Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report: Overhaul Will Bring New Customers, Challenges To The Insurers
A report released Tuesday by the health care consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers outlines how various changes put in place by the 2010 health law will change the insurance industry.
States Ask, Answer Questions On Health Law Implementation
Even as some states didn’t meet the target set by the Department of Health and Human Services for submitting their “benchmark” plans regarding the health law’s essential health benefits, others offered specifics about what would be covered and what plans would be their choice.
CMS Revises Readmissions Penalties; How Hospital Networks Play Into Equation
Kaiser Health News examines readmissions at hospitals, including how CMS has revised up penalities on hospitals who readmit patients too soon and how hospital networks play into the readmissions equation.
Obama Spending More Than Romney On TV Advertising, New Ad Stars Medicaid
Meanwhile, GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, who is also seeking reelection to his congressional seat, unveils a new health care ad in his district.
State Roundup: Ind. Mandate Back On Fla. Ballot; Ga. Hospital Tax Fight Rages On
A selection of health policy stories from Florida, Massachusetts, Georgia, Ohio, Alaska, Texas, Vermont, California and Connecticut.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Court Approves Abbott Settlement For Wrongly Marketing Depakote
The pharmaceutical company will pay $1.5 billion for marketing the drug for non-approved uses.
Swing State Highlights: The Latest On Political Ads, Appearances And Polls
As election day approaches, Kaiser Health News’ Sarah Barr samples news coverage each week from swing states around the country
First Edition: October 3, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including presidential debate previews and reports on a new round of polling.
Debate Primer: ‘A Mere 15 Minutes’ Set Aside To Cover Lots Of Differences On Health Policies
News outlets set the scene for some of the tough health policy questions the two presidential candidates might face during tomorrow night’s debate. Also in the news, new ads are unleashed on the health law and women’s health issues.
Obama Administration Urges States To Pursue Health Law Medicaid Expansion
Even as federal officials push states to expand Medicaid programs, at least a dozen states are not ready or not willing to set up state-based health exchanges — another aspect of the health law that is key to expanding insurance coverage.
State Roundup: AP Probes Va. Hospital’s Actions In Woman’s Death
A selection of health policy stories from Nebraska, Missouri, Virginia, California, Kansas and Minnesota.
Senate Leaders Working On Post-Election Plan To Avoid ‘Fiscal Cliff’
The New York Times reports that a bipartisan group is trying to find a path to a deficit reduction deal, but Democrats and Republicans still remain far apart on details.
Washington Post Buys Major Stake In Celtic Healthcare Inc.; Tenet Plans Buybacks
News outlets report on these health business developments.
Post Office’s Retiree Health Benefits Hole Gets Deeper
On Monday, the agency defaulted on a $5.6 billion payment for its future retiree health benefits.
Clouds And Venture Capital: Both Sides Of Health Technology News
NPR reports on how cloud computing is making the discovery of new drugs and new medical treatments easier and less expensive, but Reuters reports that venture captial funding for health technology is getting harder to come by.
Census Reports Americans Go To The Doctor Less Often
A study of working-age people found that the average number of doctor appointments dropped from 4.8 visits a year in 2001 to 3.9 visits in 2010.
Study Finds Medicare May Favor Skilled-Nursing Facilities Over Hospice
According to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, almost a third of Medicare beneficiaries getting end-of-life care use their benefits to pay for nursing home services.
Study Finds Access To Doctors’ Notes Helps Patients Manage Their Health
Consumers are more likely to understand health issues and maintain medication schedules.
Liberty University Hopes To Revive Health Law Challenge
The school says its suit raises questions not answered by the Supreme Court in its June decision and is asking the high court to order an appeals court to hear the case.
