Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Fla. Groups Ask Gov. For Essential Benefits Hearings
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Colorado and Washington state.
First Edition: August 13, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports, examinations and analyses of GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running mate pick – Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
Choice Of Rep. Ryan Puts His Plan To Overhaul Medicare At Center Of Campaign
Republicans believe Romney’s pick will help reset the debate and add enthusiasm for the ticket, but Democrats see an opening to move the debate beyond the president’s record.
Democrats React Swiftly To Romney’s V.P. Pick
Armed with talking points related to the House G.O.P. budget plan advanced by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., which includes sweeping proposed changes to Medicare, Democrats go on the attack.
Ryan Is A Hero On The Right But He Could Also Presents A Risk For Romney
News outlets examine some of the history and criticism of the plan.
House GOP Seeks Details On Administration Health Spending
Members of the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees ask for information on health law implementation spending by a CMS office and on the Medicare Advantage bonus payments program.
Health Insurer Rebates: Where Has The Money Gone?
The New York Times reports that many consumers who get health coverage through their employers wonder what happened to the insurer rebates that were part of “the great health insurance giveback” under the health law. Also in the news, The Associated Press details who will be hit the hardest by the health law’s tax provisions.
Hospital Debt, Financial Practices Draw Investors’ Attention
Also in the news, The Wall Street Journal reports that consumers may be returning to the doctor after a period during which the difficult economy appeared to keep them away.
Pressure Builds On Presidential Nominees On Health Care Issues
The presidential race picks up with conservatives pushing presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney to pick Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as his running mate while Romney’s latest TV ad accuses President Obama of using his health law to “declare war” on religion.
State Officials Seek Medicaid Savings In Cuts, Payment Methods, Managed Care
Facing budget pressures, state officials in Georgia, Minnesota, Kansas and West Virginia are among those making cuts and switching to new payment methods as well as to managed care to cut the cost of the state-federal health care program for the poor and disabled.
States Set Standards, Continue Health Insurance Exchanges Fight
State officials in California are moving to define standards for insurers hoping to participate in the insurance exchanges, while a legislative committee in Colorado gives the state permission to continue building its exchange.
Medicare Payments For Anemia Drug Too High
News outlets report on Medicare policy developments.
Anxiety Index: Survey Examines Baby Boomers’ Concerns About Medicare
The AARP found that health expenses ranked fourth on the list of concerns.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State News: Mammogram Rates Did Not Rise Under Expanded Mass. Coverage
News outlets report on health care news in California, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
Research Roundup: Unnecessary Heart Tests; Americans Hit The Walkway
News outlets reported this week on a variety of studies dealing with health care policies.
First Edition: August 10, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health law’s tax provisions and insurance rebates.
In Colorado, Obama Focuses On Women’s Health Issues
Campaigning in the western swing state, President Barack Obama said his opponent, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, would take women’s health care back to the 1950s.
As Flap Continues Over Pro-Obama PAC’s Ad, Romney Aide Praises Mass. Health Law
The ad, which highlights the death of a steelworker’s wife after Bain closed his plant, triggered criticism from Republicans. But a Romney aide’s comments about how that family would have benefited from the Massachusetts health reforms signed into law by then-Gov. Mitt Romney was not well received in conservative circles.
IOM Panel Examines The Promise And Reality Of Telemedicine
Institute of Medicine experts find that the continued integration of telemedicine into the health care system will face challenges in the years ahead.
