Latest KFF Health News Stories
Even During August Break, Congressional Health Policy Concerns Draw Headlines
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., is working to build support for new legislation to expand Medicare’s nursing home coverage while Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., notes problems within the Indian Health Service. All the while, the health law’s contraception coverage mandate continues to trigger disputes.
Longer Looks: Waking Up To The Need For Sleep
This week’s articles come from The Oregonian, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The New York Times, NBC News and ABC News.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about campaign trail sparring over women’s health issues, a political ad that has drawn criticism and a Romney aide’s response.
Where Have All The Forensic Pathologists Gone?
A new report finds the national autopsy rate is down to a “miserably low” 8.5 percent.
Should ‘Health Exchanges’ Be Renamed?
The Wall Street Journal reports that the phrase confuses consumers in focus groups. Meanwhile, Papa John’s CEO and founder John Schnatter, who is a fundraiser for Mitt Romney, told shareholders last week that the health care law is going to raise the company’s costs, which he vowed to pass onto consumers.
Buzz About Romney’s Vice Presidential Pick Turns To Rep. Paul Ryan
News outlets examine what the House Budget Committee chairman and architect of a plan to curb spending for Medicare and other entitlement programs would bring to the ticket.
HHS Says Billing Rule Will Cut Red Tape For Doctors, Save Up to $9B
Officials say the interim rule, published Tuesday, will streamline electronic billing for doctors and save time and money.
Survey: In Health Care Marketplace, Consumers Value Friendliness, Convenience
The PwC Health Research Institute surveyed 6,000 consumers to find out what they thought of the health care sector compared with other service industries. Meanwhile, Group Health has put in place a strategy to ensure that innovations are put to work.
An Obama Administration Rule Modification Causes Angst For Home Health Workers
McClathchy reports on this develoment.
CVS Profit Up On PBM Business, WellPoint Likely Sole Bid On Amerigroup
CVS Caremark’s profit and outlook rise on its pharmacy benefits business while WellPoint may be alone in bidding for Medicaid insurer Amerigroup.
Super PACs, AARP And Catholic Church Among Groups Trying To Influence Candidates, Campaigns
A Wide variety of groups seeks to shape the candidates’ stances and drive the discussion around health issues.
Viewpoints: Dubious Ad On Romney’s Role In Cancer Death; British Health Plan Has Problems Of Its Own
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State Roundup: Medical Malpractice Ideas Part Of Mass. Cost Control Law
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Missouri, Minnesota and Michigan.
Female Voters Are Hot Commodity For Presidential Candidates
On the campaign trail, President Barack Obama continues his efforts to shore up support among women voters as GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney vies for working-class voters.
Outlets Analyze Health Spending, Sequestration Details
The Associated Press offers some of the specifics of which programs will feel the pinch of sequestration. CQ HealthBeat takes a look at the possible causes of the “deceleration in health spending.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of stories that reflect how health policy issues are playing on the campaign trail.
HCA Faces Scrutiny About Need For Some Cardiac Procedures
HCA Holdings Inc., the biggest for-profit U.S. hospital operator, told investors that federal prosecutors in Miami are probing the “medical necessity” of cardiology procedures performed at several of its hospitals in Florida. The company made an unusual statement defending its operations in anticipation of a New York Times article that appeared online late Monday.
No Medicare Drug Plan Cost Increases For Seniors In 2013
The Obama administration announced that costs for seniors’ Medicare Part D premiums will remain stable — marking the third year in a row with little or no change.
Presidential Candidates Use Tough Ads To Court Single Women Voters
The competition for these votes has led President Obama’s campaign ads to highlight GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s positions on issues such Planned Parenthood funding as well as other women’s health and contraception issues.
Medicaid Official Outlines State Flexibility In Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion
Politico Pro reports that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official Cindy Mann outlined Monday how states could choose to expand their coverage under the health law and then later drop it if they choose. This is the first time states will be allowed to drop such new coverage. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on how employers might be impacted if states opt not to expand their Medicaid programs.
