Latest KFF Health News Stories
Expectations High For Obama’s ‘Major Address’ To Congress On Health Reform
President Obama will spell out in detail his vision for overhauling health care during an address to Congress Wednesday. The White House defends its previous hands-off strategy, but officials now believe the president’s intervention may be the only way to keep overhaul efforts afloat.
White House ‘Rallies The Faithful’ For Health Overhaul Push
The White House is going beyond the Wednesday speech to take control of the health reform debate, including a road trip to urge passage of legislation.
GOP Points To Polls Showing Less Support For Reform, Dems May Put Tax On Wealthy Back On The Table
The GOP is citing surveys to show their attacks on Democratic health reform proposals are paying off, while Democrats are considering taxing the rich as a way to pay for health reform.
McConnell Criticizes Obama’s Speech Plans, Others Wrangle For Political Position
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said President Obama’s address on health care will not change many minds while while other senators are pushing around for political position ahead of reform’s latest fight.
Medicare Advantage Rates Could Go Up, While Part D ‘Exceeding Expectations’
Seniors on Medicare Advantage plans could see their premiums skyrocket. Meanwhile, Medicare payments for drugs, dialysis and power wheelchairs get a mixed review.
Town Hall Meetings Continue To Trigger Unexpected Events
Two health care events – in Los Angeles and Miami – have been marred by violence this week, including an argument that ended with punches and a dispute that resulted in one man biting off another’s finger.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Thursday’s selection of opinions and editorials.
VA Tries To Keep Up With Surge Of Need
The Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing a surge of treatment requests and disability claims as soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, overwhelming VA clinics.
Groups Unite For Health Care Reform
Despite differences, drug makers and consumer groups unite to push for their version of health care reform.
Lessons For America: Comparing Health Systems Across Europe
Forbes new series of articles and opinion pieces,”Public Vs. Private Health Care,” compares European health care systems.
State Round-Up: News From California, Colorado And Massachusetts
State news for Thursday includes a new tax on insurers in California to pay for children’s health care, clinic budget cuts in Colorado and increased oversight of nonprofit employee pay in Massachusetts.
A California Consumer Group Says Major Insurers Coerced Employees To Lobby
“The nation’s two largest health insurers have been pressuring employees to lobby against healthcare reform in Congress in violation of a California law against coerced political activity, a consumer group alleged Wednesday,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Unseen Health Costs – Often From Defensive Medicine – Drive Health Costs
Defensive medicine is a significant yet small portion of overall health care spending in America, accounting for 1 percent of total health care spending in 2007.
Fixing Health Care Costs By Changing Patient Behavior
Economists have long said health care, as a market, is a strange animal. One reason is that patients don’t act like regular consumers.
Pzifer To Pay $2.3 Billion In Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Settlement
A landmark $2.3 billion health care fraud settlement with Pfizer, Inc. announced Wednesday sent a message to the pharmaceutical industry that potentially criminal behavior in promoting drugs for unauthorized uses won’t be tolerated.
Minnesota Offers Model For Cost-Effective Health Care
Minnesota provides lessons on how to create a more cost-effective health care delivery system, according to NPR.
Health Workers’ Misdeeds Kept In Secret Database
Hospitals and nursing homes do not have access to the database of health care workers who have been disciplined.
First Edition: September 3, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the majors news organizations.
MoveOn Plans Heath Care Vigils Tonight
Seeking to counteract conservative opponents, the liberal group MoveOn.org plans 350 health-care vigils around the country and hopes to attract thousands of participants.
Grassley Aide Disputes White House Complaints, Says Finance Talks Will Continue
An aide to Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, denied the White House accusation that GOP senators are not acting in good faith.
