Latest KFF Health News Stories
Supreme Court Considering Generic Drugmaker Safety Liability
In the meantime, the federal government will not — at least for now — continue to pursue putting graphic images on packs of cigarettes meant to deter people from smoking.
Progress Slows On Spending Bill To Avert Government Shutdown
The Senate’s consideration of the measure, which protects some programs from sequestration cuts, is taking place against the backdrop of Capitol Hill’s broader debate about the deficit.
Lobbyists Update Strategy To Repeal Health Law Medical Device Tax
The New York Times reports that industry lobbyists are courting Democrats. Meanwhile, in other congressional news, two House lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to improve Medicare’s Recovery Audit Program.
New Apps, Social Networks Shaping Doctor Delivery Of Care
Adoption of health information technology is examined as new computer application development and adoption change how doctors deliver care. In Kansas, developers are trying to quicken the pace of doctors adopting new technologies.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Motivating Food Shoppers To Make Healthy Choices
Researchers at RAND found offering rebates for healthy foods can lead to shifts in diets, which could have public policy implications.
Advocates, Public Consider Medicare Cost Savings As Debate Continues
Medicare costs — and controlling them — are on the minds of the public, patient advocates, lawmakers and doctors as the debate spills off Capitol Hill and into American discourse.
Database Offers National Overview Of Hospital Violation Reports
Stateline reports that information about hospital errors dating back to January 2011 will be available to the public on a new website. Meanwhile, a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation draws parallels between the nation’s most unhealthy counties and those that have the highest rates of preventable hospital stays.
Minnesota Authorizes Online Health Insurance Marketplace
Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the legislation, which enables his administration to move forward on building the infrastructure necessary for the marketplace to begin enrolling people Oct. 1 — a tight deadline that officials said would require massive work to meet.
Texas Lawmakers Consider Stricter Licensing For Abortion Clinics
Texas Democrats say the bill would effectively ban abortion there. In the meantime, Catholic clergy meet with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on his abortion-rights agenda.
State Roundup: Texas Senate Panel Weighs End-Of-Life Bills
A selection of health policy stories from California, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Kansas and Colorado.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the health law’s insurance expansion could cause stress among health care providers and strain within the health system.
Federal Government May Need To Enforce Health Law In Some States
Politico reports that insurance officials in at least four states won’t implement insurance market changes that are part of the law, leaving that task to federal officials. Meanwhile, the Obama administration offers new rules and statistics related to implementation.
Minnesota Legislature Approves Health Exchange Bill, Sends It To Governor
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has vowed to sign the measure. In Michigan, though, Gov. Rick Snyder warned that time is running out and state lawmakers have until the week’s end to approve a partnership exchange.
Spending On Prescription Drugs Dropped Slightly in 2012
The decrease was miniscule, but it was the first time since 1957 that the research firm IMS Health had recorded a dip in United States drug expenditures, reports The New York Times. In related news, more effective use of medications could lead to Medicare savings, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
New Alzheimer’s Data Highlight The Disease’s Deadly Toll
According to figures released by the Alzheimer’s Association, deaths from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia rose 68 percent between 2000 and 2010.
Study: Patients In Wheelchairs Often Have Trouble Making Appointments With Specialty Docs
One in five speciality practices said they couldn’t accommodate the needs of disabled patients using wheelchairs, researchers report.
Federal Judge Strikes Mo. Law Exempting Some From Health Law’s Birth Control Mandate
In the meantime, South Dakota lawmakers consider a ban on all abortions by defining life as beginning with conception.
Do Workplace Wellness Programs Really Save Money?
The Associated Press reports on a new study that raises doubts about this idea.
