The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Finance Committee, says that mounting public concern about the federal deficit and government spending could hurt prospects for a bipartisan health care overhaul deal when Congress returns to work next month.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele opposes a government-run health care system, as do most members of his party. While most health care overhaul proposals assume big savings by reworking Medicare, Steele says Medicare needs to be protected and not cut in the name of health insurance reform. But he also says he favors some cuts to maximize the program’s efficiencies. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
From the looks of these health care bills, this “health care reform” thing will be great for business! But as far as “bending the curve” and beginning to make our health care system any more affordable or sustainable-or any less of a burden on patients and taxpayers-I can’t find it.
For policymakers to cut medical spending, they must persuade doctors that some procedures are unnecessary. A friendly debate between two cardiologists over using stents to unclog arteries shows how hard it may be to achieve that consensus. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
People who knew and worked with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy discuss his efforts to promote major change in the U.S. health care system.
Adam Clymer is the author of a remarkable biography, “Edward M. Kennedy,” which captures the sweep and breadth of the senator’s remarkable half century of public service. KHN’s Eric Pianin talked with Clymer about Sen. Kennedy.
KHN’s Eric Pianin talks with author and former New York Times congressional correspondent Adam Clymer about the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and his legacy of federal health care legislation and reform.
Journalist and author T.R. Reid traveled the world in search of a better health care system — and help for his sore shoulder. He talks about his journey in a new book — The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care — with KHN’s Laurie McGinley.
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. represents the smallest state in population but he has a big role to play in the negotiations to overhaul health care. Enzi is one of the “gang of six” senators crafting the Senate’s health care bill. He says he won’t vote for any measure that can’t get the support of 75 to 80 senators. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Most homeless people lack insurance and rely on the emergency room and government-funded clinics for treatment. Advocates say the existing system is inadequate as well as expensive for taxpayers, and that expanding Medicaid to include the homeless is a better option. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Proposals to move disadvantaged youngsters from the Children’s Health Insurance Program to health exchanges raise concerns that benefits would be reduced.
A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.
A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.
The pundits are busy filing their reports on how President Obama blew it on health care reform. And while the health care fight is far from over–I remain convinced the Democrats will pass a bill, maybe even a good one–the pundits have a point.
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Jordan Rau about the advertising blizzard surrounding the health care debate. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent supporting and attacking efforts by President Barack Obama and Congress to overhaul the nation’s medical system, with the ads running in the capital and the districts of key lawmakers.
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Jordan Rau about the advertising blizzard surrounding the health care debate. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent supporting and attacking efforts by President Barack Obama and Congress to overhaul the nation’s medical system, with the ads running in the capital and the districts of key lawmakers.
Republican Sen. Charles Grassley’s evolution – from legislator once complimented by President Obama for his willingness to work across the aisle to one of the president’s critics on health care – is a sign that the chances for passing a bipartisan health care bill have all but disintegrated. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Congressional leaders are considering invoking rarely used budget rules that would allow a health reform bill to be passed by a simple majority. But the technique could backfire and leave key provisions of the overhaul legislation vulnerable to Republican challenge.
If Democratic leaders and the White House use “reconciliation” budget rules this fall to try to pass health overhaul legislation without Republican support, how would it work?
A guide to the definitions of the complex terminology of budget reconciliation.
