Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the legislation to limit health spending approved by Massachusetts lawmakers.
How The Republicans Might Reshape Medicaid If They Win The White House And Congress
The Los Angeles Times reports on how the GOP is readying a push to scale back the health insurance program for the poor if it takes control of the White House and Congress next year. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is paying $1.1 billion in rebates to consumers under the health care law and eyeing congressional efforts to overhaul the tax code next year as its best chance to roll back a new health insurance tax.
Poll: 2 Out Of 3 Voters Favor Medicaid Expansion ‘In General’; 1 In 5 Expect To Pay Penalty
A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll finds views generally reflect partisan affiliations, and, overall, the public remains split in its view of the 2010 health law. A slim majority (54 percent) says they are tired of hearing lawmakers fight over the law and would like the debate to move on to other topics.
Tales Of Two Doctors, At FDA And Federal Health Services, Who Saw Themselves As Whistleblowers
The New York Times reports on how the Food and Drug Administration created an elaborate surveillance operation in response to the complaints of a particularly “caustic” agency scientist. In a separate story, the paper examines how the federal health service reassigned a psychologist who told his superiors that a North Dakota Indian tribe was ignoring an “epidemic” of child abuse.
Cost Of Future Post Office Retirees’ Health Benefits Driving Possible Default
The U.S. Postal Service may default on a $5.5 billion payment due to the Treasury on Wednesday. Another $5.6 billion is due in September, according to the Associated Press.
Judge Allows Ariz. Late-Term Abortion Ban To Take Effect
A federal judge ruled Monday that Arizona’s ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy can stand. The judge said the law doesn’t stop women from getting abortions, but that it may make some women consider the procedure earlier in their pregnancies.
