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Latest KFF Health News Stories

How To Get A Cheaper Prescription Before Leaving The Doctor’s Office

KFF Health News Original

A pricing tool embedded in their electronic health record and prescribing system lets doctors see how much patients will pay out-of-pocket based on their insurance and the pharmacy. But doctors have been slow to adopt the technology, which has limitations.

Short-Staffed Nursing Homes See Drop In Medicare Ratings

KFF Health News Original

In its latest update to the Nursing Home Compare website, the government gave 1,638 homes its lowest star rating for staffing — one star on its five-star scale. Most were downgraded because payroll records reported no registered-nurse hours at all for at least four days.

Hospitals Chafe Under Medicare’s New Payment Rule For Off-Campus Clinics

KFF Health News Original

Under the rule that took effect this year, Medicare will lower payments for clinic visits performed at hospital-owned facilities to a rate that is equivalent to what it pays an independent doctor. Federal officials expect the move will save the government $380 million this year.

CMS Ignores Federal Judge Ruling To Approve Medicaid Work Rules in Utah

KFF Health News Original

Work helps make people healthier, CMS chief Seema Verma said in approving Utah’s waiver request to tie government health benefits to employment or volunteer work. But Judge James Boasberg has said that isn’t the goal of Medicaid.

Death By 1,000 Clicks: Where Electronic Health Records Went Wrong

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. government claimed that turning American medical charts into electronic records would make health care better, safer and cheaper. Ten years and $36 billion later, the system is an unholy mess. Inside a digital revolution that took a bad turn.

Nursing Home Fines Drop As Trump Administration Heeds Industry Complaints

KFF Health News Original

Inspectors are citing nursing facilities for violating health and safety more often than during the Obama administration. But the average fine is nearly a third lower than it was before President Donald Trump took office.

Is New App From Feds Your Answer To Navigating Medicare Coverage? Yes And No

KFF Health News Original

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched this month the “What’s Covered” app, designed to provide yes-or-no answers about what services are covered under traditional Medicare. KHN took it for a test drive with real consumers.

Utah’s Novel Plan For Medicaid Expansion Opens Door To Spending Caps Sought By GOP

KFF Health News Original

Utah’s proposal to limit federal and state funding on Medicaid is a radical change. Anti-poverty advocates are concerned that caps could limit how many people are enrolled and restrict services. They also worry other states would adopt a similar plan.