Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of Thursday’s opinions and editorials from around America.
Abortion Coverage Debate Moves To The States
The debate over insurance coverage for abortion is moving to the states, with “lawmakers in at least six states” pushing for a ban on abortion coverage beyond the agreement in the health reform law, The Wall Street Journal reports.
State Roundup: Mass. Insurer Standoff Eases, Wis. Preps For Federal Overhaul
In Massachusetts, two insurers end standoff with state regulators. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s governor appoints a panel to help citizens “understand” the health law.
Those Who Understand Insurance Coverage More Cost-Conscious, Study Says
A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care reports that patients “who knew their co-payments were more likely to have more office visits and fewer emergency room visits, which are typically more costly.”
New CMS Web Site Shines Light On Medicare Spending
A new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site is making more claims data available to the public.
Miami Medicare Case Spotlights Federal Probes Into HIV Therapy Fraud
Federal officials say HIV bills submitted by South Florida clinics once dwarfed claims from the rest of the country. But Medicare says most bogus payments have now been stopped.
Bernanke Warns: Trouble Ahead For Medicare And Social Security
“Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke warned Wednesday that Americans may have to accept higher taxes or changes in cherished entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security if the nation is to avoid staggering budget deficits that threaten to choke off economic growth,” The Washington Post reports.
Medicaid Costs Pose Coverage Challenges, State Budget Struggles
State roundup: Maryland hospitals and insurers reach accord on Medicaid funding formula, while Georgia plans to trim number of workers processing applications for Medicaid and food stamps, even as applicants increase dramatically.
More States Join Lawsuits Against Federal Health Reforms
The tally of states has now reached 18.
St. Vincent’s Closure Sparks Concerns, Other N.Y. Hospitals Make Plans To Accommodate Patients
The planned closure of St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City raises concerns about emergency care in Greenwich Village area as other hospitals plan to accommodate its patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on the political and policy implications of the new health reform law.
Congressional Research Service Says Health Law Could Allow Viagra For Sex Offenders
Roll Call reports that an analysis by the Congressional Research Service found that sex offenders could get federally subsidized Viagra under the new health reform law.
AP Examines Anticipated Changes To U.S. National Security Strategy, Use Of Health Diplomacy
The Associated Press looks at some anticipated changes to the “National Security Strategy, a document that previously outlined the Bush Doctrine of preventive war.” The article focuses on the prospective strategy changes, but notes that the “revisions are part of a larger effort about which the White House talks openly, one that seeks to change not just how the U.S. talks to Muslim nations, but also what it talks to them about, from health care and science to business startups and education.”
Dubai Conference Calls For More Coordinated Approach To Global Health
Marking the conclusion of the three-day Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) conference Tuesday, conference attendees called for humanitarians to adopt a more coordinated approach to tackling global health needs, the National reports. “Speakers, including health professionals and officials from international organisations, stressed the need to share medical knowledge and innovations during a crisis, citing the recent Haiti earthquake,” the newspaper writes.
Researchers: VA Electronic Health Records System Worth The Cost
News outlets report on the electronic health records system at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Uncertainties Remain About Health Law
Some consumers, hospitals, veterans groups and others are confused about the impact of the health reform law.
Sebelius Promises Help To Americans Confused By Health Reform, Says To Beware Of Scammers
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday that Americans can expect help from her department as health reform is implemented.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a sampling of editorials and opinions from around the country.
New Funding For Hard-To-Insure People Could Ease Burden On States’ High-Risk Pools
The health law will allocate $5 billion to help establish a federal high-risk insurance pool to help tide over people with preexisting conditions until 2014 when broader parts of the law kick in.
