Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: November 27, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how increasing the Medicare eligibility age and making other entitlement program changes are a part of the ongoing “fiscal cliff” discourse.
States Face Increased Medicaid Costs Even If They Don’t Expand Program
Even if no state expands Medicaid, state spending on the program will still increase $68 billion, a new study says.
With Administration’s Support, Supreme Court Orders Review Of ‘Obamacare’ Challenge
The court told the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to consider Liberty University’s challenge against the individual mandate and the requirement that employers offer health insurance to workers.
Report: Coverage of Smoking Cessation Treatments Is Spotty Despite Health Law
The health law requires full coverage of preventive services like smoking cessation, but coverage is inconsistent.
Lawmakers Return To Washington To Face The ‘Fiscal Cliff’
As interest groups ranging from business lobbies to AARP mobilize to protect their constituencies, some Democrats acknowledge that Medicare and Medicaid need to be part of the conversation.
Health Law Implementation Proceeds — With Fits And Starts
Even as the election has altered the landscape for lawmakers who hoped to repeal the 2010 health law, some opponents are pressing on with legal challenges. Specific elements of the law, such as its health exchanges, also present logistical and financial issues for the Obama administration.
Views On Health Law: ‘Hyperactive Regulators’ Shift Into Gear; States Need To Stop ‘Foot-Dragging’
Several news outlets offer views on the current issues surrounding the 2010 health law.
Parents With Disabilities Face Challenges Gaining Custody Of Children
A new report details how some parents with disabilities face a number of barriers.
Pediatricians Called To Prescribe ‘Morning-After’ Pills In Advance
The American Academy of Pediatrics urged pediatricians to counsel adolescent patients about emergency contraception.
Supreme Court Could Consider Family Health Coverage For Lesbian Couple
Four years after the request for family health coverage was made, it continues to reverberate through the halls of Congress, the White House and, possibly, the Supreme Court.
Drug Development Pipeline Sometimes Involves Intersection Of Influence, Research And Profits
The Washington Post examines the growing role of pharmaceutical industry money in medical research and the conflicts that can create.
Two New Studies Explore How Laws, Advertising Impact Cancer Costs
Reuters reports on two new studies regarding cancer treatment costs, including findings that laws don’t curb the use of pricey prostate cancer treatments and that ads don’t increase the use of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer.
Changes In Health Care Deductions Soon To Kick In
The Wall Street Journal examines key changes in the health insurance marketplace for which consumers should be prepared.
Plan To Pay Less For Certain Diagnostic Tests Draws Fire
The Boston Globe reports that a plan to reduce Medicare costs is opposed by neurologists.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicaid Budget Issues Mean Tough Choices Across Nation
Medicaid programs in Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and California deal with swelling rolls, tight budgets and reimbursement decisions.
A selection of health policy stories from Arkansas, Wisconsin, Maine, Texas, Kansas, California and Minnesota.
First Edition: November 26, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a range of stories regarding the future of the “fiscal cliff” negotiations as well as reports about the strategies that might now be used by health law opponents.
Guarded Optimism On Fiscal Cliff Deal, Could Mean Medicare Changes
As Congress prepares to return this week, the Sunday talk shows included talk of compromise, though there are fears of even more partisan fighting in the next Congress.
Fiscal Cliff Talks Moving Slowly; Boehner Wants Health Law On Table
The New York Times reports that Democrats are asking Republicans to define what “structural changes” they want in Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, the House speaker wrote on op-ed saying the health law should be part of the upcoming debate on debt.
