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GOP Debate Reveals Differences On Health Care (Video And Transcript)

KFF Health News Original

While Gov. Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Rep. Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman all pledged to do away with the federal law, they disagreed on other aspects of health reform. Ron Paul called Medicare a “mandate,” Perry called for Medicaid block grants and Romney defended the Massachusetts law as helpful or the uninsured of the state.

Bachmann, Romney, Pawlenty, Gingrich On Health Law

KFF Health News Original

The Republican presidential nomination debate featured a question about the new health law. The candidates pledged to repeal it and Mitt Romney defended a health law he signed while governor of Massachusetts. Former Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty made news when he backed away from confronting Romney on the Massachusetts plan.

Romney Defends Mass. Health Plan: ‘Right For The People Of My State’ (Video Excerpts)

KFF Health News Original

In a major speech today at the University of Michigan Medical School, Mitt Romney defended the health reform law he signed while governor of Massachusetts. And, he used a PowerPoint presentation to lay out a very different vision for what he would do if he becomes president, which includes reliance on more market-based competition among insurers and health care providers.

Romney Defends Mass. Health Plan: ‘Right For The People Of My State’

KFF Health News Original

In a major speech today at the University of Michigan Medical School, Mitt Romney defended the health reform law he signed while governor of Massachusetts. And, he used a PowerPoint presentation to lay out a very different vision for what he would do if he becomes president, which includes reliance on more market-based competition among insurers and health care providers.

Video: GOP Debate Excerpts

KFF Health News Original

The first Republican debate among some of the presidential contenders included some questions about the health law, the role of the federal government, medical malpractice and Medicare. These excerpts of the debate include answers from Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump and Newt Gingrich did not attend the Greenville, S.C. debate.

Audio: Federal Courts Weigh The Health Law

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Bara Vaida joined Santa Clara University professor Brad Joondeph and the Washington Post’s Marc Fisher to discuss the progress of legal challenges to the law.

Sebelius Challenged, Encouraged At Senate Committee

KFF Health News Original

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was the lone witness at the Senate Appropriations Health subcommittee hearing today. Committee chairman Tom Harkin was adamant that the health law would not lose funding while ranking Republican Sen. Richard Shelby called the law too expensive.

Health On The Hill: Lawmakers Return To Wrangle Over Health Law, 1099 Repeal Funding

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Politico Pro’s David Nather about developments on the Hill. This week: As Congress returns to Washington, funding for implementation of the health law is expected to pay a major role in the debate over funding the federal government beyond April 8 when the current continuing resolution expires. Separately, House and Senate lawmakers remain at odds over how to finance the repeal of a paperwork provision in the health law known as the “1099” that has drawn criticism from small business groups.

Health On The Hill: Analyzing The Health Law’s Rocky First Year

KFF Health News Original

NPR’s Julie Rovner joins KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talk about developments on the Hill. This week: With the one-year anniversary of the health law this week, proponents of the measure point to many of its provisions, such as insuring adult children up to age 26 on a parent’s policy or tax credits to help small businesses afford coverage, as signs that the law is succeeding. But opponents of the law say many of its provisions, such as the Medicaid expansion or a requirement that most individuals have health insurance or pay a fine, will weaken public support.

What A Difference A Year Makes

KFF Health News Original

One year ago, the House approved the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Two days later, the measure became law. Normally, that would be enough to transform a bill into a permanent fixture of American life. But this was no ordinary bill.