Latest KFF Health News Stories
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s Offer Health Industry Perspectives
Moody’s gave the American not-for-profit health care sector a negative outlook because of uncertainly surrounding funding for federal health programs and gridlock surrounding the health law. But S&P notes that revenue for Medicare and commercial insurers grew over the year that ended in June.
Outcome Of Governors’ Races Will Impact The Health Law’s Reach
Politico Pro reports that if power shifts to the right, the implementation of the health law could be minimized.
For Hospitals, The Rush Is Not On To Become An ACO
According to a Commonwealth Fund report, only about 13 percent of hospitals surveyed are participating or planning to participate in an accountable care organizations.
Views On Medicare Feud: Both Sides Working Toward Cuts; If Vouchers Aren’t The Answer, What Is?
Several editorials and opinions offer new perspectives on the presidential campaign’s focus on federal funding of Medicare.
State News: Mich. Lawmakers Pass Bill To Cut State Share Of Teachers’ Health Care
News outlets cover health issues in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas.
Views From Mass.: Novel Effort To Curb Health Costs Is Being Closely Watched
Several outlets analyze the state’s initiative to slow health expenditures.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Democrats Unleash Medicare Attack Ads In Congressional Races
Ads from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are being run against Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan and North Carolina state Sen. David Rouzer, the Republican opponent of Rep. Mike McIntyre.
Polls: Opposition To Changing Medicare Cuts Across Party Lines
Two polls, one conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, and another conducted by KFF and the Washington Post, find that a majority of Republicans and Democrats oppose plans to cut Medicare benefits or transform the program into a “definied-contribution” model.
Research Roundup: Safety Net Hospitals Prepare For Health Law Changes
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, the Archives of Internal Medicine, and the Urban Institute.
First Edition: August 17, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest reports about how the debate over Medicare cuts is shaping up on the campaign trail.
Top-Of-The-Ticket Sparring Focuses On Medicare
In a Wednesday campaign appearance, President Barack Obama and GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney went on the attack, trading barbs over the Medicare program. For Romney, it included taking steps to distance himself from the ideas advanced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Paul Ryan, his pick for running mate.
Ryan Sees Medicare Issue As Opportunity
Paul Ryan addressed Medicare in a stump speech for the first time, saying the debate is one “we will win.” But Vice President Joe Biden offered a very different view of the Republicans’ Medicare plan, calling it a “voucher system.”
State Roundup: Insurer Earnings Drop In Mass.
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Kansas and Minnesota.
A View From The Field: How Medicare Is Playing In Congressional, Senate Races
From Texas to Connecticut, members of Congress and their challengers are pressing their views on the federal health program for seniors.
How The Entertainment Industry Relates To Mental Illness
The Los Angeles Times reports on changing public perceptions regarding mental illness and how they are reflected in television characterizations.
Hospital Records Link C. Diff To 2 Times More Deaths Than Federal Estimates Indicate
According to USA Today, the incidence of C.Diff is far greater than federal reports suggest.
Hedge Funds See Investment Potential Resulting From Health Law
Fund managers appeared to be placing bets on health insurers — starting before the Supreme Court’s health law ruling.
Congressional Leaders Plan To Maximize This Election-Year Medicare Debate
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, urged his fellow Republicans to “play offense” on the issue while their Democratic counterparts plan to keep the heat on.
Local news outlets report on developments at area hospitals.
