Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: Early Morning Health News Policy News, Oct. 25, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Obama, Romney Bring Health Policy Resumes To The Race
But swing state voters continue to be skeptical of the two candidates’ positions and plans. The Los Angeles Times reports that Ohio voters are critical of President Barack Obama’s health care law because they see their health care costs continuing to rise and are also skeptical that a man as rich as Mitt Romney could understand their needs.
Medicare, Abortion Grab Attention In Some House, Senate Races
News outlets offer another round of coverage on the Wisconsin Senate race and a tight New York House race, while candidates’ views on abortion are spotlighted in Indiana and Missouri.
Holtz-Eakin Says Cost-Control Board Will Move Medicare Close To Rationed System
Also, in other news about health law implementation issues, news outlets report on health care coverage for immigrants and retiree benefits.
N.Y. Waits For Washington Word On Medicaid Changes
News organizations outline changes to Medicaid programs in New York — where proposed changes hinge on a decision in Washington — and Pennsylvania — where up to 100,000 households’ Medicaid coverage could be reinstated after being purged from the rolls.
Medicare Doc Pay Anxiety Chills Physicians’ Interest In Demo Programs
A survey by the Medical Group Management Association concluded that physicians’ willingness to try new models of payment and delivery — such as accountable care organizations and bundled payments — is linked to congressional efforts to fix the Medicare doctor payment formula.
Appeals Court Blocks Ind. Law Barring Planned Parenthood Funding
The state had sought to cut Medicaid funding because Planned Parenthood also provides abortion services.
Obama Administration To Relax Medicare Benefit Rules
As part of a proposed settlement in a national class-action lawsuit, the federal government would expand benefits for skilled nursing and home health care to the chronically ill.
Med School Enrollment Grows 1.5%
But officials warn that a cap on federally funded residencies could slow the number of doctors coming into the system.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
Roundup: States Raise Employee Insurance Contributions To Save Money
A selection of health policy stories from Minnesota, Texas, California, Florida and Massachusetts.
Study: GOP Plan For Medicaid Block Grant Would Lead To $1.7 Trillion Spending Cut
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the GOP-backed House Budget Committee plan, which would also repeal the health law, could leave between 31 million and 38 million fewer people with Medicaid coverage. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.)
Meningitis Outbreak Spreads; Mass. Revokes Compounding Center’s License
Investigators found unsterilized and contaminated vials at the New England Compounding Center.
Swing State Highlights: Sprinting To The Finish Line In Ohio, Virginia And Missouri
KHN’s Sarah Barr samples campaign news coverage each week from swing states to see how health policy developments, and other political issues, are playing.
First Edition: October 24, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, incluidng reports about a variety of Medicaid-related issues, such as how a scheduled pay raise for physicians who participate in the program will not be easy to implement.
Romney’s Promise To Repeal ‘Obamacare’ Makes It Into Candidates’ Foreign Policy Debate
GOP challenger Mitt Romney said he would pay for military spending increases by repealing the 2010 health law and scaling back other health programs.
Wis. Senate Candidates Wrestle With Health Policy Issues
Medicare and the health law also are emerging as flashpoints in Pennsylvania’s Senate contest and various House races.
Developments Regarding Ways To Connect Elderly Or Disabled People With Care
Kaiser Health News reports on how one program helps people on Medicaid move out of institutional settings and return to the community while The New York Times reports on an agreement that might make it easier for people with chronic conditions and disabilities to qualify for Medicare coverage of home health care, skilled nursing home-stays and outpatient therapy.
‘Substantial’ Variation From State To State In Hospital Safety Records
A new report cites Arizona, California, Illinois and Ohio as having the safest hospitals in the U.S.
Stark Health Care Spending Differences Between U.S., Other Developed Countries
A new report says the U.S. spends more than $8,200 per person per year on health care, 2 1/2 times more than most developed nations. In the meantime, a survey finds corporate executives are generally more worried about health care costs for their companies than other issues.
