Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
First Edition: October 2, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about states’ readiness to implement the health law.
Campaign Issues And Answers: Health Coverage, Costs, Quality
Policy positions related to the future of the nation’s health system have taken on significance for presidential candidates, as have issues related to women’s health, entitlement spending and deficit reduction.
Medicare Begins Latest Pay-For-Performance Effort; Hospital Readmissions Among Program Targets
Medicare is beginning to withhold funding if hospitals readmit too many patients within 30 days of their release. It’s part of a broader federal push to improve health care quality.
Missouri, Wisconsin Senate Races Grab Headlines
News outlets report on the Missouri Senate race pitting Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill against GOP challenger Todd Akin and the Wisconsin contest between Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin and former Gov. Tommy Thompson. In both cases, themes of the health law are playing an important role.
New Films Focus On ‘Ailing’ American Health Care System
Several new films being released examine the American health care system. One being released in theaters this week includes a look at the nation’s for-profit system and proposes greater use of alternative healing.
House Republicans Criticize Efforts To Get Health Law A Starring Role In TV Shows
Also in Capitol Hill news, a House Democrat introduced legislation to increase the number of government-supported medical residencies as a way to address the nation’s looming doctor shortage.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State Roundup: Pittsburgh Health System Merger Falls Apart
A selection of health policy news from Arkansas, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Massachusetts, Montana and Georgia.
Abortion Laws Causing Confusion, Consternation
In Indiana, abortion rights advocates are trying to change a law restricting abortions induced by prescribing a pill. Also in the news, a deadline nears for Planned Parenthood in Texas.
Health Exchanges, Essential Benefits Issues Central To Health Law Implementation
News outlets are reporting on states’ efforts to define “essential benefits” as lawmakers and state officials press for information about how health exchanges will be created.
First Edition: October 1, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the start of a Medicare pay-for-performance effort as well as the latest from the campaign trail.
Also, GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan and Vice President Joe Biden traded barbs on Medicare this weekend.
Obama, Romney Spar Over Medicare, Health Reform Policies
News outlets offer a variety of coverage on these issues – including how Medicare is playing in the polls and what motivates senior voters. And a new Families USA study offers a critical assessment of Mitt Romney’s health policies.
Health Policies Bubble Up In House And Senate Races
The Associated Press reports on the pull presidential coattails could have in some down-ballot races, and other news outlets report on how Medicare is playing in Virginia, Nevada and Wisconsin races.
Employers Offer Buffet Of Health Care Coverage Choices — But With Limits
Some companies are offering employees a set amount to spend during the next open enrollment period for health insurance and making the employees choose coverage themselves — instead of offering one or two plans to them.
Issa Threatens To Subpoena HHS Medicare Advantage Documents
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services is using an $8 billion Medicare bonus payment demonstration project to mask the health law’s cuts to Medicare advantage plans in advance of the election.
Patients, Physicians Face Health IT Divide
Medpage Today reports that though about 60 percent of patients are eager to access their health records and communicate with their doctors online, only about 40 percent of physicians have the capability to do so.
Viewpoints: Obamacare A ‘Big Plus’?; What Happened To GOP Anger Over Health Law?
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
