Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Some Medical Students Forced To Change Course After Sandy
A selection of health policy stories from New York, North Carolina, Connecticut, Wisconsin and Colorado.
In Calif., Will Court-OK’d Pay Reductions Make It Harder For Poor To Get Care?
Some worry that California’s Medicaid expansion could be hampered by reduced payments to Medi-Cal providers that a court approved last week, making it more difficult for the poor to find specialists. Meanwhile, other states consider extending Medicaid coverage for some residents.
System To Curb Medicare Fraudulent Payments Saves $115 Million
The Associated Press reports on the savings and investigations spurred by new Medicare fraud detection system.
Viewpoints: Raising Medicare’s Entitlement Age Doesn’t Save Money; New Anti-Fraud Efforts
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
First Edition: December 17, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including weekend updates regarding the fiscal cliff negotiations as well as news regarding states’ decisions on health exchanges.
Raising Medicare’s Eligibility Age Is Tough Issue For Democrats
Though one leading Senate Democrat has signaled that the idea of raising Medicare’s eligibility is off the negotiating table, it’s not clear where this bargaining chit stands.
Partisan Differences Persist On Taxes And Medicare, Other Entitlement Programs
Meanwhile, news outlets report that some Senate Republicans are working on a back-up plan that would cancel certain tax increases scheduled to take effect next year for most Americans.
State News: Calif. Health Care Special Session Priorities; Nurse Practitioner Role Debated In Minn.
A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, California, Kansas and Minnesota.
Today Is Deciding Time For States On Health Exchanges
The Associated Press reports that 19 states have turned down the idea of running health insurance exchanges, creating a daunting task for the federal government.
House Republicans Assail Administration On Health Law Implementation
Members of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health assert administration officials have not been helpful to states.
New Finding Likely To Fuel Cost-Benefit Debate Over Cancer Care
A study published Thursday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded that proton-beam therapy provided no long-term benefit over traditional radiation despite far higher costs.
Challenges, Questions Loom Over Health Law Implementation
Health law implementation faces tough scrutiny as the “fiscal cliff” looms, even as it remains the law of the land. Republicans are leading a charge to change the law and are calling for greater specifics about its implementation.
Reports: State Budgets Looking Grim, Medicaid Particularly Problematic
Medicaid costs continue to rise as state revenues are not recovering fast enough from the recession.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Getting Arms Around Medicaid Expansion, Program Challenges
The health law’s treatment of using Medicaid to expand coverage to more Americans is examined in Georgia — where a doctor pay raise in the program has stirred discontent — and in Oregon, where 200,000 stand to qualify under the program’s expansion.
Appeals Court: Calif. Can Cut Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
A federal appeals court panel ruled Thursday that Medi-Cal payments to providers may be reduced by 10 percent — a move that HHS had previously approved.
Research Roundup: Workers’ Insurance Costs Vary Depending On Employers’ Size
This week’s studies come from The Kaiser Family Foundation, Health Affairs, the John A. Hartford Foundation, the American Journal of Public Health and other news outlets.
First Edition: December 14, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, featuring the latest reports on the fiscal negotiations — including how proposals to raise the Medicare eligibility are playing.
‘Fiscal Cliff’ Deal: What Will The Compromise Look Like?
Right now, news reports indicate that neither side shows much inclination toward making concessions, but a new Wall Street Journal/NBC poll indicates that Americans want lawmakers and the White House to reach an agreement. Analysts predict a softening of positions as the deadline for automatic tax increases and spending cuts approaches.
Liberal Dems Line Up Against Raising Medicare’s Eligibility Age
Proposals to raise the eligibility age continue to get traction in the fiscal negotiations between the White House and Congress. But liberal Democrats oppose it and express concern that President Barack Obama has not ruled it out.
