Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: Nobel For Economist Behind The Nat’l Resident Matching Program
This week’s articles come from The New Republic, Health Affairs, The New York Times, Wired Magazine and The Atlantic.
First Edition: October 18, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organiztions, including resports about how the presidential candidates are crafting messages on women’s health issues in order to appeal to female voters.
In Face-Off, Obama And Romney Rumble Over A Range Of Issues
News outlets examine how each candidate fared in Tuesday night’s town-hall style debate. In general, many media sources note how little discussion surrounded issues related to Medicare and the health law.
Planned Parenthood Funding, Women’s Health Issues Create Debate Flashpoints
President Barack Obama pivoted from a question about women in the workplace to criticize GOP candidate Mitt Romney for his positions on contraceptive coverage, funding for Planned Parenthood, and abortion.
Hill Staffers Predict Deal To Prevent Cuts To Medicare Physician Payments
At an event Tuesday, staffers from both sides of the aisle predicted that a “doc fix” agreement would be reached to prevent large scheduled cuts from kicking in. Meanwhile, the American Medical Association and its affiliates set out a list of principles in a letter to Senate Finance Committee members to help guide the development of an alternative to the current Medicare physician payment formula.
Health Law Regs Moving Slowly In Advance Of Election
CQ HealthBeat reports that the Office of Management and Budget has no updates on its website for at least a half-dozen pending regulations related to insurance exchanges and essential benefits.
Social Security Payments To Rise But Medicare Premiums May Offset Boost
The average senior will get about $21 more per month, but federal officials note that some of that will be needed to cover the increase in Medicare premiums, which will be announced soon.
Federal Agents Raid Drug Compounding Center
Food and Drug Administration investigators probe the Massachusetts pharmacy linked to a meningitis outbreak that has killed 16.
News outlets report on the growing need for long-term care and offer insights into the home care workforce.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Calif. Official: State Could Dump Health Plan For Kids And Maintain Quality Care
California’s top health official said Tuesday that she thinks the state can end a health care program for low-income children without disrupting their care. In the meantime, officials in Illinois and Oregon also consider how to change their Medicaid programs to control health care costs — and their bottom lines.
State Roundup: Mass. Launches Information Exchange
A selection of health policy news from Massachusetts, Georgia, California, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin.
How Health Care Is Playing Up And Down The Ballot
The Medicare question is echoing from the top of the ticket into the Florida Senate race between Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson and challenger Connie Mack.
Swing State Highlights: Medicare Key In Congressional Campaign Ads, Debates
KHN’s Sarah Barr samples campaign news coverage each week from swing states around the country to see how health policy developments, and other political issues, are playing.
First Edition: October 17, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including health policy highlights from last night’s presidential debate.
Polls: Contraception, Abortion, Health Cuts, Medicare Factor In To Voters’ Decision-Making
A new round of polls show that GOP presidential pick Mitt Romney is closing the gap with President Barack Obama in the fight for women’s votes.
Study: Premium Support Plan Could Raise Seniors’ Costs In Many Areas Of Country
A Kaiser Family Foundation study released Monday found that almost six in 10 Medicare beneficiaries would pay higher premiums under a hypothetical privatized system similar to that proposed by GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
State Roundup: States, Cities Cut Retiree Benefit Budgets; Feds To Decide Georgia’s Benchmark Plan
News outlets also report on health care developments in New York, Massachusetts, Texas and Florida.
Additional Drugs Linked To Meningitis Outbreak
Food and Drug Administration officials said Monday that more people may be at risk as a result of contaminated drugs made by a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy.
States Officials Wrestle With Medicaid Expansion Decisions, State Reforms
Many are exploring whether expanding Medicaid eligibility under the health law would lead to savings or increased costs.
