Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Fraud: One Of The Most Profitable Crimes In U.S.
Several news outlets report on Medicare and insurance fraud.
Workers Face Tough Insurance Choices Amid Rising Premiums
It’s open-enrollment season, meaning large companies are offering workers a chance to change their health plans, but the choices are grim: The cost of premiums is rising even as benefits packages shrivel.
Lobbying To ‘Tweak’ Health Reform Bills Heats Up
As it increasingly seems Democrats may muster the votes to pass health-care reform, many people are now attempting to shape it raher than to defeat it.
In The House, Democrats Opposed To Abortion Threaten Reform Bill
Anti-abortion Democrats say they have enough supporters to thwart health reform bill if it doesn’t explicitly deny federal funding for abortion.
Integrated Care’s Drawback: It Could Lead To Health Monopolies
Although it has been praised for its ability to improve safety and quality while reducing costs, integrated health care may foster consolidation that can increase costs.
Failure To Fix Medicare Doctor Payments Highlights Perennial Problem
Senate Democrats’ failed attempt to reverse planned cuts in payments to doctors reveals a familiar dilemma.
Dodd And Lieberman: The Tale Of Two Connecticut Senators
Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., are at it again, Roll Call reports. The two long-time Connecticut senators are at “near-opposite ends of a health care debate that amounts to Congress’ biggest undertaking in a generation.”
Swine Flu ‘Emergency’ Declaration Could Mean Expedited Care
President Obama declared a state of emergency as the number of swine flu cases soars and vaccine production coninues to be slow.
Health IT Opportunities Abound, Some Studies Question Value
“The rest of the world has embraced e-mail, online forms and iPhone apps, but health care still communicates in the centuries-old technology of paper,” McClatchy/Tribune news reports.
First Edition: October 26, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest on the Democrats’ emerging health overhaul proposals.
Obama’s Bet For A Health Overhaul Bill Could Come Down To The Public Option’s Cost
A government-run public option in health care reform is splitting the House and Senate and proving a battle of the affordability of reform overall.
Democratic Infighting On Abortion And Health Reform Will Peak This Week
This week, abortion is expected to be on the front burner of the health reform debate.
Moderates Edge Towards Public Option In Health Bills, Senate Liberals Optimistic
It’s Sunday, and not surprisingly, the talk is about the public option – especially on what provisions some senators may be willing to accept in a final health bill.
House Dems: Health Reform Bill Would Close Medicare “Doughnut Hole”
House Democrats are publicizing their proposed health reform legislation by saying it would close the Medicare prescription drug (Part D) coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.”
Pelosi Cajoling, Compromising To Win Public Option In Final Health Bill
News outlets covering Capitol Hill report that, with pressure from Democratic leaders, the public option now appears more likely to be in final health care reform legislation.
The Associated Press is reporting that “numerous officials” acknowledge that the House health bill would cost more than $1 trillion over 10 years. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are scrambling to find enough votes for some sort of public option insurance plan in the legislation.
As House Lawmakers Near Vote On Health Bill, Controversies Linger
As a likely vote on the House’s final health reform legislation nears, the Democratic leadership has renewed its focus on the public plan, although other issues also remain on the table.
Obama Won’t Tout Massachusetts Health Coverage Plan During Trip Today
The Washington Post reports that President Obama will not tout a Massachusetts plan that aims to cover all residents during his trip to the state Friday.
Experienced Criminals Find New Opportunities In Medical Fraud
CNN reports: “Experienced in running drug, prostitution and gambling rings, crime groups of various ethnicities and nationalities are learning it’s safer and potentially more profitable to file fraudulent claims with the federal Medicare program and state-run Medicaid plans.”
