Latest KFF Health News Stories
CBO: Cadillac Tax’s Bark May Be Worse Than Its Bite
With fewer people than originally projected likely to be affected by the tax, the cost of the health law will go up due to lost tax revenue.
Updated Diagnostic Guidebook For Mental Disorders To Be Unveiled This Weekend
In advance of its release, the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has triggered debate and controversy surrounding the many changes included in this 947-page book.
Patient And Physician Prescribing Information A Powerful Aide In Drug Marketing
The New York Times reports on this marketing development.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s Effect On Patient Safety; Angelina Jolie’s Surgery Is The Ultimate ‘Choice’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Some Hospitals Under The Microscope For Steep Pricing
The New York Times and Los Angeles Times report on specific hospitals that have been shown to be among the most expensive in the nation. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on interest from some senators in overhauling Medicare’s hospital payment system.
State Highlights: State Medicaid Investigators Get More Money To Investigate Fraud
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Wisconsin and California.
CMS Examines Interaction Between Medicaid And Health Insurance Exchanges
Also in the news, developments on Medicaid expansion from Arizona, Ohio and Iowa.
Liberty University’s Challenge To The Health Law Has A Day In Appellate Court
Mathew Staver, the university’s lawyer, told the judges Thursday in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Liberty would face millions of dollars in penalties if it refuses to provide employee health insurance that violates its religious beliefs.
Conservative Lawmakers Seek To Capitalize On Link Between Current ‘Scandals’ And Health Law
Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was among the members of Congress linking the IRS scandal to the repeal vote and even talk of impeachment.
Research Roundup: Surgical Residents Not Happy With New Schedules
This week’s studies come from JAMA Surgery, the American Journal of Public Health, Academic Emergency Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Management Associates.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the GOP vote to repeal the health law — for the 37th time — as well as how the current IRS scandal is being connected to the health law’s implementation.
Tavenner Becomes Agency’s First Confirmed Chief In 7 Years
In a 91-to-7 vote, the Senate approved President Barack Obama’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Marilyn Tavenner, who has been the agency’s acting administrator, was endorsed by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.
Repeal Votes Offer Important Campaign Trail Symbol For Some Republicans
Many GOP lawmakers see today’s scheduled vote to repeal the health law as important to their campaign trail messaging.
Controversy Lurks As Cloning Technique Yields Embryos For Use In Stem Cell Therapies
Political and ethical fights over human cloning may follow the latest stem cell therapy advance after scientists created embryos that are genetic copies of living people in an effort to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
House GOP Lays Groundwork For Fall Budget Face-Off
Among the ideas being bandied about is delaying for at least two years the implementation of the health law’s insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Appeals Court To Hear Liberty University Health Law Challenge
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., will hear arguments on Thursday related to the lawsuit brought by the Christian university.
In Many State Legislatures, The Medicaid Expansion Saga Continues
News outlets offer updates on the future of uncertain Medicaid expansion plans in Texas and Arizona as well as a progress report from California.
Retiree Medical Expenses Fall, But They Still Exceed Most People’s Expectations
A study released by Fidelity Investments estimated that a couple, who are enrolled in traditional Medicare and retiring in 2013, will need $220,000 to cover medical costs throughout their retirement.
State Roundup: N.D. Abortion Clinic Sues To Stop New Law
A selection of health policy stories from North Dakota, Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Oregon, Oklahoma and North Carolina.
HHS To Pay $1 Billion For Ideas To Drive Down Health Costs
The availability of a second round of grants — funded by the health law — was announced to support approaches to reduce costs and improve care. The initial round, announced last year, funded 107 organizations.
