Latest KFF Health News Stories
Romney’s Choice Of Ryan Is Key To Politics Of Medicare Debate
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Marilyn Werber Serafini discuss how Medicare reforms could figure into November’s presidential election now that presumptive GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has chosen Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to be his running mate.
What’s At Stake For Medicare Beneficiaries In Supreme Court Decision
If the Supreme Court strikes down the health law, 49 million Medicare beneficiaries could lose a variety of benefits that have already kicked in.
Former CMS Chiefs: Medicare SGR Problem Can Be Fixed
The Senate Finance Committee convened a group of former Medicare administrators Thursday — Gail Wilensky, Bruce Vladeck, Thomas Scully and Mark McClellan — to discuss how they viewed the current crisis on physician fees and the Sustainable Growth Rate formula, the “doc fix” problem.
Medicare Combats Fraud With Billing Statements That Beneficiaries Can Understand
New consumer-friendly statements urge seniors to report suspicious charges and make it easier to appeal denials of coverage.
Poll: Most Americans Support Contraception Rule
Republicans may still take heat over Medicare proposals, survey also finds.
Candidates Court Seniors On Medicare
The top contenders are casting themselves as protectors of the program, even as they embrace ways to cut spending growth that have proven radioactive in past elections.
War Savings May Be Key To Long-Term ‘Doc Fix’ Deal
Health On The Hill: KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey tells Jackie Judd that both Democrats and Republicans have floated using savings from the drawdown of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to hammer out a bargain on the Medicare “doc fix.” But Wednesday’s meeting of House and Senate conferees focused on policy; more discussions about funding will come Thursday.
Obama Makes Only Modest Mention Of Health Care In State Of Union
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about President Obama’s State of the Union speech. Obama talked little about health care, reflecting maybe the hard sell they’re having getting the public to buy into the health law’s benefits. Republicans talked about reforming Medicare in their response.
Debate: Dispute Over Gingrich’s Role In Medicare Part D
Video: Health care came up in a variety of ways in Monday’s debate in Tampa, sponsored by NBC, National Journal and the Tampa Bay Times. Mitt Romney accused Newt Gingrich of influence-peddling on Medicare and also defended the Massachusetts health care reform. Rick Santorum tried to distinguish himself from both men, claiming their support of the individual mandate in the past undermines their conservative credentials. And he defended his behavior during the 1995 controversy about Terri Schiavo, who was in the center of a right-to-die dispute.
United Against Health Law, Medicare Reforms Divide GOP Presidential Candidates
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Marilyn Werber Serafini talk with Jackie Judd about Tuesday’s New Hampshire GOP primary. The GOP field is united in their opposition against Obama’s Health Law, but differences remain in how they would reform Medicare.
Medicare: Who Said That? The Answer Sheet
Here are the details regarding not only who said what about Medicare, but when and where.
Senate, House Remain At Odds Over ‘Doc Fix’ Dilemma
A Senate-passed bill to stop a Medicare physician pay cut, among other provisions like a payroll tax cut extension, was denied a vote by House Republicans Tuesday afternoon. Until lawmakers pass legislation to avert it, doctors are facing a 27 percent pay cut at the beginning of next year.
Gingrich Defends Record, Praises Ryan-Wyden Medicare Plan
Both Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney welcomed the Ryan-Wyden plan, announced yesterday. Gingrich went on defense after Rep. Michele Bachmann questioned him on his record on abortion legislation while he was in the House of Representatives.
Analysis: Wyden-Ryan Plan Could Neutralize Medicare In 2012 Election
Supporting this new proposal may help congressional Republicans to distance themselves from an earlier, controversial plan.
Document: GOP Payroll Tax Bill – Summary, Text Of Health Care Sections
On Friday, Dec. 9, House Republicans unveiled the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act,” which avoid the scheduled cut to Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians – the “doc fix.”
Texas Lawsuit Identifies Problems In Medicare Hospice Provisions
Complaint filed in federal court alleges one of the nation’s largest hospice companies and HMO firms defrauded the government by inappropriately shifting patients into the program for terminally ill.
Insurance Commissioners Tell Congress Not To Change Medigap Policies
State officials sending a letter that opposes changes aimed at reducing the deficit by requiring Medicare beneficiaries to pay a higher share of the cost of their supplemental insurance.
Medicare Advantage Premiums To Fall 4% Next Year
Administration says dire predictions of damage from the health law have not materialized.
Health On The Hill: Congress Returning, Seeking Consensus On ‘Super Committee’
With the summer recess ending, Jackie Judd talks to KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the staffing and makeup of the deficit panel and what to expect in the coming months. The “super committee” may take a closer look reining Medicare costs in through reforming Medigap plans and provider payments to cut the deficit.
Analysis: Medicare, Liberals And The Lesser Of Two Evils
For some Democrats and for liberals, the best outcome of the super committee’s negotiations could be the automatic Medicare cuts.
