Latest KFF Health News Stories
Should The Homeless Be In Medicaid?
Most homeless people lack insurance and rely on the emergency room and government-funded clinics for treatment. Advocates say the existing system is inadequate as well as expensive for taxpayers, and that expanding Medicaid to include the homeless is a better option. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Obama’s Focus on Cost Offered Critics Many Targets
The pundits are busy filing their reports on how President Obama blew it on health care reform. And while the health care fight is far from over–I remain convinced the Democrats will pass a bill, maybe even a good one–the pundits have a point.
Ad Audit: Quick Takes On The Ad Wars
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Jordan Rau about the advertising blizzard surrounding the health care debate. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent supporting and attacking efforts by President Barack Obama and Congress to overhaul the nation’s medical system, with the ads running in the capital and the districts of key lawmakers.
Health Care Uproar Swallows Whole Foods
Whole Foods has taken pains to distance the corporation from founder and CEO John P. Mackey, but it may be too late. His article slamming Obama’s health care plans has caused an uproar and led some to boycott the store. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Transcript: Health On The Hill Discussion Of The Public Plan
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and NPR health correspondent Julie Rovner talk about the chances that the public option will not be in a health overhaul bill, details about how health cooperatives might work and the flap over end of life care.
Health On The Hill – August 17, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and NPR health correspondent Julie Rovner talk about the chances that the public option will not be in a health overhaul bill, details about how health cooperatives might work and the flap over end of life care. A podcast and transcript are also available.
CBO OPTIONS PAPER AND ESTIMATES PUT DEMS QUOTES IN HERE ON WHY THEY ARE DOING THIS. Need lawmakers As Congress debates an increasingly contentious health care overhaul bill, As Congress debates creation of a government-run health insurance plan and whether employers should be required to provide health coverage to their workers as part of […]
An Actuary’s Role In Health Reform: Making Health Reform Viable
All our actions have consequences.
It seems to be what’s missing often from debate, especially around such emotionally-charged arguments as the health care reform debate, but actuaries deal in repercussions, moving behind the scenes, analyzing risk and the future and what health care reform will actually mean for America 5, 10 or 20 years from now.
Carolyn Clancy on Comparative Effectiveness:
Dr. Carolyn Clancy, the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, warns, “Doctors and patients are working together in a relative evidence-free zone.” She hopes to change that as interest and support veer towards comparative effectiveness research.
Canadian Health Care System May Be Getting Bum Rap
The U.S. airwaves are full of political ads these days slamming the Canadian health care system. The ads say that in Canada, care is delayed or denied and some patients can wait a year for vital surgeries. Is the Canadian system really that bad?
For Major Health Industry Players, Reform’s Positives Outweigh Negatives
As congressional legislation takes shape, most of the major health care players – hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies – are likely to benefit over the long term.
Separating Fact From Fiction In Health Care Debate
A lot of misinformation is being generated by both ends of the political spectrum about legislation to overhaul the health care system. Bill Adair, editor of the nonpartisan Web site PolitiFact, spoke with All Things Considered’s Melissa Block to sort out the claims. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Transcript: President Obama’s Remarks On Health Reform
President Barack Obama devoted his weekly radio and internet address to the subject of health reform.
Democrats Get An Earful On Health Care
At town hall meetings across the U.S., congressional Democrats have met with unruly crowds ready to voice their concerns over the health care overhaul. Even Alabama’s conservative Democrats, who oppose the current legislation, haven’t escaped the wrath. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Big Business Group Urges Cost Cutting To Pay For Health Overhaul
John Castellani, president of Business Roundtable, said in a conference call Thursday morning that his group is seeking a health care reform bill that is funded largely through cost savings inside the system, preserves ERISA and stops cost-shifting.
Checking In With Health Insurers’ Chief Lobbyist Karen Ignagni
In just the last few weeks, Karen Ignagni, the health industry’s chief lobbyist, has faced Democratic accusations that insurers are “villains” and “immoral.” In an interview with KHN, Ignagni discussed her take on the Democratic political assault, her industry’s end-game strategy and her unflagging opposition to a public plan.
Health Insurance Chief Lobbyist Says “Villain” Comments Hurt Process
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, said the “Washington politics as usual” of finger pointing at health insurers is hurting the process of trying to forge consensus on health reform.
Health Insurer Chief Says “Villain” Comments Hurt Process
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans said the “Washington politics as usual” of finger pointing at health insurers is hurting the process of trying to forge consensus on health reform.
Taxing ‘Cadillac’ Health Plans Has Widespread Effects
One funding option before Congress is to tax expensive health insurance plans. But it’s not as simple as taxing the rich to help the poor. Many other Americans benefit from such plans, from union workers to big city residents to those employed by small businesses. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Transcript: Health On The Hill Features Significant House, Senate Developments
Jackie Judd talks with Eric Pianin, reporting from Capitol Hill, on today’s significant developments. A stalemate between Blue Dogs and House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman was broken, and in the Senate Finance Committee, a new CBO score was substantially less than what had been projected. Listen to the Interview
