Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: A ‘Fail Safe’ And A ‘Time Bomb’ In Health Law; Reason For ‘Optimism’ About Health Costs?
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Administration Unveils New Set Of Medical Privacy Rules
The Obama administration released a new set of rules and protections designed to govern patient privacy under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
Rick Foster, who has held the position of chief actuary at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will leave the office at the beginning of next month. In this role, he has worked since 1995 on major aspects of Medicare and Medicaid policy.
Amgen Drug Gets Boost In Fiscal Cliff Legislation
The New York Times reports that the legislation delayed a series of Medicare price restrains on a class of drugs that includes Sensipar, which is a money-making pills used by kidney diallysis patients.
Viewpoints: ‘A President Set To Fight’ And A Speech That Argues For ‘A Collective Turn’
Editorial pages react to President Barack Obama’s second inaugural speech.
Health Law’s New Spending Offers Tempting Target In Search For Savings
The overhaul includes $1.7 trillion in new spending over the next decade — which is being eyed by members of Congress for various reasons. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports on a mental health coverage gap in the health law’s effort to expand access to health care, and The Washington Post reports on how employer challenges to the law are taking shape.
State Roundup: Ariz. Gov. Proposing Hospital Tax For Medicaid Expansion As Nev. Ponders Options
Health policy news from Arizona, California, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Colorado, Kansas and Georgia.
$30 For A Flu Shot: An Outrage Or A Bargain?
The Los Angeles Times looks at the economics of producing a successful flu vaccine each year. And Reuters explores what may be on the horizon to improve those immunizations.
State Abortion Restrictions Having Impact
In Kansas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Texas, new laws limiting abortion providers spur changes for clinics and patients.
Viewpoints: Looking Back At Landmark Roe v. Wade Decision
Opinion writers reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision regarding abortion.
First Edition: January 22, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports analyzing how Medicare, Medicaid and the social safety net fit into President Barack Obama’s inaugural address.
Obama’s Inaugural Health Care Moment: ‘Medicare, Medicaid … Strengthen Us’
News outlets covered the president’s second inaugural address. He said entitlements “free us to take the risks that make this country great.”
GOP House Members Back Plan To Raise Debt Ceiling But Still Expect Entitlement Cuts
Conservatives who had hoped to tackle Medicare, Medicaid spending in tussle with the White House over the debt ceiling now expect to get concessions in other budget fight.
Federal Gov’t. Awards Health Exchange Grants To Some States
News outlets report on federal funds awarded to 11 states to develop these marketplaces.
UnitedHealth Indicates Limited Participation In State-Based Exchanges
CEO Stephen Hemsley said Thursday that the insurer expects to participate in 10 to 25 of these marketplaces and noted that there should be no assumptions that the company will participate widely. His announcement comes along with news that the company’s 4th quarter profits were down slightly, which was mainly attributed to rising medical costs.
Debt Ceiling, March Spending Cuts Present Policy And Political Choices
As the White House and congressional Republicans wrestle with strategies to deal with these upcoming budget issues, Medicare and Medicaid will be important factors.
Law Banning Genetic Discrimination Doesn’t Apply To Some Insurers
NPR examines a key loophole in the law designed to keep health insurers from raising rates or denying coverage because of genetic issues. The law doesn’t apply to life, disability or long-term-care insurance.
Calif. Officials Push Campaigns Informing Public Of Health Law’s New Provisions
In the meantime, Kansas business leaders talked to lawmakers about what negative consequences the law could have for them.
FDA To Step Up Evaluation Of Metal Hip Implants, Other Devices
The Wall Street journal reports that the Food and Drug Administration is studying whether certain devices, already on the market, require additional evidence to prove they are safe.
State Highlights: Trying To Save Care For Poor With Medicaid Budget Deals
A selection of health policy stories from South Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, California, Texas and Massachusetts.
