Latest KFF Health News Stories
WellPoint Plans Reorganization; CVS Denies Knowledge Of Drug Refill Investigation
Health insurer WellPoint plans a reorganization under its new interim CEO, while CVS officials say they are unaware of a government probe of prescription refill practices, which was originally reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Hospital Payments Will Soon Be Tied In Part To Patient Satisfaction
The Wall Street Journal reports that, in the year ahead, nearly $1 billion in payments to hospitals will be based in part on patient satisfaction.
State Roundup: Health Care Construction Boom In Texas
News outlets report on health care developments in California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
News outlets detail the latest developments in the Virginia and Wisconsin Senate races, as well as in the House contests in California.
In V.P. Debate Redux, Candidates’ Policies Scrutinized
Coverage in the days after the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan examines policy positions, claims, and accusations related to Medicare, Medicaid and other policy points.
Several news outlets offer opinions on health care issues in the presidential campaign.
Viewpoints: Cancer Doctors Reject ‘Phenomenally Expensive’ New Drug; Protecting Patients’ Rights
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Romney’s Positions On Abortion, Planned Parenthood Funding Draw Political Fire
Both the Obama and Romney campaigns are issuing new campaign ads related to women’s health issues and attempting to stake out policy positions.
First Edition: October 15, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest developments and polling news from the presidential campaign trail as well as details about how Medicare and other health issues are shaping up in House and Senate races.
As Open Season Begins, More Medicare Advantage Plans Get Top Ratings
CMS announces that 127 plans earn four- or five-stars, which puts them in line for government bonuses.
In Vice Presidential Debate, Biden And Ryan Clash On Health Issues
In this face-off, the two candidates outlined very different sets of policies and perspectives on issues ranging from their respective Medicare plans to the uninsured and abortion.
VP Candidates Spar Over Medicare Plan Specifics
During last night’s face off, Vice President Joe Biden and GOP vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan offered different plans, visions and, sometimes, even numbers for Medicare’s future.
Wal-Mart Expanding Program For No-Cost Employee Surgeries
Wal-Mart announced this week that it will expand a program that ends out-of-pocket procedure and travel costs for employees seeking some heart and spine surgeries if they go to hospitals across the country that have agreements with the retailer.
Women’s Health, Medicare And The Health Law Mark Tight Races In Various States
The fireworks continue in Senate and House races in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Nevada, Florida and New York.
Romney Hints At Plan For Pre-existing Conditions, Lack Of Health Coverage
During a meeting with the Columbus Dispatch, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney offered a comment about people who lack insurance which is being characterized by some news outlets as “controversial.” Romney plans to repeal the health law but says uninsured people could still visit an emergency room and that people with pre-existing conditions could keep their insurance. On this point, however, he has yet to provide specifics, news outlets report.
Viewpoints: Debate Provided ‘Meaty’ Political Conversation; Looking For Obama’s Plan On Medicare
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Capitol Hill Fights Over Health Law, EHR Doc Payments Continue
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill sound off on the Obama administration’s “meaningful use” payments to doctors as the fight over parts of the health law and its oversight and D.C’s insurance exchange continue.
State Highlights: N.J.’s Medicaid Decision; La. Hospitals Seek Care Gap Agreement
A selection of health policy stories from New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota and California.
Research Roundup: Medicare Open Season Awareness
This week’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund and other news sources.
Biden, Ryan Face Questions About Abortion And Faith
Both candidates explained how their Catholic background helped to shape their policy views, including on abortion. News outlets reported that, based on answers from Vice President Joe Biden and GOP vice presidential pick Paul Ryan, it was clear that both were aiming to the larger, much sought-after audience of female voters.
