Latest KFF Health News Stories
When It Comes To Surgery, Businesses Increasingly Want Workers To Shop Around
The Los Angeles Times reports on this emerging trend.
Aging Care: Hospices Seek Better Image; New Nursing Home Database Released
Several news organizations cover issues related to end-of-life and long-term care.
GOP Governors Welcome Extension On Health Exchange Decision
Last week was marked by a flurry of state-level activity related to the health law’s insurance exchanges: News outlets run down which states have decided to develop their own marketplaces and which will defer to the federal government. A number of states, many with Republican state executives, are still seeking more information.
Appropriators Focus Quietly On Omnibus Spending Bill
Also in the news, the Senate approves legislation to reauthorize federal research and intervention activities to lower the rate of premature births.
Medicare Part B Premiums Up $5 Per Month Next Year
The increase will eat about a quarter of a typical retiree’s cost-of-living raise in Social Security payments.
A Closer Look Into The Meningitis Outbreak’s Unwitting Enablers
The New York Times take a closer look into the meningitis outbreak and how doctors and others became unwitting participants in the outbreak.
Drug Shortages A New Way Of Life In Providing Care; Lawmakers Call For Investigation
As health care facilities struggle to keep inventories of key medicines, some are resorting to risky practices. Meanwhile, six members of Congress seek a GAO probe of pharmaceutical contracting to see if it has hurt generic drugmakers and added to shortages.
State Roundup: Ill. Insurer To Buy Montana Blues; Calif. Nurses Plan Strike
News outlets report on health news from California, Florida, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Washington and Wyoming.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from across the country.
First Edition: November 19, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest news on the ongoing “fiscal cliff” discourse.
Republican Govs’ Decision To Forego Exchanges Will Bring In Federal Option, Others Still On Fence
A number of GOP governors have decided not to set up a state-run health exchange under the 2010 health law. But that means the federal government will come in and make some key decisions on state health options.
With Some Caveats, GOP And Dems Signal Willingness To Work For Accord On Taxes, Entitlements
On Sunday, House Minority Leader Pelosi echoed sentiments expressed after Friday’s White House meeting, where congressional leaders and Obama agreed to move quickly on negotiations.
HHS Delays Health Exchange Decision Deadline To Dec. 14
The Obama administration announced late Thursday that it was extending the deadline for states to decide whether they would establish and operate these online insurance markets. A number of Republican governors had complained about the initial Nov. 16 deadline.
States Declare Their Health Exchange Intentions
A number of states notified the Department of Health and Human Services how they plan to proceed on the question of setting up an insurance exchange. News reports offer insights into the role political views and policy positions have played so far in the decision making.
Some Employers Are Telling Employees To Shop Around For Health Insurance
The Associated Press reports that some companies are giving employees a fixed amount of money and allowing them to choose their own coverage based on their particular needs.
For Alzheimer’s, Detection Advances Move Faster Than Treatment Options
The New York Times reports on developments related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Approaching The Cliff: What’s At Stake For Medicare And Medicaid?
Medicare and other entitlement programs are in the mix as deficit deal-making takes center stage. If no deal is reached and automatic spending cuts take effect, Medicare providers will face a 2 percent across-the-board cut in January 2013.
U.S. Docs Adopt Digital Records But Find Sharing Information Difficult
More than two-thirds of U.S. doctors now use electronic medical records — a substantial increase from years past — but are finding that information is still not easily shared among medical professionals, a new study says.
Tidal Wave Of Health Law Rules Expected In Days And Weeks Ahead
Also in the news, reports estimate state-specific costs and savings related to the overhaul’s Medicaid expansion.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
