Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health On The Hill – September 21, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin discuss recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
How Republicans Would Overhaul the Health System: The Wish List
The GOP’s plans
Update From Mary Agnes Carey: What Baucus’ New Bill Means
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ new health care bill, which was released today.
Health On The Hill – September 15, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin are joined by NPR’s Julie Rovner to discuss Sen. Max Baucus’ health reform package and the chances for Republican support for a health overhaul bill.
Checking In With Dr. Abraham Verghese On The Importance Of The Bedside Manner
The author of “My Own Country” and “Cutting For Stone” talks about his solution to the critical shortage of primary care physicians, the impact of technology on the patient-physician relationship and ‘the charm and magic’ of being at a patient’s bedside.
Ohio Health Care Lobbyist Pays $30,000 A Year For Health Insurance
Sebelius cites case of Rick Colby, who supports Obama’s health care goals, but offers some changes.
New Poll By Health Advocacy Groups Highlights Concerns About Current Insurance System
More than three quarters of Americans older than age 50 have concerns that the insurance system as it stands now will not be able to continue to pay for medical treatment for them or that of someone they know, according to a poll released Wednesday by the AARP, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association.
Baucus Framework For Senate Finance Health Care Deal
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., has circulated this document to five other key Democratic and Republican negotiators in a bid to reach bipartisan agreement over a $900 billion health care overhaul bill. Instead of a government-run insurance option favored by House Democrats, this version would create a network of nonprofit cooperatives.
Premium And Out-Of-Pocket Maximums For Families of Four Under The House Bill
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Taking Doctors’ Profits Out Of Medical Care Decisions
Lawmakers look for a way to shift doctors’ incentives from monetary profit to healthy outcomes. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Piecemeal Reforms Won’t Control Health Care Costs, Report Says
A new report offers specific recommendations on how to “bend the curve” regarding costs to the nation’s health system.
Advice From Massachusetts: Beware Of ‘Unstable Compromise’ On Health Reform
Architects of the Massachusetts universal coverage initiative outline key lessons they have learned so far.
California PAC Sponsors ‘Tea Party Express’
Members of Congress will return from their August recess soon. They’ve been getting an earful back home about overhauling health care. A political action committee from California has launched a cross-country bus tour dubbed the “Tea Party Express.” Members are concerned about spending, higher taxes and bailouts. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – August 31, 2009
New federal deficit numbers in combination with concerns that some voters have expressed at town hall meetings this August over the size, scope and cost of health care legislation may lead lawmakers to reconsider elements of the measure Democrats want to pass this year. The death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., may create new momentum among Democrats and Republicans to resolve their differences over the bill, but the many complexities involved with any overhaul of the nation’s health care system guarantee a lengthy debate this fall.
Steele: Don’t Raid Medicare To Fund Health Changes
Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele opposes a government-run health care system, as do most members of his party. While most health care overhaul proposals assume big savings by reworking Medicare, Steele says Medicare needs to be protected and not cut in the name of health insurance reform. But he also says he favors some cuts to maximize the program’s efficiencies. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
The Health Reform Bills Would Be Great For the Business Of Health Care
From the looks of these health care bills, this “health care reform” thing will be great for business! But as far as “bending the curve” and beginning to make our health care system any more affordable or sustainable-or any less of a burden on patients and taxpayers-I can’t find it.
Recalling Kennedy: Health Care Players Reflect on His Career
People who knew and worked with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy discuss his efforts to promote major change in the U.S. health care system.
Kennedy Biographer Adam Clymer: Kennedy Shaped Obama’s Health Agenda
Adam Clymer is the author of a remarkable biography, “Edward M. Kennedy,” which captures the sweep and breadth of the senator’s remarkable half century of public service. KHN’s Eric Pianin talked with Clymer about Sen. Kennedy.
A Conversation With Kennedy Biographer Adam Clymer
KHN’s Eric Pianin talks with author and former New York Times congressional correspondent Adam Clymer about the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and his legacy of federal health care legislation and reform.
Journalist and author T.R. Reid traveled the world in search of a better health care system — and help for his sore shoulder. He talks about his journey in a new book — The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care — with KHN’s Laurie McGinley.
