Latest KFF Health News Stories
HHS Avoids Backlash By Allowing Flexibility On Essential Benefits
By allowing states the flexibility to make key decisions, the administration avoided a “political hot potato” regarding essential benefits – the medical benefits insurers must cover under the health care law.
First Edition: December 19, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the tax cut extension bill — which includes a temporary Medicare ‘doc fix,’ has hit a new snag
Boehner Rejects Deal; Fate Of ‘Doc Fix’ In Doubt
The Speaker said the 2 month payroll tax cut extension, which included a deal on Medicare payments to physicians, won’t fly in the House.
State Flexibility Key Message In HHS ‘Essential Benefits’ Bulletin
The Department of Health and Human Services today released a “pre-rule bulletin” regarding the health law’s essential benefits package. KHN is tracking the related news coverage.
Lawmakers Reach Agreement To Avert Gov’t Shutdown
Negotiations continue on a measure to extend the payroll tax cut. Some of the issues that are in play and that draw Democratic resistance include proposed ways to pay for this extension, such as charging upper-income seniors more for Medicare.
Wyden-Ryan Medicare Plan Draws Political Responses, Analyses
Democrats and their allies blasted the proposal, but the reception from the right was more positive.
Viewpoints: Fascination With Wyden, Ryan Plan; Need For School Nurses; Pa. Abortion Bill Controversy
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Obama Administration Proposes Labor Rules For Home Care Aides
The proposal would require that home-care aides be paid minimum wage and overtime, giving the fast-growing workforce long-sought assistance.
Gingrich’s Policies Appear To Advance Gov’t Role In Health Care
Many of his public statements indicate he has advanced policies that would give the government a “bigger hand” in the delivery of health care. Meanwhile, a new poll shows support for President Barack Obama is low and that opinions about the health law continue to be mixed.
Medicaid: Maine’s Governor Defends Cuts; Fla. To Continue 5-County Pilot
Media outlets track state Medicaid news from Texas, Maine and Florida.
Research Roundup: Insurance Coverage In The Great Recession; PCIP Vs. CHIP
This week’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, The New England Journal Of Medicine, The Urban Institute, The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Government Accountability Office.
State News: Ariz. Planned Parenthood Resumes Some Services
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy news.
3-Year Study Identifies Key Interventions To Reduce Maternal, Newborn, Child Deaths
A three-year study conducted by the WHO, Aga Khan University, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) “has identified key interventions to reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths,” PANA/Afrique en Ligne reports. “According to the study
Feds Deny Florida’s Request For Waiver From MLR Rule
The Department of Health and Human Services denied Florida’s request on the basis that complying with the health law’s medical-loss ratio rule would not destabilize the insurance market.
Study: Dentists’ Role In Medical Checkups
A study in the American Journal of Public Health indicates that many people who don’t have regular contact with a physician still see a dentist at least once a year — potentially positioning these professionals to spot the early signs of chronic illnesses.
Miami’s Jackson Hospital Posts Loss Again; Nurse Strikes Threatened
In hospital business news, two Philadelphia landmarks agree to join operations while Jackson Hospital in Miami is facing a cash crisis. The New York Times reports that newly emboldened nurses unions are confronting hospital management over proposed budget cuts. And Houston faces the loss of a key psychiatric hospital.
Health Costs On The Rise; A Worry For People Near Retirement
A new report from S&P Indices finds that the average costs of health care services covered by commercial insurance and Medicare reflects an annual increase of 5.11 percent for the year ending in October.
SGR In The Spotlight: Examining The ‘Doc Fix’ Dilemma
News outlets report on how this formula, created to control Medicare spending on physician services, has evolved into a “budget-busting juggernaut.”
Longer Looks: Cancer Vaccines, Top Health Stories Of The Year
Selections this week come from Newsweek, The Atlantic, Zocalo Public Square, Health Affairs, The New Republic and The Daily Show.
