Latest KFF Health News Stories
Raising Medicare’s Eligibility Age Would Bring Trade-Offs
The Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press examine the implications of one option being considered in the federal deficit talks and discover some surprising consequences, including higher premiums for those already covered by Medicare.
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, The Urban Institute, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Journal of American College Health and other news sources.
Marijuana Legalization In 2 States Comes Under Microscope
The New York Times reports the Justice Department and senior White House officials are debating legal action against Colorado and Washington, which could undermine voter-approved initiatives. Meanwhile, a USA Today/Gallup Poll shows Americans are divided on decriminalization efforts but believe the federal government should not intervene after states vote to take that step.
Christie Rejects State-Run Health Insurance Exchange
The New Jersey governor joined a growing number of Republican state leaders declining to set up state-based health insurance markets, saying he didn’t have enough information about the alternatives. Other media outlets explore what issues state leaders are weighing as they make such decisions — and what the implications are for consumers.
Boehner, Obama Move To Direct Talks On Budget
As the negotiations shift to the president and House speaker, some Republicans appear to be encouraging their colleagues to abandon staunch opposition to any tax rate hike, The Washington Post reports. But several outlets note that little movement is apparent from either side.
Conservative Lawyers Offer New Argument Against Health Law’s Mandate
The lawyers who helped bring the first challenge against the health law’s individual mandate think they’ve figured out another way to kill it using the Supreme Court’s own argument that it’s a tax. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama’s Justice Department files to dismiss an Oklahoma lawsuit challenging the law’s implementation.
Restaurant Chain Owner Backs Down, Won’t Cut Employee Hours Over Health Law
The owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants backed off threats to cut employee hours to part time, which would have allowed the company to avoid offering health insurance to workers.
First Edition: December 7, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations includes articles on the talks between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner on the “fiscal cliff.”
Medicare Changes Central As ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Countdown Continues
The Washington Post reports that some Republicans are urging House leaders to back higher tax rates for the wealthy in exchange for a deal to rein in spending on safety-net programs. Other news outlets report that AARP and other groups are warning lawmakers about the hazards of cutting benefits as part of a deficit reduction package.
Polls Show Public Reluctance For Trimming Medicare To Curb The Deficit
A new AP-GfK poll found most Americans favor letting tax cuts expire for top wage earners and a Quinnipiac poll found that voters oppose cutting Medicaid spending and increasing the Medicare eligibility age.
Bill Would Give FDA Clearer Authority Over Drug Compounders
The bill, introduced in Congress, would also direct the Food and Drug Administration to train state regulators — who may have contributed to the meningitis outbreak that sickened more than 500 and killed at least 36.
IRS Releases Final Rules For Health Law’s Medical Device Tax
The 2.3 percent tax is expected to raise $29 billion over 10 years.
Study Finds Longer Course Of Tamoxifen Treatment Cuts Breast Cancer Deaths
The finding that women should be taking the drug for twice as long as is now customary came out of a study of nearly 7,000 women from 36 countries.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
States Trying Managed Care For ‘Dual Eligibles’ – Medicare/Medicaid Recipients
People who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid – many of whom are elderly and in nursing homes – need lots of often-expensive care.
The New York Times looks at the wide variations in essential health benefits defined by states, while The Associated Press reports that Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden and Red Lobster, has decided not to try to avoid health law requirements and will not switch full-time employees to part-time status.
State Roundup: Fla. Judge Rules Legislature Must Decide On Prison Care Privatization
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas and Oregon.
Longer Looks: The Frustrations Of Academic Medicine
This week’s articles come from The New York Times, Health Affairs, American Medical News, Men’s Journal, The Oregonian, The World, The New Republic and The Weekly Standard.
First Edition: December 6, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report that some in the GOP are urging lawmakers to support the idea of trading tax breaks for changes in safety-net programs.
KHN Stylebook: Who Will Be Eligible For Medicaid Coverage?
We’re changing how we describe who’s eligible for the Medicaid expansion under the health law.
