Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the Department of Health and Human Services gave seven more states the thumbs up to run their own health exchanges.
Fiscal Deal Political Fallout Will Likely Shape Future Medicare, Entitlement Spending Battles
News outlets continue to analyze how the fiscal deal will set the table for future deficit debates and when some of the difficult spending issues could again take center stage.
Some Health Law Funding Becomes ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Casualty
The agreement approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama would kill new funding for health insurance co-operatives. The fiscal deal also officially repealed the health law’s CLASS Act, but establishes a new bipartisan commission to develop a plan for long-term care services for elderly and disabled people.
Meanwhile, a health law rule released last week also stipulates that large employers offer unsubsidized coverage to employees’ dependent children.
Despite Uncertainty, 2012 Was Good Year For Hospital Stocks
Modern Healthcare reports that, even with the many unknowns surrounding the health law’s implementation, hospital stocks posted big gains.
Confusion Surrounds Regulation Of Various Types Of Drug Makers
Stateline reports that problems at a Masschusetts pharmacy, which were linked to deaths or illnesses in 19 states, highlight the oversight difficulties the federal government is facing.
A Closer Look At Latest ‘Doc Fix’
As part of the fiscal deal, a scheduled cut in Medicare physician payment rates was postponed — but its 10-year price tag is being borne by other health care players, especially hospitals.
States Consider Licensing Dental Therapists To Fill Cavities — And Care Gap
A shortage of dentists spurred Minnesota to license dental therapists, and several other states may follow suit, USA Today reports. Meanwhile, a health plan in rural South Dakota and Minnesota is hiring Native American healers as consultants.
Consumers’ Perceptions Of Medical Prices Can Be Faulty
Despite advocates’ push for more transparency in medical pricing, consumers may draw the wrong message when they know what a health service or good costs.
Sen. Kirk’s Stroke Offers Him New Medicaid Perspective
New health care leadership in Congress also continues to take shape.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Restrictions On Abortions Slow In 2012, But Still Second Most Ever
A new report finds that the number of new abortion restrictions passed by states in 2012 was down from 2011, but that the year still saw the second most new rules on the procedure ever.
State Roundup: Ill. To Scrutinize Medicaid Eligibility
A selection of health policy news from Florida, Illinois, Connecticut, Texas, California, Oregon and Georgia.
Longer Looks: Helping Other Parents Reach Out To Mentally Ill Children
This week’s articles come from The New Republic, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Associated Press, NBC, The American Spectator and American Medical News.
First Edition: January 3, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more analysis of how the “fiscal cliff” deal impacts health programs as well as what the upcoming deficit talks might have in store for entitlement spending.
Cost/Quality Relationship In Health Care Still Poorly Understood: Study
A new study examines — and finds little clear — on the relationship between health care quality and cost.
Businesses And Individuals Grapple With Decisions About Coverage, Penalties
News organizations preview what’s to come in 2013 as provisions of the Affordable Care Act are put in place.
A Little Extra Fat Could Be Protective
A review of almost 100 studies covering nearly three million people found that those who were overweight, or even slightly obese, had a lower risk of dying compared to those considered “normal weight.”
Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Pharmacies Face Changing Marketplace
News outlets are covering various aspects of the health care industry.
New Congress Means New Key Health Care Leaders, As One Steps Away
The 113th Congress will see new faces take the helm on key health care panels as well as the departure of a congressman key to shaping the nation’s health care system.
