Latest KFF Health News Stories
Physician’s Perspective: Bundling Medicare Payments Could Cut Costs, Without Reducing Quality
A column in the Washington Post written by an infectious-disease specialist advocates for a new system of “bundled” Medicare payments to doctors.
Senate Test Vote Today On Bill To Extend COBRA Subsidy, Doc Fix And State Medicaid Funding
The Senate is poised to consider a measure that would extend the subsidy program for COBRA benefits and unemployment insurance, prevent the Medicare payment cut for doctors and provide additional funding to state Medicaid programs.
Many Doctors, Hospitals Unhappy With Health IT Rules, Despite Windfall
Though the federal government plans to give doctors up to $44,000 each, as well as millions of dollars to hospitals, to help buy health information technology, many providers are unhappy with the stimulus-funded program.
Racial Disparities Persist In Hospice Use
New research finds racial disparities in hospice use.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on President Obama’s effort to build support — both among the public and lawmakers — for his health plan
Sebelius Reiterates Call For Insurer Transparency
In a letter sent today to representatives of health insurance companies that attended last week’s White House meeting, the Health and Human Services secretary urged more transparency.
“Nearly 100 million women across Asia have ‘disappeared’ because of a huge and growing gender gap that has fatally deprived them of access to health care and food and has led to widespread abortions of female fetuses, according to a U.N. report released Monday,” the Associated Press reports.
Haitian President To Meet With Obama As Long-Term Rebuilding Plans Take Shape
Haitian President Rene Preval is expected to meet with President Barack Obama Wednesday in the U.S. to ask for “billions of dollars to rebuild” Haiti, Agence France-Presse reports. The White House said that Obama will emphasize that the U.S. is a “friend and partner” to Haiti and discuss ways the international community could aid Haiti (Burleigh, 3/7).
Global Fund Releases Latest Impact Data, Projections For Improving Global Health In Next Decade
By 2015, mother-to-child HIV transmission will be virtually eliminated and deaths from malaria and tuberculosis will continue to decline if health investments for the diseases are maintained or scaled up, according to an annual report published Monday by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Agence France-Presse/Africasia.com reports (3/8).
Obama Taking To Road To Appeal To Skeptical Public, Skittish Lawmakers
President Obama is travelling to boost support for health reform, as Democratic and Republican lawmakers spar over the bills.
Reconciliation Update: Some Dems, GOP And Industry Groups Wary Of Health Bill Strategy
Democrat’s health overhaul may depend on President Obama’s ability to win Democrats’ hearts, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s ability to win their votes.
Meanwhile, a study in Massachusetts examines the use of antipsychotic drugs in the state’s nursing homes.
Virginia Bill May Prompt State-Federal Fight Over Insurance Mandate
A bill in the Virginia state legislature could upend a critical provision of the Democrats’ health overhaul and open the door for a fresh battle over the federal government’s power over states.
Today’s OpEds: Positive and Negative Consequences Of Health Reform
A sampling of opinions and editorials from around the country.
States Trying To Keep Health Care Systems Afloat
Many states are having to make budgetary decisions about their public health care systems even as federal legislation and funding continues to be tied up in Congress.
White House Emphasizes Rising Health Insurance Costs As Reason For Reform
The White House points to recent hikes in health insurance costs as a prime reason for health care overhaul.
Fact Check: Do 15,000 People Lose Insurance Every Day?
CNN’s Political Ticker blog fact checks a statement made by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday.
Democrats Pressure Stupak On Abortion; Split Threatening Health Bill
A split among Democrats on abortion is threatening to derail efforts to reform the nation’s health care system as Democrats pressure fellow lawmakers to support larger reform despite misgivings on the topic.
Medicare Payment Issues Raise Questions, Concerns
Seniors worry about rising Medicare Advantage costs, caps on physical therapy and other outpatient services and low reimbursment rates in Maine.
