Latest KFF Health News Stories
Sen. Rockefeller, Key Defender Of Health Programs, Announces He Will Retire
The West Virginia Democrat may have been born to wealth, but he made federal efforts to ensure health coverage for the poor his mission.
Patients’ Health Care Decisions, Spending Key To Future Of Medicine
As patients become more engaged in decisions related to treatment and health care, their role in holding down health care spending will likely become more prominent.
Doctor/Nurse Shortages Come With A Twist
A new study said the projected shortage of primary care physicians may be overstated, and new nurses are having trouble finding work.
Abortion, Contraception Coverage Fights Continue As Roe V. Wade Birthday Nears
Fights over abortion and contraception coverage make news in Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Also, the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is girding both sides of the issue in a battle that continues to rage across the nation.
As the nation grapples with mental health issues in the wake of recent violence, issues related to restricting gun ownership for the mentally ill take shape on Capitol Hill.
It’s Still Too Early To Evaluate Whether Flu Season Is Worse Than Normal
New York officials declare a public health emergency as federal officials say the epidemic may have peaked.
Viewpoints: Health Law’s ‘Sticker Shock;’ Changing Medicare Eligibility Age Is Not A Simple Solution
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Hospital News: Nantucket’s Paradox; Maryland Overbilling; Calif. Fee Complication
News media covered hospital issues in Massachusetts, Maryland and California.
Retiree Health Care Costs Have Mass., Calif. Officials Seeking Change
Budget issues continue to force officials to seek ways to cut their health care bills, especially for retirees. Massachusetts and California are the latest to seek solutions to these inflating costs.
State Roundup: Mental Health Care Changes In Conn.
A selection of health policy stories from Connecticut, the District of Columbia, California, Oregon, Arkansas, Florida and Kansas.
First Edition: January 14, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health care marketplace and about the issues being raised by this year’s intense flu epidemic.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller To Retire At End Of Term
KHN tracked news coverage Friday of the announcement by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., that he will pass on making a bid for a sixth Senate term.
Among those that gained approval is the South Florida ACO, which has an integrated care model that includes 75 doctors and the Walgreens drug store chain.
S.D., N.M. Governors Take Opposing Tacks On Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, a key Georgia Republican lays out her party’s reasons for opposing expansion, while California releases its cost estimate. Also in the news, Ohio and the Obama administration clash over high-risk pool eligibility, while Utah’s exchange appears to be in limbo.
Two articles examine different efforts to improve medical care.
This Year’s Flu Season Could Add To Economy’s Woes
Economists are predicting that this year’s unusually early and strong flu season could be a drain on the current quarter’s GDP numbers.
Obama Signs Bill Changing How Medicare Collects Money In Negligence Cases
The bill had bipartisan support and could help beneficiaries who sometimes wait months for injury-related settlements.
Analysis: Conversion To EHRs Having Mixed Results — At Best
The New York Times reports on an anaylsis done by the RAND Corporation that finds digital health records are not producing the hoped-for cost-savings or system efficiency.
State Highlights: Mental Health Reforms Take Shape In Kan., Colo.
A selection of health policy stories from New York, California, Kansas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida and Georgia.
Texas, Planned Parenthood Continue Legal Battle
Arguments will be held today regarding the organization’s participation in the Texas Women’s Health Program. In other news, attorneys for Hobby Lobby — which has been a staunch opponent of the health law’s birth control mandate — says the company has found a way to delay complying with this requirement.
