Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Guide To Sept. 23: Health Law’s Big Day
It’s been six months since the nation’s health overhaul became law. In that time, some changes have already happened. But even more provisions take effect now. Kaiser Health News has compiled a collection of resources to help sort through the details. Click here to view the resource page.
State Attorneys hold powerful roles in health policy from challenging the health care reform law to cracking down on fraud.
Senate Approves Global Clean Water Legislation
“The U.S. Senate Monday approved a bill intended to help 100 million people around the world gain access to clean water and sanitation,” United Press International reports (9/20).
On the first of the three-day U.N. Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday appealed “to the assembled presidents, prime ministers and kings to use their power to meet U.N. goals to help the world’s poorest by 2015,” the Associated Press reports.
Clinton Global Initiative Meeting Kicks Off, U.S. Will Commit To Clean Cookstove Project
“World leaders, CEOs, non-governmental organizations and philanthropists” are gathering this week at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting, “[t]imed to coincide with the beginning of the United Nations General Assembly,” WNYC News reports (Herman, 9/20). According to the Toronto Star, “the mood was more upbeat” at CGI. Since former President Bill Clinton “launched the project five years ago, some $57 billion in pledges have been made to improve the lives of 220 million people in more than 70 countries,” the article reports.
Some Insurers To End Child-Only Policies Rather Than Comply With Health Law Provision
Major insurers plan to discontinue children-only health plans rather than issue coverage under such plans for children with preexisting conditions, something they would have to do beginning Sept. 23 as part of the health law.
Reform’s Six-Month Anniversary Marked By Implementation Of Key Changes
The Contra Costa Times reports that “[s]ix months after passage of the federal health reform law, major provisions will kick in that supporters say will make it easier for Americans to get and keep health insurance.”
Today’s Opinions: Repeal, Replace, Or Reconsider The Health Law?
Lawsuits and congressional Republicans have challenged the health law, but pundits wonder what they might replace it with. Meanwhile, Democrats plan to highlight more changes that go into effect this week.
States address a range of health care policy issues.
Safety Net Hospitals In Mass. Face Dire Financial Crises, Seek Federal Money
WBUR (Boston, Mass.) reports that the two main “safety net” hospitals in Massachusetts are facing the prospect of a financial crisis without federal assistance to close their books.
Study Examines How Much Better Hospitals And Doctors Would Work If They Ran Like Airlines
The National Science Foundation/U.S. News & World Report ask the question: “Airlines protect themselves from passenger ‘no-shows’ by overbooking. Could the same approach-overbooking patients-work in a doctor’s office or hospital?”
Obesity Hurts Wallets And Health, Especially In Women
The Associated Press reports that obese women incur higher costs, both to their health and wallets, than men, according to a new study by researchers at George Washington University.
Health Overhaul Details Trigger Attention, Debate
Here’s an array of health overhaul issues that are heating up around the country.
How Medicare Changes Are Playing Out For Advocates, And As Campaign Issues
Medicare advocates are expressing concern about how the relief for the program’s doughnut hole will play out for beneficiaries.
AIG Co. Caught Selling ‘Bogus’ Health Plans
A subsidiary of American International Group – known as AIG – has been fined $100,000 by Minnesota regulators for selling bogus health policies and is now ordered to repay its customers.
Blue Cross To Refund Policyholders Nearly $156 Million In North Carolina
Insurer was keeping the money in a reserve fund to make payments beyond 2014. But regulators pointed out that new health law will change how policies are sold in 2014.
A Slow, Steady Move To Health IT
More physicians are using health IT, but challenges remain.
Elder Mediation Emerges As Tool To Help Families Make Decisions About Aging Parents
Mediators are proving valuable in helping families make decisions about end-of-life care, medical treatments and a range of other difficult topics.
Republicans Plan To Chip Away At Health Law; Senators Call For Insurance Rate Hearings
The New York Times reports that Republicans are hopeful that they can pick up enough seats in November’s midterm elections to chip away at President Barack Obama and Democrats’ health law.
