Latest KFF Health News Stories
John Dingell: The House’s Link To Health-Care History
The health care legislation in the House has John Dingell’s name on it. The Democrat from Michigan is the longest-serving member in the history of the House, and he was there when Medicare was passed. Dingell’s father first introduced a bill calling for universal health coverage in the 1930s. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Injury Upon Injury: Californians Losing Jobs Find State Health Safety Net Is Badly Frayed
With the pressure of a severe budget crisis, California officials have made tough cuts to health services once deemed vital. Funds for dental clinics, foot and eye care, hearing aids, mental health care and other services long covered under the state’s Medicaid program have been slashed.
Conflict Of Interest For AARP In Health Bill Debate?
House Republicans are questioning whether the lobbying group is putting its potential for profit ahead of its members’ interests. It seems that whenever health care changes are debated, one party or the other seeks to undermine the organization’s clout. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Could Delays Jeopardize Health Overhaul?
Those who want a health reform bill passed by Christmas fear that if that doesn’t happen, there could be a repeat of the brutal August town hall meetings. Others don’t think the situation is so dire and say that Democrats could deliver the bill to Obama by the spring.
House Democrats Offer ‘Manager’s Amendment,’ Signal Health Reform Debate Is Close
House Democrats late Tuesday released a 42-page “manager’s amendment” to accompany their health care legislation.
Republicans Release Their Own Health Care System Reform Bill
Republicans in the House of Representatives have legislation they say is a less expensive alternative to the Democrats’ health overhaul bill. They plan to introduce it as an amendment in the next week.
Medicare Experiments To Curb Costs Seldom Implemented on a Broad Scale
Successful demonstration projects are often derailed by objections from hospitals, doctors and other providers —
Abortion Language Creates Snag For Health Bill
Lawmakers thought they had crafted “abortion-neutral language,” essentially maintaining the status quo, but neither side of the debate is happy. And the issue is causing headaches for the Catholic Church, where opposition to abortion is running headlong into support for a health overhaul.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – November 2, 2009
House Democrats are expected to begin floor debate this week on their health care overhaul plan and House Republicans are expected to unveil an alternative measure.
Analysis: Public Option Might Play Only Minor Role In Changing Health Care
Despite all the controversy, a new Congressional Budget Office estimate indicates that relatively few people would be helped by a public health insurance plan. Any “opt-out” provision means at least some states are likely to bar a government-backed plan within their borders.
House Health Reform Bill Contains Public Option, Promises Coverage For 36 Million Uninsured
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats will “deliver on the promise of making affordable, quality health care available for all Americans” with a sweeping health reform bill.
Audio: Health On The Hill – House Health Bill Explained
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses the latest health reform proposal unveiled by House Democratic leaders. A transcript is also available.
Finance Bill’s Fine Print May Cause Sticker Shock For Some Consumers
Legislation seeks to limit the amount low-and middle-income people will pay for health insurance. But a shift in the way their share of the premium is calculated in the second year of the program may make it more expensive.
In Health Debate, Both Sides Vie For Seniors’ Support
Nearly all seniors are covered through Medicare, but legislators still need their support for a health care overhaul bill. Democrats have packed their bills with perks for seniors in an effort to win their backing, but they’re not doing a good p.r. job, one public opinion expert says. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Health Care Pools: Let Youth Jump, Or Push Them?
In drafting national standards on how health insurers should be able to use age to set premium rates, congressional committees agree that older people should pay more. But they differ widely on just how much. Ultimately, it comes down to how many young adults get into the pool.
End Of COBRA Subsidy Rattles Newly Unemployed
As part of the economic stimulus, the government offered subsidies so laid-off workers could keep their health insurance. For some, the subsidies are running out.
Lawmakers, White House Consider Bipartisan Route To Bend Health ‘Cost Curve’
With growing signs that health reform bills would do little to “bend the cost curve,” Sens. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., want a bipartisan commission to control future Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security costs.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – October 26, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin talk about new optimism among liberal Democrats that a public option will be included in the final health overhaul bill. They also discuss Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s determination to have a bill soon.
Politics Aside, Annual Medicare Fix Is Same Old Story
When Congress tried to fix a glitch in Medicare that threatens to cut payments to doctors, senators refused to take up the bill because it didn’t include a way to offset the estimated $245 billion, 10-year cost. Both Democrats and Republicans are claiming that previous “fixes” for the Medicare doctor fee problem were paid for, but actually they weren’t.
Tulsa Hospital Gives Medicare Patients Cash Back For Surgery
At Hillcrest Medical Center, which is testing a “bundled” Medicare payment system, some seniors get paid up to $1,157 for having surgery. The pilot program aims to save money and improve care by paying doctors and hospitals a lump sum and rewards the patients with part of the savings.
