Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Silver Bullets: What’s The Best Way To Control Costs?
KHN asked a range of health policy experts the following question: If you could make only one change to Medicare to control costs, what would it be and why?
Health Cost Bite To Family Budgets Sinks Deeper
Medical costs aren’t just breaking government budgets. The price of commercial health insurance has risen five times faster than family incomes since 2003 even as the financial security it offers has shrunk, says a new Commonwealth Fund report that underscores how medicine is consuming bigger and bigger parts of the private economy. “Wherever you live in the United States, health insurance is expensive, and […]
Today’s Headlines – Dec. 12, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that GOP lawmakers want to see details on the safety net cuts President Barack Obama would offer as part of the “fiscal cliff” talks while some liberal Democrats want to leave Medicaid out of it. Los Angeles Times: Fiscal Talks Hobbled By New Finger-Pointing […]
As Population Diversifies, Rethinking How We Care For Elderly
Gerontologist Peggye Dilworth-Anderson discusses why we need to rethink what we perceive of as “normal” aging.
Q&A: Options For Patients Who Get Out-Of-Network Care
Consumer columnist Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about handling an out-of-network bill from a provider the patient didn’t choose.
A Day Of Stark Differences For States On Health Insurance Exchanges
On the same day HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius granted conditional approval to Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Oregon and Washington for their health insurance exchange plans, the Republican-dominated Florida Senate made its position on the insurance marketplaces known. Friday is the deadline for states to decide if they want to build and operate their own exchanges or have the federal […]
Eye Experts Say States Should Consider Making Vision Care An Exchange Benefit
As states set up their exchanges under the federal health law, they should consider including adult vision benefits, according to the authors of a new study showing that people without such coverage are less likely to seek care. Although the federal health law mandates vision coverage for children, the same requirement does not apply to […]
Today’s Headlines – Dec. 11, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of yesterday’s HHS announcement to states that the federal government will not fund partial Medicaid expansions. The New York Times: Obama Approves Health Insurance Marketplace In 6 States The Obama administration gave conditional approval on Monday to health insurance marketplaces being set up by […]
When A Plan Overpays For A Service, Is A Patient Responsible For A Refund?
Experts say that overpayments occur for a variety of reasons and they can create headaches for providers and patients alike.
Aging Doctors Face Greater Scrutiny
There are no mandatory retirement ages for doctors or formal evaluations of their skills, but some hospitals are now requiring older physicians to have periodic physical and cognitive exams.
HHS Tells States It Will Not Fund Partial Medicaid Expansion
In a letter to governors, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says states that expand Medicaid must cover people making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level to get enhanced funding.
What Sea World, Universal Studios And The Zoo Can Teach Health Care Executives
Thousands of health care administrators, policy experts and practitioners will gather in Orlando this week for the 24th annual Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s national forum — akin to a pilgrimmage to Mecca for those passionate about making health care safer and more efficient. Besides featuring experts such as former CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, the curriculum includes visits to Sea World, Universal […]
Today’s Headlines – Dec. 10, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from major new outlets, including the latest about yesterday’s “fiscal cliff” meeting between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, as well as other health policy reports. The Washington Post: Time Running Out On ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Deal The contours of a deal to avert the year-end fiscal cliff are becoming […]
How Much For An MRI? $500? $5,000? A Reporter Struggles To Find Out
A health reporter tries to solve the mystery of her migraines with a doctor-recommended imaging test, but trying to find out the real cost of that test induces headaches of its own.
Report: Payment Reform Leaves Docs Uneasy
A new report from insurer UnitedHealth Group shows that doctors have mixed views on the new pay-for-performance model promoted in the 2010 health care law as a means of controlling health care costs and improving quality. The law has provisions that transition from a traditional fee-for-service system, where doctors, hospitals and other providers are paid based […]
‘Morning After’ Pill Advocates Seek Another Look At Age Rules
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. Friday marks a not-so-happy anniversary for some of President Obama’s biggest supporters: It’s exactly one year since Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius decided not to lift the age restrictions on availability of the so-called morning-after pill, Plan B. But now, with the election safely behind them, backers of […]
Today’s Headlines – Dec. 7, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations includes articles on the talks between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner on the “fiscal cliff.” The Washington Post: Some In GOP Urge Lawmakers To Back Tax Hikes For Changes In Safety-Net Programs A growing chorus of Republicans is urging House leaders to abandon […]
Smoking Prevention Funds Run Short Despite Tobacco Settlement
In 1998, big tobacco companies settled a landmark lawsuit and agreed to pay states $246 billion over 25 years for smoking prevention efforts. Fourteen years later – with smoking still the country’s leading cause of preventable death – most states use only a fraction of the money for its intended purpose. An annual report found that less than 2 percent […]
Governors Weigh Options On Health Insurance Exchanges
What’s at stake if they build state-based exchanges, partner with the federal government — or let federal regulators run everything?
Advocates Sue To Change The ‘Nursing Cliff’ In California
It was some 21st birthday present. When Pablo Carranza turned 21 in September, California’s Medicaid agency notified him that the around-the-clock nursing care he receives at the Chula Vista, Calif., home he shares with his mother would be sharply cut back. Carranza has muscular dystrophy and can only move his left thumb and his eyes. The […]