Latest KFF Health News Stories
Group Health, Providence Health Care Team Up In Pacific Northwest
The Group Health Cooperative and Providence Health Care are joining forces in a new limited liability corporation with the goal of providing more efficient health services.
Medicare Seeks More Time To Estimate Cost Of Fixing Card Security Issues
A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official, testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, said it would take six more months to figure out this cost and that he could not yet provide a timetable for removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards.
U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Arizona’s 20-Week Abortion Ban
A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked an Arizona law banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy as it considers the case. The law was upheld by a trial judge Monday and was set to take effect Thursday.
Missouri Supreme Court Strikes Down Cap On Medical Malpractice Damages
Missouri’s Supreme Court has ruled that a 20-year-old, $350,000 cap on non-economic medical malpractice damages — pain and suffering — takes away a citizen’s right to trial by jury and is unconstitutional.
Most States Expect Higher Costs After Medicaid Expansion
A new report from the Government Accountability Office found that most state budget directors expect an increase in their costs if they expand Medicaid, even when the federal government picks up 100 percent of the expanded enrollment tab.
Viewpoints: Orszag On CAP Cost-Control Proposals; High-Tech And Health Costs
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Longer Looks: Mississippi Learns From Iran’s Health Care System
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post and The Economist.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories detailing the latest news on various issues involved in the health law’s implementation, as well as reports about Medicare and Medicaid .
Israel’s Health Care In The Spotlight After Romney Cost Comments
The Israeli health care system depends on government regulation similar to what Romney decries at home.
Health Law’s Medical-Loss Ratio And Birth Control Coverage Requirements Kick In Today
Aug. 1 marks the deadline for insurers to refund consumers and employers if they didn’t spend at least 80 percent of premiums on health care. Another provision takes effect requiring most employers to include contraceptive and other women’s health services without copays in the insurance plans they offer workers.
The tentative deal would prevent a government shutdown before Election Day. Modern Healthcare reports, though, that the agreement does not include any changes or fixes to the physician payment formula-which will require a 27 percent cut in payments to Medicare physicians next year.
Future Retiree Health Costs Driving Postal Service Toward Default
In addition to this initial payment that is quickly coming due, a second hefty amount is due to the Treasury Department in September.
Feds Showcase New Medicare Anti-Fraud Command Center
The Associated Press reports on how the $3.6 million center will help fraud busters spring into action. Two GOP senators, however, questioned whether the facility will actually make a difference.
Romney’s Praise For Israeli Health Care System Follows Him Back To U.S.
Mitt Romney’s praise for the largely government-run Israeli health care system could paint him in an awkward corner, The Boston Globe reports. News organizations also examine Romney’s tax plan — and its proposed cut on tax breaks for medical expenses.
State Medicaid Expansion: Consequences For Coverage, Death Rate and Bottom Lines
States consider what myriad of consequences a Medicaid expansion could have. In Florida, a new study has leaders wondering how many lives could be saved by expansion. Meanwhile, as many as 182,000 Iowans could gain coverage under the plan. Also, Georgia considers cuts to the program.
House Rejects Bill Limiting DC Abortions
The measure, which did not get the two-thirds majority needed under special procedural rules, would have banned abortion in the District after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on a disputed notion that a fetus at that point can feel pain.
Aetna’s Profit Falls 15 Percent, But Insurer Raises 2012 Forecast
The insurer, which still beat Wall Street expectations, also raised its earnings forecast for the rest of 2012.
Mass. Legislature Approves Bill To Curb Rise In Health Costs
The plan ties health spending increases to overall economic growth and encourages more coordinated care.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State Roundup: Investors Not Shaken By Accretive Decision In Minn.
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Connecticut, Oregon, California, Kansas, Missouri and Pennsylvania.
