Latest KFF Health News Stories
U.N. Asks For $447M In Humanitarian Aid For Yemen
The U.N. on Sunday released its Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2012, asking for $447 million in humanitarian assistance targeted toward four million vulnerable people in the country, Reuters reports (Fuchs, 12/18). A statement from the U.N. Inter-Agency Standing Committee said more than half of those at risk will be “severely food insecure” in the coming year, Agence France-Presse notes.
Payroll Tax Cut Extension And ‘Doc Fix’ Stall In House
What appeared to be a “sure deal” is now coming undone as House Republicans are balking at the Senate’s short-term approach.
As Attacks Continue, So Do Health Law Implementation Efforts, Challenges
The Hill and Reuters report on the health law’s numerous 2012 battle fronts – starting with the Supreme Court’s review of the law and moving toward the November elections. Meanwhile, however, other news outlets report on continuing implementation of the measure, including the creation of a federal health exchange and defense of its prevention fund.
State Roundup: Financial Issues Threaten N.Y.’s Brookdale Hospital
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
Wis. Study Finds Low Medicare, Medicaid Rates Shift Costs
A number of states are looking for ways to deal with their budget problems and the resulting Medicaid issues.
Gulf War Illness Research Get $10 Million Boost
Congress approved $10 million in dedicated research funding.
Health Panel Under Fire For Screening Advice
Reuters reports on how the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is under fire for recent recommendations.
Many Not-For-Profit Hospitals Spend Less Than 2% On Charity Care
Media outlets ponder the financial status of not-for-profit hospitals, as well as the challenges facing those in rural communities. Also in the news, the hospice industry continues to fare well.
More Digital Data Equals More Risk Of Breaches
The New York Times reports that, as more patient data become digital, the risk of breaches increases.
Viewpoints: Is Wyden-Ryan Medicare Plan A Game Changer?; The GOP And The Individual Mandate
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
Romney’s Medicaid Comments Draw Criticism That He Is ‘Out Of Touch’
During a campaign appearance, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said that until he became involved in government services he didn’t completely understand the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, the aggressive ads being run in Iowa by another candidate, Ron Paul, may be making an impact.
HHS Avoids Backlash By Allowing Flexibility On Essential Benefits
By allowing states the flexibility to make key decisions, the administration avoided a “political hot potato” regarding essential benefits – the medical benefits insurers must cover under the health care law.
First Edition: December 19, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the tax cut extension bill — which includes a temporary Medicare ‘doc fix,’ has hit a new snag
Boehner Rejects Deal; Fate Of ‘Doc Fix’ In Doubt
The Speaker said the 2 month payroll tax cut extension, which included a deal on Medicare payments to physicians, won’t fly in the House.
State Flexibility Key Message In HHS ‘Essential Benefits’ Bulletin
The Department of Health and Human Services today released a “pre-rule bulletin” regarding the health law’s essential benefits package. KHN is tracking the related news coverage.
Lawmakers Reach Agreement To Avert Gov’t Shutdown
Negotiations continue on a measure to extend the payroll tax cut. Some of the issues that are in play and that draw Democratic resistance include proposed ways to pay for this extension, such as charging upper-income seniors more for Medicare.
Wyden-Ryan Medicare Plan Draws Political Responses, Analyses
Democrats and their allies blasted the proposal, but the reception from the right was more positive.
Viewpoints: Fascination With Wyden, Ryan Plan; Need For School Nurses; Pa. Abortion Bill Controversy
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Obama Administration Proposes Labor Rules For Home Care Aides
The proposal would require that home-care aides be paid minimum wage and overtime, giving the fast-growing workforce long-sought assistance.
Gingrich’s Policies Appear To Advance Gov’t Role In Health Care
Many of his public statements indicate he has advanced policies that would give the government a “bigger hand” in the delivery of health care. Meanwhile, a new poll shows support for President Barack Obama is low and that opinions about the health law continue to be mixed.
