Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid Cost Estimates Trigger Florida Flap
Florida Gov. Rick Scott expressed cost concerns about the health law’s Medicaid expansion during a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, again drawing a wave of criticism that he is exaggerating the potential cost.
Whistleblowers, Sheltered Assets Key In Medicaid Fraud And Abuse
Whistleblowers are an increasingly important part of detecting Medicaid fraud while GOP lawmakers look more closely at those who shelter their assets in order to qualify for the program’s long-term care.
KHN Analyzes Regional Variations In Medicare Quality Payment Program
Fort Wayne, Indiana, fared the best among the major health care markets, the analysis finds. Meanwhile, a new study of a plan to tie Medicare’s payments to the quality of doctors’ services suggests many physicians may face penalties.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Medicare Spends About As Much Screening For Breast Cancer As Treating It
In the meantime, a report from UnitedHealth says changes to how the government coordinates patient care could save half a trillion dollars over a decade.
Republicans Take Aim At Planned Parenthood’s ‘Record’ Taxpayer Support
Also making headlines, a group of House Democrats are pressing the White House to retain funding for mental health, and some of New York’s members of Congress are pushing to include cancer care in the 9/11 health program.
Former CMS Head Berwick Eyes Run For Mass. Governor
The former director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was a lightning rod for debate in Congress after Republicans accused him of supporting health care rationing, but he remains a respected health care expert.
Insurers in California, Elsewhere, Propose Steep Rate Hikes
California’s insurance commissioner criticized Anthem Blue Cross for raising rates for small businesses but acknowledged he has no authority to block it. Medpage Today looks at double-digit increases in the individual and small group markets nationwide.
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.
