Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Unresolved Question Of Medicaid Reimbursements
Over the next few weeks, as the House and Senate forge a compromise between their respective health care reform bills, most of the attention will be on the high-profile issues like abortion and taxes. But there are myriad other issues that, although less visible to the public, could go a long way towards determining the success of health care reform. High on this list is the seemingly technical question of what Medicaid pays primary care physicians.
Health Reform Sparks Debate On Future Of Children’s Health Program
Some say moving kids from the Children’s Health Insurance Program to health exchanges would add stability, but others fear they could lose benefits and their families could face higher co-payments for coverage.
How The House Abortion Restrictions Would Work
Legislation approved by the House Saturday would bar insurers from selling policies that cover abortion if purchased with federal subsidies. There are already states that have similar policies.
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.
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.
Health Care Bills Would Expand Medicaid Eligibility
Both the House and Senate health care proposals would expand Medicaid eligibility to about 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Although the measures would help the states cover the costs, governors are worried that the additional federal money simply won’t be enough. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey offers her insight.
Arizona Faces ‘Financial Tsunami’ Over Medicaid
While Washington lawmakers are discussing an expansion of Medicaid, Arizona is having trouble paying for the program at its current level. The state has one of the highest Medicaid rates in the country, with about 1 out of every 5 residents covered by the program for the poor. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Blue-Dog Deal Dogs Health Overhaul Effort
An agreement between the House leadership and conservative Democrats sparked protests from states worried about higher Medicaid costs and liberals upset about the paring back of subsidies.
Hot-Button Health Issue: Is Medicaid or Private Insurance Better for the Poor Uninsured?
Medicaid’s role in health reform is emerging as a flash point, exposing policy and political rifts not only between the two parties but also among Democrats themselves.
