Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid Funding Subject Of Lawsuits In Massachusetts, Idaho
Some hospitals are suing Massachusetts’ Medicaid program for underpaying. Idaho health agencies are broadening their own lawsuit against the state on Medicaid payment rules.
To Influence Senate Health Debate, Lobbyists’ Public Voices Getting Louder
As the Senate commences its health care debate, lobbyists are lining up.
Nationwide ‘Medicare Fraud Strike Force’ Focuses On Driving Down Cost
A “Medicare Fraud Strike Force”, which began in south Florida, has now expanded across the country to indict more than 300 on fraudulent Medicare billing charges, The Washington Times reports.
With Health Reform, Reid Faces Political Challenges On The Hill And At Home In Nevada
While Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is busy trying to gather all the Senate Democrats into supporting health care reform, Republicans are seizing on the opportunity to try to take Reid’s seat, USA Today reports.
Uninsured Cancer Patient Gives Human Face To Health Care Debate
The Sacramento Bee has a three-part profile of an uninsured cancer patient, which is tracked alongside the progressing health care reform debate.
Abortion-Rights Groups Gear Up For Senate Debate
Once again, abortion emerges at the center of health care debate on Capitol Hill.
Swine Flu Cases Appear To Have Peaked
The number of swine flu cases is declining while the disease continues to affect hospitalizations and pediatric deaths.
Mystery Surrounds Possibilities For Public Option Compromise In Senate Health Bill
Controversy around a public option in the Senate’s health bill remains as many wonder what a compromise could look like.
Political Squabbles Mark Opening Day Of Senate Health Debate
The Senate on Monday began debate on its $849 billion health care reform bill amid speculation on how much the bill will change before a final vote is taken.
CBO: Most Americans Wouldn’t See A Post-Reform Premium Cost Increase
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office suggests that insurance premiums for most Americans would not cost more after a health care overhaul.
Questions Circle Over Health Reform’s Effect On Rising Costs
The rising cost of health care is a principle worry for Democrats on the Hill and in the administration, and a ripe target for critics of the overhaul.
Without COBRA Subsidy, Unemployed Face Dramatically Higher Insurance Payments
As the program phases out, unemployed Americans must shoulder the entire cost of COBRA insurance themselves.
‘Budget Reconciliation’ Still Part Of Health Bill Strategy Discussions
The Hill reports that “Democratic leaders continue to hang the threat” that they will use the budget reconciliation process to pass a health care bill with a simple majority in the Senate.
First Edition: December 1, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on the Senate’s kick-off of its health overhaul debate and the details of a new Congressional Budget Office report.
Spotlight Turns To Patients Who Frequently Use Costly ER Services
Health policy experts examine the high costs incurred by these “frequent fliers.”
Senate Health Debate Begins, Reid Warns Of Weekend Work
The Senate began considering sweeping health legislation this afternoon, with Republicans and Democrats offering one amendment each.
The Vice President asks the question, “Who do you trust?” when it comes to the nation’s health overhaul. It’s part of an administration effort this week to go on the offensive regarding health reform messaging.
News Organizations Report On The CBO’s Latest Report
A new CBO report indicates that, by 2016, the Senate health bill would increase insurance premiums by at least 10 percent for people who independently buy coverage, but subsidies would reduce the actual costs for about half of that group.
News Outlets Examine Cholera In Zimbabwe, Kenya
TIME examines growing concerns about increasing risks of a cholera outbreak among the people of Zimbabwe, after an outbreak last year claimed “close to 5,000 lives in the country of 12 million.”
AP Examines Implementation Of China’s Plan To Rebuild Health System
The Associated Press tracks the progress in rebuilding the health system in China, eight months after the government launched a three-year $124-billion investment in the country’s health care.
