Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: N.Y. Public Employees Face $250B Gap In Covering Retiree Health Care Costs
A new report has found a gaping $250 billion hole in what New York state and local governments have promised to public employees to help pay for their retiree health care costs — a $45 billion increase since 2010.
Longer Looks: Despite Health Law, Costs Still Overwhelming For Some
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, CNN, The Huffington Post, Forbes Magazine and The Oregonian.
First Edition: September 6, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including health policy highlights from the Democratic National Convention as well as dispatches from the states.
Convention News: Dems Embrace Health Law
In speeches from the podium and in the buzz from the convention floor, it was apparent on the first day of the Democratic National Convention that delegates and speakers aimed to reclaim the health law as an important accomplishment of the Obama administration.
Party Platforms Reveal Two Very Different Visions For The Nation
The Democratic platform, which was released Tuesday, includes many health care policy references, but is light on specifics about what health initiatives would come during a second Obama term.
Latest Round Of Health IT Regs Will Be Topic Of Capitol Hill Hearing
The House hearing is planned in order to give lawmakers a chance to review a proposed rulemaking regarding incentives for so-called “meaningful use” of health information technology.
Same Illness, But Very Different Treatment Costs
A new study published in the September issue of Health Affairs focuses on the cost of care delivered by nearly 250,000 doctors to non-elderly adults.
The Associated Press reports this Medicare Part D news development.
As the Democratic convention began, a Republican-leaning non-profit organization unveiled a new advertisement criticizing the health law. Meanwhile, national health issues are picking up steam in House and Senate races.
Ways And Means Panel To Review IRS Mission In Health Law
Several outlets report on issues related to the federal health overhaul.
Will Medicare’s Quality Incentives Be Big Enough To Make A Difference?
Incentives are among the quality issues coming to the fore as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services prepares to hand out bonuses and penalties based on how hospitals perform.
Viewpoints: Anti-Abortion Democrats Praise Health Law; A Defense Of The Medicare Cost-Cutting Board
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Democrats Focus On Women’s Health Issues, Abortion Rights
Pointing to both the health law and GOP policy positions, Democrats were steady in making their case to women voters.
Abortion Rights Supporters And Foes Pack Texas Hearing On Funding Planned Parenthood Clinics
The women’s health services provider, meanwhile, asks a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that would allow Texas to exclude clinics affiliated with abortion providers from getting funds from the Medicaid Women’s Health Program.
Maine Sues CMS Seeking Medcaid Cuts Resolution
Maine — unhappy with how long a decision is taking — is suing the federal government over its request to lower Medicaid eligibility.
Mich. Officials To Appeal Ruling Stopping Pay Deductions To Cover School Retirees’ Health Care Costs
Michigan officials will appeal a ruling that declared unconstitutional a deduction of school employee pay to help pay post-retirement pension health care costs.
State Roundup: Mass. Cost-Containment Law Could Harm Provider Credit Ratings
A selection of health policy stories from California, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Wisconsin.
First Edition: September 5, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on how health reform is playing a role in presidential politics, both during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., and in a new GOP campaign ad.
UnitedHealth Cases Show Big Cost Differences For Same Illness
New study focuses on the care provided by nearly 250,000 physicians treating non-elderly UnitedHealthcare patients and finds large spending disparities to treat similar ailments.
Young Doctors Seek To Alter Practices; Medical Schools Push Training In Addiction
The Associated Press examines how tech-savvy young doctors are changing medicine, and KHN looks at efforts to train doctors to recognize how addictions complicate other health problems.
