Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: November 2, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about what the presidential candidates are saying in the final days of the campaign.
Romney Campaign Focuses On New Trio Of States
With just days to go until Election Day, the Romney campaign sees possibilities to win in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Minnesota, while pro-Obama groups launch new ads about Medicare and women’s health.
Forecasting Health Policy For The Post-Election Landscape
Various news stories examine how the outcome of the presidential election could lead to very different courses for the health law’s implementation and approaches to Medicare reform.
Doctor Self-Referrals For Advanced Imaging Cost Medicare $100M In 2010
According to a Government Accountability Office report, doctors who referred patients for tests involving advanced imaging machines that they or a family member owned cost Medicare more than $100 million in 2010.
Stakeholders Scramble To Define Starting Points For Fiscal Cliff Negotiations
Anticipation of the upcoming congressional battle has party leaders and interest groups staking out where they want to begin.
Abortion, Health Law Drive Messaging In Tight Senate And House Races
News outlets examine last-minute campaign actions and ads in Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, Massachusetts, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Employers, Unions Ask For Greater Health Care Price Transparency
In the meantime, health coverage for workers who work for small businesses is declining, a new study finds.
Obama Administration Won’t Block Religious Challenge To Health Law
In court papers, the administration said it has no objection to revisiting Liberty University’s challenge to the health overhaul.
Mich. Hospital Systems Announce Large-Scale Merger Plan
Two large hospital systems in Michigan Wednesday announced plans to merge in a move that would create a 10-hospital system company officials say would be better suited to face health law implementation challenges. Consumer advocates, however, urged caution over the merger.
Compounding Pharmacies Rarely Get Tough Punishments
USA Today examines how officials have dealt with charges of misconduct at pharmacies in the past. Meanwhile, a compounding pharmacy, which is owned by the same company that owned the plant linked to the meningitis outbreak, is recalling its products after an FDA review.
Public Health Threats, Struggling Hospitals Loom In Sandy’s Wake
News outlets chronicle a long list of health and health care system problems caused by the superstorm.
State Roundup: Kids’ Autism Covered In Wash. Medicaid
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Washington state, Minnesota and Georgia.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Trouble With Medical Device Patents
This week’s articles come from The Oregonian, Fortune Magazine, Time, Slate, Mother Jones and The Wall Street Journal.
First Edition: November 1, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including highlights from the campaign trail, from the top of the ticket to some of the attention-grabbing Senate races across the country, as well as a report that the Obama administration will not oppose efforts to reopen the religious challenge to the health law.
In Case You Missed It: New From KHN This Week
If you’re only now getting your power back, catch up with this week’s coverage of compounded drugs, state implementation of the health law, uninsured voters’ attitudes about the health law and more.
Physicians Swap Traditional Practices For New Models
A new Accenture report projects the number of physicians who practice independently will fall to 36 percent by 2013.
Health Policies Still In The Campaign Trail Mix
How is Medicare playing among the ever-important bloc of Florida senior citizens as the two presidential candidates vie for their votes? Similarly, it’s also a hot topic in the Montana Senate race, which is one of the most intensely watched in the country.
KFF Poll: Obama Lead On Health Issues Lessens
The latest Kaiser Family Foundation health care tracking poll — the last one that will be released before the election — found that President Barack Obama’s advantage on several health issues has diminished.
State Roundup: Federal Judge Says Milwaukee Can Raise Retiree Contribution
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas and Oregon.
