Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Star Rating System Resonating With Seniors
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that first-time enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans are relying on Medicare’s star-rating system to make plan choices.
Role Of Mental Health Professionals Becomes Flashpoint In Efforts To Curb Gun Violence
Just a day after New York passed a landmark gun control law which would require mental health workers to report to authorities patients deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, President Barack Obama is also expected to unveil his gun control agenda. The New York measure, however, is already drawing criticism from experts who worry that its reporting requirement could hinder treatment.
Big Cities Face Funding Gaps For Pensions, Retiree Health Benefits
The Wall Street Journal reports on data from the Pew Center on the States detailing the circumstances of pension and retiree health benefits in the nation’s major cities.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
EHRs: Quality Care Versus Cost Savings, Next ‘Meaningful Use’ Rules
Some say adoption of electronic health records are not saving money like they’d hoped, but that it does improve care. In the meantime, doctor groups want a delay in the next round of “meaningful use” rules that give doctors financial incentives for utilizing such records.
First Edition: January 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports examining how mental health issues play a role in efforts to curb gun violence and expand gun control efforts.
As Debate Heats Up, How Does Medicare Fit Into Debt Limit Fight?
President Barack Obama signals an interest in “modest adjustments” to Medicare and other safety net programs — but not in the context of debt limit discussions — as Republicans demand spending cuts be part of a deal to raise the federal debt limit.
Ariz. Governor Backs Medicaid Expansion Under Health Law
Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican critic of the law, surprised many when she announced in her State of the State speech that she would support expansion of the federal-state program for low-income residents.
Mental Health Advocates Await Final Rule
These advocates say the Obama administration’s focus on the 2010 health law has delayed a final rule that would fill in key details of the Mental Health Partiy and Addiction Equity Act.
NARAL Names Ilyse Hogue To Be New President
This former staffer for Media Matters for America and MoveOn.org most recently co-founded Friends of Democracy, a super PAC that raised more than $2.4 million last cycle to support candidates who back campaign finance reform.
A Medicare Rights Center report cautioned that seniors will face coverage gaps unless officials streamline enrollment for Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance under the health law’s state exchanges.
Flu: ERs Seeing More Patients, N.Y. Declares State Of Emergency
Emergency rooms around America are dealing with an influx of those with the flu while the virus forces New York officials to declare a state of emergency.
UnitedHealth, Mayo Partnering To Merge Insurance, Care Data
UnitedHealth announced it will partner with the Mayo Clinic to merge insurance and medical data to try to improve and standardize care in order to lower costs.
States To Get More Time To Set Up Exchanges, Flexibility In Medicaid Expansion
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published a rule Monday detailing how states should coordinate certain elements of health exchanges and Medicaid.
Hospital Fees, Provider Cuts To Steady Medicaid Programs In Ga., Calif. Linger
And other state Medicaid news from Florida and Kansas.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Texas, Ga. Companies Forming ACOs
A selection of health policy news from New York, Texas, California and Georgia.
First Edition: January 15, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on how Medicare and other entitlement programs fit into the looming battle over raising the federal debt limit.
Capsules: Not Too Early To Plan For Health Taxes, H&R Block Says
Even if you owe Affordable Care Act taxes, you probably won’t have to start paying them until next year. But H&R Block wants you to come in and talk about them now.
Analyzing How Well The Individual Mandate May Work
Politico looks at the practical task ahead for the health law’s individual mandate. News outlets also track state implementation developments — including the latest regarding the health exchanges and expansion of Medicaid.
