Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Health Law’s Fate Becomes More Clear, Insurers, Medical Device Makers Try To Stem New Taxes
Insurers and medical device makers are planning ad campaigns and intense lobbying to try to stop taxes in the health law from cutting at their bottom lines.
Pharmaceutical Compounding Problems Spread Under Lax Regulation
News outlets report that congressional oversight was lacking and the Boston Globe uncovers documents about the company that started the meningitis outbreak.
U.S. Bishops Promise To Continue Fight Against Birth Control Mandate
Cardinal Dolan, the nation’s top bishop, made clear that the Roman Catholic church will not comply with the Obama administration requirement regarding contraception coverage and will continue to challenge it — both legislatively and in court.
State Roundup: Disparity In States’ Fiscal Health; Ark. Medicaid Shortfall Threatens Care
A selection of health policy news from Michigan, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Oregon, Kansas and California.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the nation.
First Edition: November 14, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details about how lines are being drawn regarding the ‘fiscal cliff’ negotiations.
Health Law Was A Wash In The Election, Poll Finds
Even after Obama was declared the winner, the public’s view about the law remains about evenly divided.
U.S. Lowering Rate Of Premature Births, But Slowly
The national rate fell to 11.7 percent in 2011, but public health advocates would like to see further reductions.
Some news outlets examine the impact of looming tax increases and spending cuts if a budget deal is not struck by the end of the year. Others examine the positions being staked out by powerful groups over issues such as Medicare and other entitlement programs.
Obama Administration Gives States More Time To Decide On Health Exchanges
On Friday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services extended the deadline until Dec. 14 for states to submit plans to set up state-based health insurance exchanges under the health care law. Those states that want to partner with the federal government have until Feb. 15 to outline the duties the state government would handle in running the exchanges.
News outlets report that the outcome of some states’ gubernatorial races will likely change the outlook for the health overhaul’s sweeping Medicaid expansion. In general, however, the future remains unsettled.
State Roundup: Cheers, Jeers For Mass. Assisted Suicide Defeat
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, Georgia, California, Maryland, and New York.
States Wrestle With Decisions Regarding How To Move Forward On Exchanges
News outlets report on how various states are responding to the implementation of the health law now that President Barack Obama has been re-elected.
As Congress Ponders Spending Cuts, Health Care Industry, Advocates Urge Medicare Be Spared
Congress returns today and begins efforts to negotiate a budget deal that would avert the “fiscal cliff” of automatic spending cuts and tax increases, which are slated to take effect early next year.
L.A. Times Investigates Doctors’ Connection To Prescription Drug Abuse
Also, a new study shows that most states are cutting back on antibiotic use.
Despite Election, Health Overhaul Faces Changes And Legal Challenges
Lawsuits continue to go forward against the health law, and some politicians vow to continue repeal efforts.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Marketplace News: U.S. Overpaying Nursing Homes
News outlets cover various aspects of the costs of coverage, including in Medicare, high-deductible plans and also in the average employee plan.
First Edition: November 13, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports previewing this week’s actions regarding negotiations about the fiscal cliff.
White House, Business Leaders Plan Public Appeals On Fiscal Negotiations
The administration is seeking to build public support for its effort to increase taxes. Business groups hope to pressure both Obama and Congress to reach a deal on taxes and spending, which could include changes to Medicare, Medicaid and health research funding.
