Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
UnitedHealth’s Profit Jumps 23 Percent In Third Quarter
The raised profit forecast for the nation’s largest insurer was attributed to big enrollment boosts in the company’s Medicare and Medicaid plans, even as medical costs remained stable despite an improved economy.
Lawsuits Challenging Health Law’s Birth Control Coverage Mandate: 35 And Counting
MedPage Today takes a look at the state of play regarding the growing number of challenges to this part of the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Behind The Campaign Frenzy, Big Issues At Stake In Presidential Election
The nation’s budget and debt issues will be a force in how lawmakers and the president — whether it is Barack Obama or Mitt Romney — go forward on issues like containing the costs of Medicare and expanding health insurance.
Debate Previews: What To Watch For In Style And Substance On Health Care
News outlets predict that health issues — including GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s plan for pre-existing condition coverage — will play a role in tonight’s debate.
First Edition: October 16, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a study regarding the possible impact of premium support on Medicare premiums.
Polls, Debate Prep and Ads About Medicare, Medicaid
Media outlets report on the latest poll findings and preview Tuesday night’s presidential debate. The headlines also detail the risks associated with the high volume of campaign ads voters face.
Health Care, Medicare Will Pose Major Challenges To The Winner
The victor of the presidential contest will face huge policy decisions including how to maintain Medicare’s solvency and whether to implement the 2010 health law. News outlets analyze where President Barack Obama and GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney stand on these issues.
Questions Abound On Compounding Pharmacies After Meningitis Outbreak
Compounding pharmacies are continuing to face intense scrutiny over their drug preparation and lobbying habits after one in Massachusetts is suspected in distributing a steroid that led to a meningitis outbreak.
Health Premiums Could Wipe Out Social Security Boost; Medicare Enrollment Begins
Some popular prescription drug plans face double-digit premium increases.
