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Latest KFF Health News Stories

Study Links Longer Office Hours, Lower Health Care Costs

KFF Health News Original

After primary care doctors close their doors on weekends and evenings, patients turn to urgent care facilities, pharmacy ‘minute clinics’, and emergency rooms to get the care they need. In doing so, they may also be contributing to the nation’s skyrocketing health system costs. “When a patient shows up in the emergency room, the assumption is […]

Today’s Headlines – Sept. 24, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the latest health politics and policy news. The New York Times: Obama And Romney Offer A Possible Preview Of Their First Debate Mr. Romney said he would consider means-testing for Social Security benefits for future retirees, and he put some distance between his […]

NYC Study: Harlem Has Most ER ‘Super Users;’ Upper East Side, Fewest

KFF Health News Original

About 20 percent of New York City residents visit hospital emergency rooms annually — and in some neighborhoods, the rate is twice that, according to a new report. The study by the United Hospital Fund found dramatic variations in ER use across the city, and it’s one of the first to analyze which people  end […]

House Republicans Attack Obama Administration On Medicare Advantage

KFF Health News Original

In this edition of Health on the Hill, KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey interviews CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge about today’s House Ways and Means health subcommittee hearing on the health law’s cuts to the private Medicare Advantage program.

Romney Adviser’s Firm Says Most States Will Expand Medicaid — If Obama Is Re-Elected

KFF Health News Original

The consulting firm headed by the man planning Mitt Romney’s White House transition –should there be one — says most states eventually will expand Medicaid under the health law, if President Barack Obama is re-elected. A report completed this week by Leavitt Partners, led by Romney adviser and former Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, noted the […]

Today’s Headlines – Sep. 21, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about recent polling results indicating that, despite GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s efforts to frame the Medicare debate, President Barack Obama still has the advantage on this issue. The Wall Street Journal: Headwinds For Romney In Latest Poll Results The three state surveys come […]

Bipartisan Report Focuses On Issues Driving Up Health Care Costs

KFF Health News Original

Among the reasons behind the nation’s seemingly inexorable rise in medical spending are the practice of rewarding doctors and hospitals for volume rather than efficiency of care and the tax break given to consumers for their job-based health insurance, according to a report out Thursday from the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank in Washington. […]

Today’s Headlines — Sept. 20, 2012

KFF Health News Original

NPR’s The Two-Way: Census: In 2011, Number Of Poor Americans Increased Young Americans are one of the first to feel the effects of the Affordable Care Act. … According to the Census, once young Americans aged 19 to 25 could be added to their parents’ plans, there was a 3.5 percent increase in the number […]

Insurance Coverage Improves In 20 States, Census Shows

KFF Health News Original

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HHS Touts Growth In Medicare Advantage Plans, Drop In Premiums

KFF Health News Original

Just days away from a House hearing where Republicans are likely to charge that the 2010 health law’s cuts to Medicare Advantage plans will cause insurers to leave the program and seniors to pay more for coverage, the Obama administration said Wednesday that as a result of the law seniors now have more of these […]

Today’s Headlines – Sept. 19, 2012

KFF Health News Original

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a series of reports detailing who makes up Romney’s so-called “47 percent” who get tax breaks and what federal assistance they receive — whether it is Medicare, Medicaid or another entitlement program. The Associated Press/Washington Post: Analysis: Romney Describes Government’s Role As Dramatically More Limited […]

Joint Commission Praises 620 Hospitals For Quality

KFF Health News Original

Updated at 1:10 p.m. on Sept. 20. The Joint Commission, the nation’s major hospital accreditation board, is releasing its annual list of hospitals that have excelled at adhering to basic procedures for treating common illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes. The commission is recognizing 620 hospitals  — 18 percent of those it accredits — as “top […]

Family Physicians Reject Suggestions To Have Nurses Lead Practices

KFF Health News Original

With a shortage of primary care providers looming, the idea of using nurses and physician assistants to fill the gap often appears to be gaining traction. But according to a report released Tuesday by the American Academy of Family Physicians, having more nurse practitioner-led medical practices is not a viable solution. “Perceived shortages don’t justify […]