Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ala. Lawmakers Approve Controversial New Abortion Clinic Regulations
The measure, which still must be signed by the governor, would make abortion clinics use doctors with admitting privileges at local hospitals, a move opponents say could force the state’s five clinics to close.
The Stock Market, Medicare Advantage Rates And ‘Political Intelligence’
The Wall Street Journal reports that a tip about a recent a health policy decision drove insurers’ stock prices up and is now adding to questions about the “political intelligence” industry.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Walgreens To Expand Health Services To Include Treatment Of Chronic Illness
The retail chain becomes the first to offer such extensive primary care through nurse practitioners and physician assistants at more than 300 in-store clinics in 18 states.
Longer Looks: Embarrassing Accolades; Mapping the Brain; Physician Pay
This week’s selections come from The New York Times, Slate, The Atlantic and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about emerging dynamics in the ongoing federal budget debate.
Rate Boost To Medicare Advantage Plans Powers Insurers’ Stock Surge
Health insurers led gains on Wall Street Tuesday after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reversed plans to make payment cuts to Medicare Advantage plans and instead offered a 3.3 percent increase.
Health Law’s Insurance Subsidies Hold Possible Tax Risk
The Associated Press reports on how people who take advantage of federal subsidies to buy insurance could owe taxes if they don’t accurately forecast their income. It also offers a guide to eligibility.
Confirmation Hearing For CMS Nominee Set For Next Week
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a session on whether to approve Marilyn Tavenner to head the agency that controls Medicare and Medicaid.
Obama Rolls Out $100M Initiative To Study The Brain
President Obama revealed a $100 million plan Tuesday to study and better understand the human brain in part to attempt to find better treatments for Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
Death Rates On The Rise At Some Rural Hospitals
A new study finds that these critical access hospitals, which are exempt from reporting certain quality and outcomes data to the federal government, are not matching the gains made by other facilities regarding mortality rates after treatment for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.
Fight Brews Over Abortion Coverage In Va.’s Health Insurance Exchange
Abortion coverage could be banned in Virginia’s health insurance exchange if an amendment pushed by Gov. Bob McDonnell wins legislative approval. The bill faces an uncertain outcome in the state Senate.
State Roundup: Calif. Hires Consumer Group To Help Review Coverage Rates
A selection of health policy stories from California, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania.
States Continue Efforts To Find Their Own Way Forward On Medicaid Expansion
Today’s news regarding this health law provision comes from developments in Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Texas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from across the country.
Some Groups Urge HHS To Reverse Delay On Small-Businesss Insurance Program
The Obama administration announced Monday that it will delay — until 2015 — offering a choice of plans within health insurance marketplaces specifically for small businesses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest round of payment rates for private Medicare plans led to stock market gains for insurers.
Why You May Want To Reconsider That Plan With A Health Savings Account
Health plans with HSAs have limitations, and they could make a big difference in what consumers pay.
Image Sharing Aims To Reduce Need For Repeat Scans
Several state and regional health-information exchanges have begun sharing images electronically, and a number of companies sell image-sharing technology directly to hospitals and radiology clinics in a development that could slow health care spending. Meanwhile, a new medical school in Connecticut seeks to train primary care doctors.
Legislation Proposed To Help Vets Wrongly Denied Benefits
Two Minnesota lawmakers are pushing a bill to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who may have been discharged from the military after being diagnosed inaccurately. Meanwhile, veterans groups oppose efforts to change disability payments in connection with debt reduction talks.
