Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Law’s Boost For ACOs Gains Momentum But Faces Possible Legal Hurdles
News outlets report on the formation of accountable care organizations and possible legal hurdles.
Biologics Can Achieve Great Success – But At Great Cost
Insurers want to know why biologic drugs are so expensive.
Lawmaker Proposes Trust Fund For Veterans’ Growing Health Costs
Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., is proposing a new trust fund to help pay for the long-term health care and social security disability costs of veterans, news outlets report.
Medicare Now Required Check For Fraud Before Paying Claims
A new provision included in the small business measure recently approved by Congress will require Medicare to take a closer look at claims before paying them.
New Reports Underscore A Litany Of Health Law Implementation Obstacles
Obstacles to the implementation of the health overhaul abound, including lawsuits, regulatory issues, concerns about patients’ choice, and, of course, costs.
House Passes Health Bill For 9/11 Workers, Grandfathering Resolution Fails In Senate
The Hill’s Healthwatch blog reports that the House on Wednesday approved a bill to cover the health care costs for 9/11 emergency workers.
First Edition: September 30, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that McDonald’s may stop providing employee health benefits unless a new health law requirement is waived.
Medical Residents Getting Shorter Work Shifts In Bid To Improve Quality
The Associated Press/The New York Times reports that medical residents will soon be getting shorter work shifts and tighter supervision in a bid to improve quality.
Obama Challenged On Health Care In Iowa Meeting
At backyard meeting with some residents in Des Moines, president attempts to reassure jittery voters that government is not trying to take over health care.
U.N. Agencies’ Report Examines Global Progress In Fight Against HIV/AIDS
“A record 1.2 million people in low- and middle-income countries started antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS in 2009”
Obama Administration Officials Discuss Global Development Policy At Roundtable Event
“President Barack Obama’s top cabinet members stressed Tuesday that devoting money and resources to overseas diplomacy and development is essential to U.S. national security,” CNN reports.
Malaria Experts Focus On RTS,S As Malaria Vaccines For The World Conference Begins
Scientists and physicians from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for the start of the second Malaria Vaccines for the World Conference, SAPA/News24 reports.
CNN Poll Finds Health Reform Advocates Have Work To Do To Convince Americans Of The Law’s Benefits
Meanwhile, First Lady Michelle Obama Tuesday promoted the health overhaul, asking nurses to aid in efforts to communicate its advantages.
Health Law’s Medical Loss Ratios, Exchanges Scrutinized
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is working with HHS on implementing key parts of the health law, is still discussing how to determine the kinds of insurers’ expenses that are considered medical care.
A Pennsylvania bill would create a state office of health insurance advocacy; in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs a bill to allow for the parole of incapacitated inmates; and other health news from states.
Health IT Blotter: Extension Center Choices, Medicaid Meaningful Use, ‘Build Or Buy’ Shift
Updates cover federal officials’ final choices for health IT extension centers, Medicaid officials’ efforts on meaningful use, and an industry shift away from proprietary health IT systems and toward more interoperable software.
Campaign Fear Themes: GOP Picks Medicare; Dems Take Social Security
Older voters – a proxy for reliable votes – are the sought-after prize in a midterm battle between Democrats and Republicans, and the GOP has embraced the strategy of stoking their fears about the health overhaul they say will strip $500 billion in Medicare funding.
Senate Committee: Indian Health Service Hired Cons, Let Workers Steal Drugs, Excessive Time Off
The Senate Indian Affiars Committee says the Indian Health Service hired criminals, allowed employees to steal narcotics and gave workers paid leave of more than a year.
Today’s Opinions: Health Law Leaves Children Behind; Growing Fear of Accountable Care Organizations
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
