Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medical School Students Facing A New Reality
When today’s medical students graduate
Health Issues Prominent In Fla. Governor Race
When it comes to health care, the Florida governor’s race offers voters a clear choice. Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink disagree on hot-button issues from abortion to Medicaid.
Government Economists Say Health Overhaul Won’t Significantly Increase Spending
Economists in the federal Medicare office say health overhaul legislation and other changes made by regulators and Congress since February will only have a “moderate” effect on health spending.
In An Age Of Consolidation, Some Community Hospitals Struggle To Remain Independent
While financial pressures and health reform drive many hospitals to merge, some standalone nonprofit hospitals stubbornly refuse to link up with hospital systems. How long can they survive on their own?
Assessing The Needs Of Disabled Medicare Beneficiaries
To provide better services, government officials need more concrete information about the needs of the disabled community, White House adviser says.
State Budget Crises Mount as Medicaid Rolls Soar
Florida and other states faced with soaring Medicaid rolls amid a stubborn recession are struggling to balance their budgets.
Conservative Group Forecasts Medicare Doctor Access Problem
Seniors may have increasing difficulty getting a doctor appointment over the next 10 years, according to a new report from the National Center for Policy Analysis.
Study: Malpractice Costs Just A Tiny Fraction Of Health Spending
The costs of “defensive” medicine practiced by doctors guarding against lawsuits are real, but not nearly as high as some have claimed. Even so, it’s probably worth trying to tame them, some policy analysts say.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 7, 2010
As the Obama administration continues to implement the health care overhaul law, some myths
Boost Coming For Programs That Help Expectant Moms
New federal health reform legislation over the next several years will pump millions of dollars into home visitation programs for new and expecting mothers with the goal of reducing rates of premature birth and infant mortality.
What To Do If You’re In Observation Care
Although it is difficult to reverse that decision, there are steps you can take to help make your case.
Growing Number Of Patients Find A Hospital Stay Does Not Mean They’re Admitted
The use of observation care is rising as hospitals cope with increasing constraints from Medicare, which is under pressure to control costs. But the decision can mean more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Participation In Children’s Health Insurance Program Varies Widely Across Country
A new study found states have very different rates of enrollment for eligible kids – from a high of 95 percent in Massachusetts to a low of 55 percent in Nevada.
What You Can Do About The High Cost Of Health Care: Fix It
A nonprofit group is offering a $1,000 prize for the best essay on solving the nation’s problem of high health care costs.
Employers Push Higher Health Insurance Costs Onto Workers
Premiums for family coverage rose about 3 percent to an average of $13,770, but workers are absorbing a greater percentage of the costs, survey finds.
Medicare: A Prevention Plan that Could Lower Costs
A new smoking cessation program could lower health care costs, even among seniors.
Support Slips For Health Reform Law, New KFF Poll Shows
As mid-term elections approach, the public is split over the law. Federal subsidies to help people buy insurance are popular, while a requirement that most Americans buy coverage isn’t.
Groups Press Congress To End Patients’ Wait For Medicare
Most people with disabilities who are younger than 65 aren’t eligible for Medicare until more than two years after they qualify for Social Security disability income. But more than 65 patient advocacy groups are asking lawmakers to change the rule.
Midlevel Providers Fill Primary Care Doctors’ Shoes
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine, and many operate almost completely independently of physician supervision. And unlike physicians in primary care, the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners is on the rise.
Future Of Primary Care? Some Say ‘Medical Home’
Martin’s Point in Maine is among those pioneering a concept aimed at making care more efficient.
