Latest KFF Health News Stories
Roundup: Kan., Ga., Mass., Neb. Face Decisions On Implementing Health Law
Health policy news from Kansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York and Nebraska.
First Edition: January 9, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a number of health policy developments on the state level.
Report: U.S. Health Spending Grew At Record Slow Pace For Third Consecutive Year
The country’s health care bill tallied $2.7 trillion, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Some indicators, though, suggest the slowed growth may not last.
Sebelius, Fla. Gov. Scott Have Health Care Chat With No Immediate Results
A meeting Monday between HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Florida Gov. Rick Scott on the health care law didn’t seem to yield any immediate results on whether the GOP governor will implement parts of the law, but his willingness to meet may signal he is willing to do just that.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Sandy Hook Shooting Changes Lobbying Dynamics For Guns And Mental Health
The Washington Post reports on how the recent Sandy Hook shooting has altered the lobbying landscape regarding gun rights and mental health issues.
High Court Turns Away Challenge To Obama Administration Stem Cell Policy
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving Medicaid and malpractice awards. In addition, the justices rejected an appeal from Social Security recipients who don’t want Medicare benefits.
State Roundup: Medicaid Costs Could Affect State Surpluses; Calif. Gets ‘C’ For Dental Care
A selection of health policy stories from states across the country, including New York, California, Oregon, Florida and Massachusetts.
About 40 percent of physicians are likely to comply at least sometimes with patients’ requests for branded drugs.
Judge Orders Trial On Kan. Law Restricting Insurance Coverage For Abortions
A federal judge turned down the ACLU’s request to summarily invalidate the measure, but said the issues must be adjudicated at trial.
First Edition: January 8, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of a government report concluding that U.S. health-care spending grew at a record low pace for a third consecutive year.
In Some States, Health Insurers Are Raising Rates Despite Health Law’s Efforts To Restrain Increases
The New York Times details differences in states’ ability to regulate rates as well as in premium costs. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports on the savings that New Yorkers could experience.
Clear Battle Lines Emerge On Budget Issues
After last week’s agreement to avert the “fiscal cliff,” President Barack Obama and congressional GOP leaders are making clear their positions on tax increases and entitlement spending reductions — including those to Medicare.
Study Finds School Debt Keeps Some Young Doctors From Specializing
The research suggests that financial concerns may keep some residents from going into medical specialties that don’t offer high compensation.
Exercise And The Exam Room: Kaiser Permanente, Other Providers Record New Vital Sign
Kaiser Permanente is expanding a program that directs medical providers to ask patients about their exercise habits during checkups — and some other health care providers are following suit.
Groups Urge HHS To Issue Rules On Medical Company-Doc Relationships
Two groups are urging the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations called for in the health law that would require drug companies and others to collect and disclose data on their financial relationships with doctors.
Medicaid Expansion, Health Exchanges Continue To Draw Headlines
Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is coming to Washington to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss related health law implementation issues and concerns.
As Pentagon Considers Cuts, Weapons Makers Look To Contracts On Health Issues
Bloomberg examines recent health-care contracts won by Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Mass. Governor Proposes New Compounding Pharmacy Oversights
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is proposing the state exercise stricter control over compounding pharmacies by — in part — establishing new licensing requirements for the labs and letting the state assess fines against them if they break rules.
