Jordan Rau

Visit kff.org to read Jordan's bio.

jrau@kff.org

Texas Town

KFF Health News Original

McAllen, Tex. spends more on Medicare patients than almost any other part of the country. But a new study contradicts the assumption that McAllen, Texas doctors over-treat everyone.

As Hospital System Expands, Patient Advocates Worry

KFF Health News Original

Sutter Health, the most expensive health system in California, is expanding at a rapid pace and transforming itself into an “accountable care organization.” Some worry about the nonprofit hospital’s growing leverage.

Insurers’ Payments To Hospitals Vary Significantly By Region

KFF Health News Original

A study of four major insurers’ payments to hospitals finds great differences among different parts of the country. San Francisco is the most expensive city among the eight areas in the study.

New Deficit Report Recommends Seniors Pay More For Medicare

KFF Health News Original

A blue-ribbon bipartisan panel of experts, chaired by former budget director Alice Rivlin and former Sen. Pete Domenici, recommends major changes to the way the government pays for health care.

Hospice Or Hospital? Where You Die Depends On Where You Live

KFF Health News Original

An analysis of Medicare data finds many cancer patients are getting aggressive end-of-life care. The intensive approach might not be best for them and adds to the drain on Medicare’s budget.

California Hospitals: Prices Rising Rapidly, But Quality Varies

KFF Health News Original

Prominent hospitals and networks, especially those in the San Francisco Bay Area, can keep raising prices beyond inflation because their sizes or reputations give them clout in negotiating rates with insurers, researchers say. Yet high prices don’t always equate with superior care.