Latest KFF Health News Stories
Market For EHR Replacements Is On The Rise
Medscape reports on this emerging marketplace trend related to electronic health records.
Simpson: Medicare On ‘Auto-Pilot’ To Squeeze Out The Rest Of Federal Domestic Spending
In a Bloomberg interview, budget guru and former Sen. Alan Simpson warned of the impact of escalating Medicare costs will be on the federal budget.
Chicago, Blue Cross Blue Shield To Team On Health Care Fraud Task Force
Also, two men — a dentist in New York and a home health care provider in Virginia — admit to Medicaid fraud.
Budgets, Exchanges And Rebates: States Consider Health Law’s Moving Parts
States are considering what the different parts of the health law will mean for their budgets, their citizens’ budgets and how their residents purchase and keep health insurance.
Democrats Hammer GOP Candidates Over Ryan’s Plan To Overhaul Medicare
Democrats running for seats in the House and Senate are spotlighting Republican plans to refashion the health insurance program for the elderly and disabled.
Obama Administration Urges States To Move Forward On Health Exchanges
Administration officials will “try to encourage reluctant states” to move forward with health exchanges, even as time appears to be running out, Reuters reports. Also in the news, consumer representatives from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offered state and federal officials suggestions about how they should write regulations to implement the health law’s key consumer protections.
A selection of health policy stories from Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, California, Tennessee, Kansas and Wisconsin.
First Edition: August 14, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more news and analysis related to GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running-mate pick and how the Romney-Ryan team appears to be playing on the campaign trail.
Regulators Urged To Move Swiftly To Prevent ‘Rate Shocks’
KHN’s Julie Appleby reports that consumer groups are seeking rules to protect Americans from big jumps in health insurance premiums.
Mitt Romney Taps Paul Ryan As His V.P. Pick
The selection of the fiscal conservative puts the size and scope of the federal government — and especially the future of Medicare and other entitlement programs — at the center of the election debate. Ryan’s views on social issues, such as abortion, are also explored by media outlets.
On ’60 Minutes,’ Romney And Ryan Defend Medicare Plan
The GOP presumptive presidential nominee and his choice for a running mate also went on the offensive by criticizing the Obama administration for cutting Medicare spending.
Ryan’s Medicare Plan Comes Under Greater Scrutiny
As Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., moves to the national stage as GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running mate pick, his proposals to reshape Medicare, Medicaid and other safety net programs emerge as political lightning rods.
Romney-Ryan Team Hits The Campaign Trail
GOP presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney will make campaign appearances Monday in Florida, the senior-rich state where Medicare is a key voter concern, and where some predict Paul Ryan’s budget proposals could have a negative impact. Meanwhile, the newly anointed Romney vice presidential pick will be in Iowa.
First Hospital Penalties For High Readmissions Detailed
KHN examines new penalties hospitals face under the health law. Meanwhile, Medpage Today reports on the American College of Physicians’ new recommendations on government rules about doctors’ interactions with patients.
IRS Rule Could Keep Working-Class Families From Affordable Coverage
An IRS rule could mean some working-class families may not be able to afford employer-sponsored insurance nor qualify for federal subsidies under the health law, leaving a key part of America uninsured. Childless adults, however, are in line for significant health insurance coverage gains under the health law’s Medicaid expansion.
Boomers Face Dearth Of Home Caregivers; Medicare Expands Home-Care Pilot Project
As baby boomers age, the U.S. will face a challenge trying to fill more than 1 million new home care positions to meet their needs, The Associated Press reports. In the meantime, Medicare is adding more groups to a pilot program aimed at lowering costs for Medicare beneficiaries by providing them with home-based care.
Medicaid Expansion Would Have Major Effect On State Economy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines issues surrounding the expansion of Medicaid coverage under the health law and notes that the extra federal money coming into the state would have a $72 billion economic impact over 10 years.
Choice Of Ryan Energizes Campaign–For Both GOP And Dems
Many outlets offer views of Rep. Paul Ryan after GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney named him as his vice presidential choice.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Some Mass. Health Premiums To Rise; Blue Shield Of Calif. CEO Pay Down Slightly
The increase in Massachusetts’ small business and individual health care insurance premiums is down from increases of 5.5 percent on average last year.