Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: U.S. Could Save $2T Over A Decade By Encouraging Cost-Effective Care
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund says the federal government could save $2 trillion on health care costs over a decade if it accelerates provider adoption of more-effective care.
Governors Urge Feds To Give Them Bigger Health Care Voice
Democratic and Republican leaders of the National Governors Association asked for greater flexibility from the federal government on health law implementation.
Mass. Abortion Clinic ‘Buffer Zone’ Law Upheld By Federal Appeals Court
In Massachusetts, a federal appeals court has upheld a 2007 state law that makes it a crime to loiter within 35 feet of an abortion clinic, despite First Amendment challenges from anti-abortion advocates.
Anthem Proposes Double-Digit Rate Hikes In Calif., Prompting Insurance Commissioner Outcry
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is calling a recent double-digit rate hike proposal and reinsurance fee by Anthem Blue Cross in his state “unreasonable,” though he doesn’t have much power to change it.
Boston Declares Flu Emergency As Viruses Spread Across The Nation
Boston officials report 700 cases of flu and urge residents to get vaccinated.
HHS IG: Still Not Many Medicare Advantage Fraud Probes Despite 2007 Investigation
Elsewhere, 2013’s changes to Medicare are coming into focus.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
State Roundup: Advocates Watching Calif. Budget For Medi-Cal Cuts
A selection of health policy news from California, Michigan, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Virginia and Georgia.
A selection of stories revolving around Capitol Hill, including an effort to expand mental health care.
Longer Looks: A Key Hagel Mission Is To Cut Military Health Costs
This week’s articles come from ProPublica, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, Forbes, Fortune, Houston Chronicle and The New York Times.
First Edition: January 10, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Jack Lew, who is President Barack Obama’s pick to head the Treasury Department and has a record of protecting Medicaid and the safety net.
Federal Officials Scale Back Maine’s Plan For Medicaid Cuts
The Obama administration has denied Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s idea to cut health coverage for more than 20,000 low-income residents, but let stand provisions that would cut benefits for another nearly 13,000 residents.
Medicaid Cost Estimates Trigger Florida Flap
Florida Gov. Rick Scott expressed cost concerns about the health law’s Medicaid expansion during a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, again drawing a wave of criticism that he is exaggerating the potential cost.
Whistleblowers, Sheltered Assets Key In Medicaid Fraud And Abuse
Whistleblowers are an increasingly important part of detecting Medicaid fraud while GOP lawmakers look more closely at those who shelter their assets in order to qualify for the program’s long-term care.
KHN Analyzes Regional Variations In Medicare Quality Payment Program
Fort Wayne, Indiana, fared the best among the major health care markets, the analysis finds. Meanwhile, a new study of a plan to tie Medicare’s payments to the quality of doctors’ services suggests many physicians may face penalties.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Medicare Spends About As Much Screening For Breast Cancer As Treating It
In the meantime, a report from UnitedHealth says changes to how the government coordinates patient care could save half a trillion dollars over a decade.
Republicans Take Aim At Planned Parenthood’s ‘Record’ Taxpayer Support
Also making headlines, a group of House Democrats are pressing the White House to retain funding for mental health, and some of New York’s members of Congress are pushing to include cancer care in the 9/11 health program.
Former CMS Head Berwick Eyes Run For Mass. Governor
The former director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was a lightning rod for debate in Congress after Republicans accused him of supporting health care rationing, but he remains a respected health care expert.
Insurers in California, Elsewhere, Propose Steep Rate Hikes
California’s insurance commissioner criticized Anthem Blue Cross for raising rates for small businesses but acknowledged he has no authority to block it. Medpage Today looks at double-digit increases in the individual and small group markets nationwide.
