Latest KFF Health News Stories
Survey: In Health Care Marketplace, Consumers Value Friendliness, Convenience
The PwC Health Research Institute surveyed 6,000 consumers to find out what they thought of the health care sector compared with other service industries. Meanwhile, Group Health has put in place a strategy to ensure that innovations are put to work.
An Obama Administration Rule Modification Causes Angst For Home Health Workers
McClathchy reports on this develoment.
CVS Profit Up On PBM Business, WellPoint Likely Sole Bid On Amerigroup
CVS Caremark’s profit and outlook rise on its pharmacy benefits business while WellPoint may be alone in bidding for Medicaid insurer Amerigroup.
Super PACs, AARP And Catholic Church Among Groups Trying To Influence Candidates, Campaigns
A Wide variety of groups seeks to shape the candidates’ stances and drive the discussion around health issues.
Viewpoints: Dubious Ad On Romney’s Role In Cancer Death; British Health Plan Has Problems Of Its Own
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the nation.
State Roundup: Medical Malpractice Ideas Part Of Mass. Cost Control Law
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Missouri, Minnesota and Michigan.
Female Voters Are Hot Commodity For Presidential Candidates
On the campaign trail, President Barack Obama continues his efforts to shore up support among women voters as GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney vies for working-class voters.
Outlets Analyze Health Spending, Sequestration Details
The Associated Press offers some of the specifics of which programs will feel the pinch of sequestration. CQ HealthBeat takes a look at the possible causes of the “deceleration in health spending.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a variety of stories that reflect how health policy issues are playing on the campaign trail.
HCA Faces Scrutiny About Need For Some Cardiac Procedures
HCA Holdings Inc., the biggest for-profit U.S. hospital operator, told investors that federal prosecutors in Miami are probing the “medical necessity” of cardiology procedures performed at several of its hospitals in Florida. The company made an unusual statement defending its operations in anticipation of a New York Times article that appeared online late Monday.
No Medicare Drug Plan Cost Increases For Seniors In 2013
The Obama administration announced that costs for seniors’ Medicare Part D premiums will remain stable — marking the third year in a row with little or no change.
Presidential Candidates Use Tough Ads To Court Single Women Voters
The competition for these votes has led President Obama’s campaign ads to highlight GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s positions on issues such Planned Parenthood funding as well as other women’s health and contraception issues.
Medicaid Official Outlines State Flexibility In Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion
Politico Pro reports that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official Cindy Mann outlined Monday how states could choose to expand their coverage under the health law and then later drop it if they choose. This is the first time states will be allowed to drop such new coverage. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on how employers might be impacted if states opt not to expand their Medicaid programs.
Medicaid News: Challenge To Fla. Managed Care Rule; N.Y. Wants Permission To Invest Savings
Florida is seeking to move seniors on Medicaid into a managed care program but one company questions part of the regulations on plans.
Employers Expect Health Costs To Go Up, Ready Compliance With Health Law
A new survey of employer health benefits by the National Business Group on Health has found businesses expect their health care costs to jump 7 percent next year as they comply with new parts of the federal health care reform law.
ER Overcrowding A Problem At Calif. Hospitals Serving Many Minorities
A new study says California hospitals in areas with large minority populations are disproportionately affected by overcrowding at ERs — often leading to ambulance diversion, delayed care and poorer health outcomes for patients.
Kansas Considers Disbanding Information Exchange Board; Minn. Rebates Lower Than Expected
The Kansas agency may dissolve and turn its authority over to the state to save money.
Roundup: Ky. Judge To Hear Christians-Only Health Insurer Case
A selection of health policy stories from Kentucky, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Mass. Governor Signs Health Care Cost-Containment Bill
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill Monday that lawmakers hope will rein in health care costs by tying health care cost growth to how fast the state economy grows. But, Moody’s said the law could hurt the state’s hospital credit ratings since the hospitals’ revenue growth would be hampered.
Safety-Net Hospitals Brace For Funding Changes, Adjustments
Meanwhile, a new Health Affairs study suggests these facilities may need to rethink their business models.
