Latest KFF Health News Stories
Party Lines On Entitlement Programs Play Role In ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Negotiations
Congressional leaders signal they are making progress in “fiscal cliff” talks. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., urged his party to back an immediate extension of Bush-era tax cuts for households earning less than $250,000 and focus on tax breaks for higher-income people later. Meanwhile, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill, said that Medicare and other federal health care programs should be part of long-term solutions, but not a short-term deal.
Many suits have been filed against the Obama administration’s policy to require most employers to cover contraception in health plans under the health law. At the same time, there are still many questions about the exchanges that are also part of the law.
States Confront Menu Of Medicaid Changes
A two-year payment hike for primary care doctors who treat Medicaid patients, called for by the health care law, might not happen without a struggle in Florida. Meanwhile, Kansas waits to hear back from the feds on its proposal to change Medicaid, and New Hampshire officials seek more money for their program.
Preventive Mammogram Recommendations Could Result In Missed Cancer, Study Says
A new study has found that U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations that women over 50 get mammograms only every two years — instead of every year — could result in missed breast cancer.
Cost Increases For Branded Drugs Outpace Inflation
Reuters reports that prices in the U.S. for popular branded drugs went up more six times the overall rate of inflation for consumer goods.
Naked AIDS Protesters Arrested In Boehner’s Congressional Office
Seven people took their clothes off in a House office building Tuesday to protest cuts to AIDS funding, and three women were arrested. The group was joined by dozens of other — clothed — protesters.
HHS Office Of The Inspector General Recovers A Record-Setting $5.2B In Fiscal 2012
Modern Healthcare reports that the recouped funds are in the form of “expected” HHS “receivables” stemming from investigations with which its auditors and officials were involved.
Doctors’ Pay Growth Lags Behind Other Health Care Professionals
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association takes a look at how physicians are faring financially, while a second study, this one appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, examines how they are doing emotionally.
State Roundup: Big Insurance Premium Hikes Sought In Calif., Conn.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Connecticut, Georgia and Oregon.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
This finding was part of a Congressional Budget Office cost estimate regarding legislation to make domestic partners eligible for all the benefits that apply to opposite-sex spouses of federal employees and retirees.
First Edition: November 28, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how party positions on entitlement programs are playing into the ‘fiscal cliff’ negotiations.
Democrats Resist Significant Changes To Medicare, Other Entitlement Programs
Efforts to avert the looming “fiscal cliff” have revived talk of raising Medicare’s eligibility age. Some Republicans also suggest that spending to carry out the health law should be viewed as a source for savings. Meanwhile, an important meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
High Court OKs Liberty University’s Push To Argue Claims Against The Health Law
The arguments, which were not considered in the earlier Supreme Court review of the overhaul, maintain that it is unconstitutional for the government to require large employers to provide health insurance to their full-time workers or pay a tax and that the law violates the school’s religious freedoms.
Impact Of Medicaid Expansion Would Vary By State, According To Study
The analysis released Monday explored how some states would experience savings while others would see cost increases as a result of the health law’s plan to expand Medicaid.
Progress Check On States And Health Insurance Exchanges
With Democrats regaining control of the New Hampshire House, lawmakers could revisit a GOP decision not to build a health insurance exchange. In the meantime, Oregon, California and Missouri officials seek to clarify their options.
Critics Look To House Panels To Restrain Health Law; Big Policy Issues Remain
Questions remain on implementing the health law — both politically and in settling policy matters — as opponents look to House committees to police the Obama administration’s activities to get the law up and running.
State Roundup: Conn. Official Says Bulk Buying Prescription Drugs Could Help Budget
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, Mississippi, California, Wisconsin, Florida and North Carolina.
Earnings Outlook Weaker Than Expected For UnitedHealth
The Los Angeles Times reports that the nation’s largest health insurer is predicting earnings that will be less than earlier estimated suggested amid worries about economic growth and federal negotiations about spending.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
