Latest KFF Health News Stories
State Roundup: Further Scrutiny For Calif. Adult Day Care Eligibility
A selection of stories from California, North Carolina and Minnesota.
First Edition: September 26, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organiations, including reports about a round of new polls sizing up the status of the presidential campaign as well as one from The Associated Press measuring public opinion about the implementation of the health law.
Federal Officials Offer Warning On Medicare Billing Abuses
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder notified hospital trade groups Monday that they planned to prosecute providers that use electronic records to “game the system” by billing Medicare for more complicated care than they actually deliver.
Health Insurance Costs Rise, Driven By Higher Hospital, Doctor Prices
According to a report by the Health Care Cost Institute, health insurance spending jumped in 2011 – a development that broke a two-year trend of small increases. Still, the per enrollee increase ranks below 2009’s 5.8 percent rise.
Viewpoints: The ‘Real Story’ Of Ryan At AARP; ‘Get Thee To An Emergency Room’
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Health Insurance To Provide Easy-To-Understand Plan Summaries
On Monday, a health law provision goes into effect that requires insurance companies to provide user-friendly guides that provide explanations of plan benefits that will be as clear and easy to understand as the nutrition facts provided on food packages.
Congress Approves Bill Designed To Protect Patients From Stolen Medical Products
Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, some Senate conservatives are considering taking steps to block a deal to avert the automatic cuts called for under sequester.
Prescription Drug Abuse Among Young Adults Drops
Prescription drug abuse by young adults dropped 14 percent last year to its lowest rate since 2002 as authorities continue new attempts to curtail abuse.
Candidates, Committees Spend Money And Stand Ground In House And Senate Races
The Associated Press looks at competitive House races in New York, where Republicans are spending significant money to hold three seats held by freshmen. In the meantime, Todd Akin is standing his ground in his Senate race in Missouri.
Double-Digit Premium Increases Seen In Popular Medicare Drug Plans
Seniors in seven of the 10 most popular Medicare drug plans will see marked premium increases for 2013 if they don’t opt to change plans, according to an analysis by Avalere Health.
Romney Scolded For Emergency Room Remark
During his Sunday interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney said that uninsured Americans can get care in emergency rooms — a comment that drew a critical response from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
State Roundup: Calif. Mental Hospitals Released From Fed Oversight
A selection of health policy stories from California, Kansas, Oregon, Virginia, Georgia and Illinois.
Medicare Plans, Policies Draw Analysis, Voters’ Interest
News outlets report on how Medicare and other health policy issues will play in the presidential debates, on similarities and differences between the candidates’ Medicare plans, and offer tips for reporters trying to cover this complicated issue.
First Edition: September 25, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a new study that details accelerating health care spending.
Health Issues Are Hot Topics On Campaign Trail
From their appearances Sunday night on CBS’ 60 Minutes to their answers to questions about their proposals for Medicare, President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney draw stark differences in their visions.
Some conservatives want to hear more from the GOP vice presidential pick regarding his proposals for Medicare and Medicaid, and less of the campaign’s more cautious talking points.
State Roundup: Anthem Dumps Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Docs
A selection of state stories from California, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Florida and Kansas.
Different Places, Very Different Policies On The ‘Morning After’ Pill
An Illinois court affirms a lower court ruling that the state cannot force pharmacies to sell the ‘morning after’ pill while New York City takes steps to make this pill available at 13 schools.
New System Would Help Consumers Report Health Providers’ Medical Mistakes, Unsafe Practices
The New York Times reports on Obama administration efforts to get patients more involved in reporting medical mistakes.
Texas Protesters ‘Lament’ Governor’s Decision To Turn Down Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, in Idaho, a report estimates that expansion could add more than 111,000 people to the state’s Medicaid rolls.
