Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctor Discounts For The Asking
It takes some work, but patients can help control health care costs by avoiding unneeded care and negotiating prices, among other things.
This week, HHS issued rules on high-risk health insurance pools as well as guidance on children’s coverage issues. Two new polls focused on seniors and health reform, and both political parties continued to position themselves for the fall elections.
Gazing Into CBO’s Budget and Health Care Crystal Ball
The Congressional Budget Office’s latest projections again make it clear that the nation is rushing headlong toward a fiscal crisis, and the health law does nothing to head it off.
Winners and Losers Emerge with New Medicaid Reimbursement Schedule
A small school that specializes in the most difficult children is the one hardest hit.
Britain Plans Radical Changes to Health Care System
Deficit and debt drive cuts in jobs and services
Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Usually Get Treatment, Despite Side Effects
Most men with low-risk prostate cancer get aggressive treatment, even though the therapies carry big risks, a new study finds.
Where Are the Innovators in Health Care Delivery?
Almost everyone believes there is an enormous amount of waste and inefficiency in health care. But why is that? In a normal market, wherever there is waste, entrepreneurs are likely to be in hot pursuit – figuring out ways to profit from its elimination by cost-reducing, quality-enhancing innovations. Why isn’t this happening in health care? […]
Torn ACL? New Comp Effectiveness Study Says Exercise Just As Good As Surgery
After a knee injury, patients often have immediate reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. A Swedish researcher found that exercise was just as good as surgery at helping patients recover.
Out Of Network ER Visits Won’t Cost More Under New Health Law
The health overhaul prohibits new insurance plans from charging higher copayments or coinsurance amounts for out-of-network emergency services or from imposing other coverage limitations that wouldn’t apply to in-network care.
This week, news outlets covered the Obama administration as it began implementing parts of the new health law and also unveiled a national HIV/AIDS strategy. And, Capitol Hill is still reacting to the president’s recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid.
The Crippling Costs Of Obesity In The Workplace
Obese employees cost U.S. private employers an estimated $45 billion a year in medical expenditures and work loss, according to figures from the Conference Board. And employers are taking note, now more than ever.
HHS Relaxes Some Rules For Doctors, Hospitals To Get Aid For Electronic Health Records
The federal government is providing $27 billion over the next decade to reward doctors and hospitals for installing electronic health systems. But some hospital officials say the regulations are still too onerous.
Week In Review: Berwick As CMS Chief Sets Washington Abuzz
President Obama used a recess appointment to bypass the usual congressional confirmation process, advancing his administration’s health reform implementation efforts but triggering GOP cries of political foul.
Seven Health Care Changes You Might Have Missed
Provisions such as eliminating co-payments for some preventive services, reviewing premium increases and expanding Medicaid coverage to adults without children could have a lasting impact on the health system.
Transcript: Dr. Donald Berwick’s Speech To The British National Health Service
President Obama’s appointment – during a congressional recess – of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services is focusing new attention on Berwick’s record and beliefs, in particular a 2008 speech about Britain’s National Health Service. This is an edited transcript.
Price Fixing And Kickbacks Sully Medical Supply Business
The new health care law does not address costs for medical supplies
Latest Destination For Medical Tourism: The U.S.
Forget sending workers overseas for lower cost medical care: A growing number of employers are encouraging workers to travel within the states to medical facilities they say have better quality and lower costs.
Consumer Groups: Force Insurers To Provide More Details Justifying Price Increases
Under the new health law, many insurers will have to publicly report how much they plan to raise premiums and why, but consumer advocates say draft rules on how much information is required to justify “unreasonable” increases fall short.
Want To Know What A Hospital Charges? Good Luck
More than 30 states and Congress have passed laws requiring hospitals to publish their prices, but the information often is of little use to consumers.
HHS Launching Health Website For Consumers This Week
A new federal website will give consumers a list of all private and government health care plans for individuals and small businesses in their areas. Insurers and advocacy groups are clashing over the data to be provided.
