Latest KFF Health News Stories
Danforth On Super Committee’s Task: ‘The Problem Is The Cost Of Health Care’
The Republican former senator talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the politics of deficit-cutting commissions and what it will take to tackle the ballooning federal deficit.
Pawlenty Points To Minn. Health Law As Model For U.S.
The former governor says he “passed health care reform the right way. No mandates. No takeovers.” But critics argue that it is unclear if the law will lower costs and it does little to expand insurance coverage.
Hatch Urges Changes To End Medicaid ‘Gulag’
Utah senator says he wants to “modernize” the system following the model of the 1996 welfare reform.
Berwick: “I’ve Got The Back” Of Medicare Beneficiaries (Video)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick discusses the GOP proposals for controlling the costs of Medicare and “the way out of this Medicaid dilemma.”
GOP Pushes To Let States Reduce Medicaid Rolls
Forget about Medicaid block grants. The GOP says states should be allowed to make it harder to qualify for the health program for the poor. Will Democrats go along?
Who Pays For Unintended Pregnancies?
The cost of unintended pregnancies is large, and much of the bill – about $11 billion per year – is ultimately picked up by the government, a new study finds.
Health On The Hill Transcript – Coburn Exit Has Some Questioning Role Of Gang Of Six
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with The Fiscal Times’ Eric Pianin about the Gang of Six, negotiators seeking consensus on deficit reduction plans.
Democrats, Advocacy Groups Campaign Against Medicaid Block Grants
In the continuing Democratic assault on the House GOP’s 2012 budget bill, a group of senators today warned of dire consequences on the plan to transform Medicaid into a block grant program.
Obama’s Deficit Plan: A ‘Nuanced Approach’ And ‘So Partisan’
Eight health policy experts review the president’s proposals to cut the deficit while preserving Medicare and Medicaid.
Health On The Hill Transcript: Obama Hits Back At GOP On Health Proposals
Obama laid out his plans for preserving Medicare while cutting spending in the program, and he also rejected a Republican plan to give states block grants for Medicaid.
Health On The Hill – Obama Hits Back At GOP Deficit Plan On Medicare, Medicaid
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Marilyn Werber Serafini talk with Jackie Judd about President Obama’s speech outlining his plans for reducing the deficit, especially focusing on health care spending. He slammed the Republican plan, saying it would leave “seniors at the mercy of the insurance industry,” and he rejected GOP ideas to give states block grants for Medicaid.
Excerpts: President Obama On The Deficit And Health Care Spending
President Obama on Wednesday spoke about reining in health care spending in Medicare and Medicaid as part of his proposal to reduce the federal deficit. Here are excerpts:
Document: Obama’s Proposal On Deficit Reduction – Health Care Section
Obama proposes holding Medicare cost growth down by strengthening the Independent Payment Advisory Board and making Medicaid more flexible without using block grants.
Medicaid To Offer Rewards For Healthy Behavior
The $100 million program, part of the federal health overhaul, seeks to help Medicaid enrollees quit smoking or keep weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. But there is limited evidence that these reward programs work.
CBO Outlines ‘Key Features’ Of Ryan Budget Proposal: ‘Substantial’ Changes To Medicare, Medicaid
The Congressional Budget Office analyzed Rep. Paul Ryan’s 2012 budget proposal and revealed some additional details not in the Republicans’ news conference Tuesday.
Analysis: Medicare And Medicaid Get Squeezed In Ryan Plan
The House Budget Committee chairman’s alternative budget would provide Medicare beneficiaries with “premium support” and turn Medicaid into a capped block grant.
GOP Proposals On Medicare Could Shift Costs To Beneficiaries
Despite the political risks of changing the popular program, Republicans – including Budget Comm. Chairman Paul Ryan – will offer overhaul plans soon.
As Medicaid Budgets Squeezed, States Consider Eccentric Ideas On Cutting Costs
Interest groups, businesses and other policy proponents are pushing to capitalize on states’ dire Medicaid shortfalls.
Haley Barbour Draws Fire For Medicaid Changes In Mississippi
Mississippi Gov. Barbour’s ways to control the rising costs of Medicaid are sometimes controversial, but he maintains that states need more freedom to run the program.
A Guide To GOP Proposals On Family Planning Funds
House Republicans cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other Title X programs, and Senate Democrats tried to restore it. But the Senate Wednesday failed to pass either bill and so the programs, which once had strong bipartisan support, remain a point of contention.
