Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report that the outcome of some states’ gubernatorial races will likely change the outlook for the health overhaul’s sweeping Medicaid expansion. In general, however, the future remains unsettled.
State Roundup: Cheers, Jeers For Mass. Assisted Suicide Defeat
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Georgia, California, Maryland, and New York.
States Wrestle With Decisions Regarding How To Move Forward On Exchanges
News outlets report on how various states are responding to the implementation of the health law now that President Barack Obama has been re-elected.
As Congress Ponders Spending Cuts, Health Care Industry, Advocates Urge Medicare Be Spared
Congress returns today and begins efforts to negotiate a budget deal that would avert the “fiscal cliff” of automatic spending cuts and tax increases, which are slated to take effect early next year.
L.A. Times Investigates Doctors’ Connection To Prescription Drug Abuse
Also, a new study shows that most states are cutting back on antibiotic use.
Despite Election, Health Overhaul Faces Changes And Legal Challenges
Lawsuits continue to go forward against the health law, and some politicians vow to continue repeal efforts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Marketplace News: U.S. Overpaying Nursing Homes
News outlets cover various aspects of the costs of coverage, including in Medicare, high-deductible plans and also in the average employee plan.
First Edition: November 13, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports previewing this week’s actions regarding negotiations about the fiscal cliff.
White House, Business Leaders Plan Public Appeals On Fiscal Negotiations
The administration is seeking to build public support for its effort to increase taxes. Business groups hope to pressure both Obama and Congress to reach a deal on taxes and spending, which could include changes to Medicare, Medicaid and health research funding.
Hurricane Sandy’s Nursing Home Nightmare
The New York Times reports on major problems with how a N.Y. city nursing home evacuated, as other area hospitals continue to struggle with the effects of the storm
Medicare Eyed As Part Of ‘Grand Bargain’
Groups are planning how to fight cuts to Medicare and other health care programs which might be targeted as part of a debt deal.
States Get Extra Time On Health Insurance Exchanges
The exchanges – online marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can buy coverage beginning in 2014 – are a key part of the health law.
Temporary Pharmacy In D.C. Draws Attention To Cluttered Drug Market
The “help shop” is the brainchild of founders of a company that seeks to make over-the-counter drugs less complicated. In other news about the health care industry, the Minneapolis Star Tribune examines the growing number of primary health clinics.
CBO Emphasizes Need To Trim Medicare Spending
The Congressional Budget Office also found that GOP proposals to change a provision of the health law that requires insurers to spend 80 percent of premiums on medical care would increase the federal debt. Proposals to repeal coverage provisions would save billions, but also leave 29 million people uninsured, it found.
CQ HealthBeat says there is little talk of her moving on but even so, four years is a long tenure in the job.
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Illinois, California, Massachusetts and Oregon.
Sanofi To Cut Cost Of Colon Cancer Drug In Half After Cancer Center Denial
Drugmaker Sanofi will cut the price of a colon cancer drug nearly in half after a large cancer center said it wouldn’t use the drug over cost concerns.
For Nurses, Long Shifts Equal Burn Out
Health Affairs study finds ill effects from long shifts for both nurses and patients, while nursing school dean warns of nurse shortage as insurance coverage expands.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the United States.
