Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Pollster Offers Vision For Undoing The Health Law
Pollster Bill McInturff said a campaign strategy that capitalizes on Americans’ tepid support for the overhaul and their ongoing worries about it could be “politically crippling” for Democrats. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee chairman points to a potential chink in Mitt Romney’s armor.
Medicaid And The Health Overhaul’s Goals
Media outlets report on how the health overhaul interacts with Medicaid and whether it will ultimately have a positive or negative impact on states.
Senate Continues To Be Embroiled In Spending Bill Battles
March 18 is the deadline for work to be completed on spending for the current year, otherwise a government shutdown will take place. A Bloomberg poll found many Americans would oppose a shutdown, but also oppose deep cuts in programs such as Medicare and medical research. All the while, politics related to funding for the health law and Planned Parenthood are still heating up.
State Roundup: Legislatures Pressured On Health Cuts, Malpractice Laws
A roundup of news from Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Ohio, New York, Texas, Connecticut and Wisconsin.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the White House appealed a Florida ruling striking down the entire health law.
World Marks 100th International Women’s Day
Marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, U.N. Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet reflected on the progress made on women’s rights issues over the past century while noting the barriers yet to be overcome, the Canadian Press reports. “The last century has seen an unprecedented expansion of women’s legal rights and entitlements,” Bachelet said, noting the progress made in voting rights for women, laws against domestic and sexual violence, and women in the workplace, the news service writes (Lederer, 3/8).
U.S. Providing $30M For Situation In Libya As U.N. Appeals For $160M For Humanitarian Needs
The U.S. will provide an additional $15 million to relief groups helping people who are stuck or fleeing the unrest in Libya, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said on Monday, Sapa-Agence France-Presse/Times LIVE reports (3/8).
Health Law Policy Disputes Central To Congressional Spending Fight
As lawmakers tussle over how much spending should be cut in this year’s budget, these key policy questions related to the health law and other regulatory issues are a flashpoint.
Senate ‘Gang Of Six’ Launches Public Campaign For Deficit Reduction
Their effort focuses on educating the public about the importance of overhauling Medicare and other entitlement programs if the national debt is to be tamed.
Optimism Stems From Humana’s Focus On Medicare Plans – But Don’t Expect A Dividend Soon
Humana’s CEO told Reuters that his company plans to avoid steps like moving into Medicaid markets and outsourcing pharmacy operations.
Heated Debate Surrounds Physician Compare Database
Consumer advocates and physician groups are at odds over this online tool that includes quality-of-care measures and patient reviews.
Study: Mass. Health Law Has Not Staunched Medical Bankruptcies
The Boston Globe reports on research that found Massachusetts’ 2006 health law did not make a significant difference in the number of people who suffered financial hardship as a result of a medical issue.
HHS Unveils Format For Consumer Notices Of Insurance Rate Increases
Meanwhile, in other policy news related to the health law, Stateline examines how, for some states, waivers really are a big deal.
Roundup: Medicaid Cuts Coming In Pa., Kansas; Mass. Insurance Hikes
A roundup of health care news from Pennsylvania, Kansas, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Georgia and California.
Several States Weigh New Rules On Abortion
Georgia, Texas and Minnesota legislatures consider bills that would stiffen regulations for abortion.
Cardin, Coakley Stake Out Political Positions Using Health Law
News outlets report on how these elected officials are using health care messages to their advantage, and a fact-checker goes to work on recent statements by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn.
Viewpoints: Romney’s Record, Calling GOP’s ‘Bluff’, Abortion/Birth Control Funding
A selection of editorials and opinions from around the country.
CMS’ Berwick In Hot Seat Again
The New York Times reports that even Democrats are acknowledging that the Senate will not likely be able to confirm Dr. Donald Berwick as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, Modern Healthcare reports that the health care provider community remains in his corner.
