Latest KFF Health News Stories
North Georgia To Get Mental Health Pilot Program; Kansas City Providers Decry Blue Cross Rate Cut
Georgia officials are designing a system for 31 counties that will combine a crisis telephone service and authorization and payment under one roof. In Kansas City, insurance officials say payment cuts bring reimbursement in line with other rates.
Insurers Seek Health Law Exemption For Plans Sold To Americans Overseas
Four insurers have said that denying this request could put at risk as many as 1,100 U.S. jobs.
Medicaid Officials Struggle With Surge In Long-Term Care Needs
Two news articles look at different parts of Georgia’s Medicaid issues.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Supreme Court And Health Law Politics
This week’s selection includes articles from The Daily Beast, The Atlantic, National Review, Mother Jones, the New Yorker and American Medical News.
First Edition: November 17, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the Supreme Court’s review of the health law shocks Medicaid advocates and more on the continuing struggles of the super committee.
Regardless Of Outcome, Decision Will Be Landmark Ruling
News outlets explore and analyze various elements of the Supreme Court’s consideration of the health law.
Facing Pressure From All Sides, Deficit Panel Keeps Hands Off Health Law
The sweeping 2010 health law has stayed largely intact even as the super committee members struggle to slash the nation’s deficit. Meanwhile, the clock continues to tick down toward the deadline as even more proposals are floated.
Physicians Want More Palliative Care Despite Barriers
A new poll shows that doctors believe that quality of life for dying patients is more important than working to extend that patient’s life for as long as possible.
Group Launches Effort To Improve Dental Health
Meanwhile, the Newshour reports on the difficulties that arise when people don’t have access to dental care.
GOP Hopefuls Tied In Iowa Poll
Fifty-eight percent of that poll’s registered republican or republican-leaning respondents said they would “rule out” a candidate who has favored a mandate to buy health insurance. In other news, a separate poll found 47 percent of Americans would support doing away with the health law. Meanwhile, protesters make their opinions known to Herman Cain and Mitt Romney.
Improper Payments Reduced By $17.6 Billion, White House Says
This reduction in wasteful or improper payments in social welfare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, applies to the year ending Sept. 30.
Health Officials Report More Than 200 Cases Of Typhoid In Zimbabwe’s Capital
“Health authorities say 207 cases of typhoid are being treated in Zimbabwe’s capital after a prolonged spell of unusually hot weather amid acute water shortages,” the Associated Press/Seattle Times reports. Prosper Chonzi, Harare city council health director, “said Tuesday the disease will be difficult to contain in impoverished townships relying on water from shallow, makeshift wells and marshlands,” and that “humanitarian agencies have been asked to help provide clean water,” the news service writes.
House Subcommittee Approves GOP-Backed Measure To Repeal CLASS Act
The panel gave voice vote approval to the bill on Tuesday. Democrats are poised to offer amendments to block the repeal.
Study: Medicare Changes Would Bring Costs To Many ‘Healthy’ Beneficiaries
The study, released Tuesday, was done by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
20% Of U.S. Adults Take Psychiatric Drugs
An analysis of pharmacy claims find that the use of prescriptions for antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-anxiety drugs has increased over the past decade, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The Wall Street Journal reports that stocks of nursing home companies and the landlords that rent to them have fallen since the federal government cut reimbursements.
State Roundup: Colo. Uninsured, Underinsured Rates Skyrocket
A selection of stories from Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Iowa and Louisiana.
Oregon Insurance Commissioner To Advise HHS On Exchanges
Teresa Miller, the state’s top insurance regulator, will be a senior adviser for state exchange outreach.
