Latest KFF Health News Stories
Poll Finds Most Doctors Support Public Option
In the heated, political back-and-forth of the health care debate, doctors’ voices aren’t always heard. A new, comprehensive nationwide survey finds that 73 percent of doctors support the inclusion of a public option.
Senate Health Bill On The Floor Within Two Weeks
The Senate Finance Committee could begin work on a health overhaul bill as early as next week.
Can Obama Pay For His Health Bill?
President Obama said in his speech Wednesday that most of his health care plan “can be paid for by finding savings within the existing health care system.” Economists say there are ways to squeeze savings out of the existing health care system, but they might not make people happy.
Several states are implementing “medical home” programs, which shifts the health care system from emphasizing acute care for emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, to one focusing more on treating – or preventing – chronic illnesses.
Ohio Health Care Lobbyist Pays $30,000 A Year For Health Insurance
Sebelius cites case of Rick Colby, who supports Obama’s health care goals, but offers some changes.
Experts To Obama: Here’s How To Keep Health Reform From Adding To Deficit
Health economists say their “failsafe” proposal would keep health care spending from growing.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 10, 2009
Transcript of KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin’s discussion of recent and upcoming activities on the Hill.
Children Gain Insurance, Adults Lose In 2008
Federal and state programs drive down uninsured rate for children, but adults continue to lose job-based coverage, according to Census report.
Experts Analyze Obama’s Speech
KHN asked nine experts
Obama’s Speech: A Sampling Of Reactions From Consumers
KHN interviewed several Americans about their reactions to the president’s speech: Was it persuasive? How would the proposals he outlined affect you and your family?
Text of the letter from Senator Edward M. Kennedy referenced by the President in his address to a Joint Session of Congress.
Obama’s Speech Leaves Room For Snowe’s Compromise To Put Off Public Option
President Obama signaled in his nationally televised speech last night that there is some flexibility in his commitment to a government-run insurance plan, providing an opening for Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe’s idea for holding the public option in reserve.
Transcript Of President Obama’s Address: ‘I Still Believe We Can Act’
A transcript of President Barack Obama’s address to Congress on his health care reform proposals.
New Poll By Health Advocacy Groups Highlights Concerns About Current Insurance System
More than three quarters of Americans older than age 50 have concerns that the insurance system as it stands now will not be able to continue to pay for medical treatment for them or that of someone they know, according to a poll released Wednesday by the AARP, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association.
Health On The Hill – September 9, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin discuss health care reform legislation prior to President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening.
Gingrich’s Advice To Obama: Split Health Bill
When President Obama goes before Congress on Wednesday, he hopes to regain control over the health debate. When President Clinton tried to overhaul the system, he had to deal with Republican Newt Gingrich. In an interview, Gingrich discusses what advice he would give to Obama.
The Evolution Of Medicare Advantage Plans
The roots of Medicare Advantage plans go back to the late 1970s, when health planners believed they could improve care while saving money. Now, health care reformers say the plans are too costly.
Democrats Target Federal Subsidies for Medicare’s Private Plans
Part of the effort to cut health spending aims at Medicare Advantage programs, which often offer benefits that go beyond traditional Medicare. But Obama says they are unfair and inefficient.
Baucus Framework For Senate Finance Health Care Deal
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., has circulated this document to five other key Democratic and Republican negotiators in a bid to reach bipartisan agreement over a $900 billion health care overhaul bill. Instead of a government-run insurance option favored by House Democrats, this version would create a network of nonprofit cooperatives.
A Medical Mystery: Why Health Care Is So Expensive
Policymakers are looking for ways to trim medical spending. In a single procedure, a cardiologist might throw away two heart stents that cost $2,000 apiece. That’s just part of providing proper care, the doctor says – it’s the economics of precision and technological advance. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
