Latest KFF Health News Stories
Longer Looks: 15 Minutes With Your Doctor; Ransoming Health Records
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, ABC News, Mother Jones, The Huffington Post and CBS News.
First Edition: August 23, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest round of stories about how Medicare and abortion issues are emerging both in the presidential campaign and congressional races.
Poll: Majority Of Voters Say Medicare Needs Only Minor Changes Or None At All
A new round of polls finds that although voters have a slightly favorable view of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s pick for vice president, running mate Paul Ryan’s Medicare plans are viewed with a greater degree of skepticism.
In the short term, the Republican presidential candidate’s promise to stop the Medicare cuts included in the health law would increase beneficiaries’ costs. Meanwhile, the GOP draft platform embraces the Medicare changes advanced as part of Paul Ryan’s House budget plan.
Antiabortion Language In The GOP Draft Platform Draws Attention To Akin Flap
The Republican panel charged with drafting the party’s platform included language that would essentially ban abortion. Mitt Romney’s campaign says he supports “exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.”
State Roundup: Restraining Order Issued In Mo. Health Exchange Fight
A selection of health policy news from Missouri, California, Texas and Kansas.
For Top Employers, Health Benefits Viewed As Key To Employees’ Financial Security
The Des Moines Register reports on a trend among top employers to commit to providing employees with generous health coverage.
Hospitals Tackle Variety Of Health Law Issues
News outlets report on a variety of issues including the slow acceptance of ACOs and a legal set-back for doctor-owned facilities.
GOP To Revisit Health Law Taxes, Others Cite Federal Budget Cuts As Risk To States
Some Republicans hope to reopen the fight over taxes in the Democrats’ health law when Congress returns to work in November after the election, but Moody’s says federal budget cuts are riskier to states’ financial well-being than another costly part of the health law — its Medicaid expansion.
Commentators examine the repercussions of the Missouri Senate candidate’s comments about rape and abortion.
Viewpoints: Medicare As A 401(k) Plan; Health Doublespeak
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Judge Finds Texas Can End Planned Parenthood Funding Before Final Ruling
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Texas can cut off funding to Planned Parenthood before a ruling is made on the legality of the Texas legislature’s law banning funding to the provider of women’s health services over its abortion services.
First Edition: August 22, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including political reports related to the abortion debate and Medicare issues.
Romney, Ryan Blast Obama On Medicare, Health Law
But the Los Angeles Times checks some of their claims against President Barack Obama. In addition, Obama makes an apparance in the White House press room to answer questions and draw distinctions between himself and his GOP opponents.
Do Akin’s Rape Comments Put GOP Ticket In Harm’s Way?
News outlets analyze the potential repercussions to Mitt Romney’s presidential bid by the statements made by Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin. Also examined is presumptive GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan’s co-sponsorship of legislation with Akin, including one that would give legal protection to an embryo.
Study: Declining Rates Of Circumcisions Among Infants Could Drive Up Health Costs
Johns Hopkins researchers examine the 20-year decline in male circumcision rates and assert it could raise medical costs related to sexually transmitted diseases and other health problems.
State Roundup: Texas Insurance Regulator Pulls Out-Of-Network Notice Rules
A selection of health policy news from Texas, California, Massachusetts, Georgia and Oregon.
Poll: Calif. Voters Support Health Law; Mont. Considers Medicaid Expansion
States are confronting a bevy of issues in implementing the health care law including gauging public support for the law, fights over a contraception coverage mandate, expanding Medicaid and assessing the Medicare prescription drug “doughnut hole.”
Abortion Issue Gets Spotlight In Swing States
Meanwhile, as the GOP prepares to include tough anti-abortion positions in its party platform, the Associated Press notes that voters in the presidential race will get a stark choice on social issues, including access to birth control and abortion rights.
Views On Medicare: Ryan Plan Could Hurt Disabled Americans; Pitting The Poor Against Seniors
Opinion writers continue to look at the debate about Medicare as it becomes a focal point of the presidential election.
