Latest KFF Health News Stories
High Turnout Projected For Tight Presidential Race
A new Pew Research Center poll finds the race between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney “dead even,” although a Battleground tracking poll gives a slight edge to Obama in swing states. Meanwhile, as Obama focused on Mega-Storm Sandy, former President Bill Clinton carried the campaign message to Florida, highlighting key parts of the health law.
Health Policy Rhetoric, Issues Prominent In Congressional Races, Other State Contests
House and Senate races heat up in Colorado, Nevada and Washington state, but health policy issues are touching a number of other contests too, including governors’ races, state ballot initiatives and elections for state representatives.
Report: Medicare Prescription Drug Prices Remain Stable
USA Today notes that a new report finds Medicare drug prices did not increase since the health law’s “doughnut hole” changes kicked in.
ACP Urges Use Of Performance Measures Targeting ‘Low-Value Services’
The American College of Physicians released a position paper Monday pressing for “valid, evidence-based measures” as a means of raising physician awareness and changing clinician behavior.
Health Law’s Exchange Rules, Consumer Protections Under The Microscope
USA Today reports that state officials worry about the amount of federal guidance provided regarding state-based health exchanges. Meanwhile, KHN talks with a consumer advocate, who is concerned that state rules will affect implementation of the health law.
Fla. Suspends Compounding Pharmacy As Report Slams Lax Oversight
The fallout from a deadly meningitis outbreak continues as Florida suspends operations at one compounding pharmacy, while a report finds state oversight of the facilities lacking.
State Roundup: SCOTUS Won’t Hear Okla. ‘Personhood’ Case
A selection of health policy stories from Oklahoma, Vermont, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Kansas.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Dartmouth Atlas: Big Differences In How Academic Med Centers Train Residents
A report from the Dartmouth Atlas Project found significant variations in intensity of end-of-life care, surgical procedure rates, patient-reported experience, patient safety and quality of care.
First Edition: October 30, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the campaign landscape as well as issues related to the implementation of the health law.
Insurers, Hospital Stocks Register Presidential Election Jitters
As polls show a virtual tie between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney, news outlets report on how the health care industry and those who are sick or uninsured are contemplating the possible outcomes.
Medicare, Health Law Are Common Themes In House And Senate Races
The Associated Press reports that outside spending — which includes ads about Medicare and abortion rights — are rocking various House campaigns. Plus: updates regarding Senate races in Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Political Pro examines the challenges the GOP presidential nominee would face to dismantle the health law, while the New York Times looks at the government’s efforts to implement the nationwide plans mandated by the law.
Study Suggests 2004 Lawsuit Fueled Big Spending On Epilepsy Drugs
Researchers look at what happened after Pfizer pleaded guilty and paid more than $430 million to settle charges that it had illegally marketed Neurontin for unapproved uses.
Employees Face Sticker Shock As More Companies Roll Out High Deductible Insurance Plans
Between a quarter and a half of all Americans will be covered by such plans over the next 18 months.
New Prostate Cancer Therapy Triggers Questions About Cost, Effectiveness And Safety
NPR reports on how a new treatment approach known as proton therapy has highlights a central challenge is the U.S. health care system.
Rep. Issa Tussles With Treasury Dept. Over Health Law Subpeona
Treasury officials rejected the subpoena threat from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on the grounds of exectutive branch confidentiality.
News outlets explain how a recent Medicare settlement could have an important impact on how the program covers physical, occupational and other therapies for people with certain disabilities and chronic conditions that are not likely to improve.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Competing Endorsements For Obama, Romney; Health Law’s Unfinished Business On The Ballot
Health care is one of the sharp differences in the presidential campaign.
