Latest KFF Health News Stories
Technology Helps Doctor Unlock Clues About Illness’s Environmental Causes
The Washington Post reports on the use of a technology to link a patient’s location with his or her illness and treatment.
Humana Reports 3.5% Fourth-Quarter Drop In Profits
According the the health insurer, the slip was caused by more expensive claims during this year’s flu season and high costs for new and existing Medicare customers.
Hospital House Calls: A Way To Cut Costs And Improve Quality?
Meanwhile, a group of experts convened by the National Quality Forum has released its second annual round of recommendations on quality measures to be used in federal health programs.
Catholic Hospital Says Its Argument On Fetuses Was ‘Morally Wrong’
A Catholic hospital is backtracking on its claim in court that two fetuses that died under its care were not human beings — saying now that that argument was “morally wrong.”
Army Secretary Urges Soldier Mental Health Resilience Training
The step is part of an effort to improve the Army’s coordination of mental health programs and to address increasing military suicide rates.
Feds Clear Way For Fla. To Enroll Medicaid Recipients Into Private Plans
The waiver approved by HHS means elderly people who need long-term care can be put in programs that will offer services in their homes and help them stay out of nursing homes, the Associated Press reports.
Obama Administration Proposes Eliminating ‘Obsolete’ Medicare Regs
Doing away with the regulations, which it has deemed are “excessively burdensome,” would save an estimated $676 million a year, according to the administration. In other news, The Medicare NewsGroup examines the population of people with a permanent disability who also qualify for Medicare.
GOP Lawmakers At Odds Over Strategies For Spending Cuts, Broader Party Message
Anticipaton surrounding the release of President Barack Obama’s budget — for which the deadline is now passed — is adding to the intrigue.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Calif. ‘Healthy Families’ Deficit At $100M
A selection of health policy stories from California, Colorado, Texas, Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Washington state and Oregon.
First Edition: February 5, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on the health law’s Medicaid expansion, including assurances from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that the plan is no “bait and switch,” and news that Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich backs the expansion.
White House Restarts Birth Control Coverage Debate With Religious Groups
The rule, which was issued Friday, proposed a way for women who work at nonprofit religious institutions to get free birth control without requiring their employers to pay for it.
State Officials, Policy Experts Mull Health Law Implementation Issues
The Medicaid expansion continues to trigger significant debate and discussion among state officials.
Turf Battles Emerge As Non-Physician Health Workers Step In To Fill Gaps
Also in the news, home health care aides are waiting for new labor rules which will determine whether they receive minimum wage.
New Standards Emphasize Healthier Snacks In Schools
The Department of Agriculture on Friday proposed new standards for snacks sold in American schools.
GOP Small Biz Chair Says Employer Mandate Hurting Growth
Senators are also examining waste in Medicare with a report and soon-to-come legislation.
State Roundup: Minn. Officials Want Money For Coverage Expansion
A selection of health policy news from Virginia, Arkansas, Minnesota, California, Missouri and Colorado.
In Upcoming Budget Battles, Democrats Appear Unlikely To Cut Medicaid Funding
News outlets report that the health care program for the poor seems secure in upcoming fiscal fights. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says efforts to fix the fiscal problems will have to include new revenues and can’t just be cuts in spending.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
CMS Releases Overdue Final ‘Sunshine Act’ Rule On Payments To Physicians
Under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, financial relationships that drug and device makers have with doctors must be disclosed.
