while the outcome of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s push for the expansion is still in flux. In Ohio, advocates are considering taking the proposal to the voters if the legislature won’t pass it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about two new studies exploring whether the slowdown in the nation’s health spending growth rates is, in fact, due more to structural changes in the health ystem than to the economy.
