Latest KFF Health News Stories
Will Men And Their Doctors Change Course On PSA Tests?
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. The dust is nowhere near settled over advice that men of all ages should forgo a routine blood test to detect prostate cancer. The harms, such as false alarms and unnecessary surgeries that leave some men impotent and incontinent, outweigh the benefits of the PSA blood […]
Can I Continue My Health Insurance After Quitting My Job?
Michelle Andrews answers a coverage question from a reader contemplating quitting his job to stay home with his wife who has breast cancer.
Today’s headlines – May 23, 2012
Middle of the week! Here are your morning headlines: The New York Times: Recession Possible If Impasses Persists, Budget Office Says The economy could relapse into a recession if President Obama and Congress remain at an impasse and allow several big tax increases and spending cuts to take effect at the start of 2013, the […]
Health Insurance Cutbacks Squeeze The Insured
Even people with insurance are paying thousands of dollars out of pocket before their insurance kicks in. And even when it does, insurance picks up less then it used to — often a lot less.
Minnesota Seeks Bridge Across ‘Affordability Gap’
Under the 2010 health law, millions of Americans will gain access to affordable health insurance. But in Minnesota, many are concerned that an affordability gap will remain for about 100,000 low-income Minnesotans.
Today’s Headlines – May 22, 2012
The Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire: No Confirmation Hearing Planned For Marilyn Tavenner Senate Democrats have said they aren’t planning a confirmation hearing for Marilyn Tavenner, the acting top official at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, ending months of speculation over whether they would try to get the agency its first permanent leader […]
Trained Interpreters For Patients With Limited English Can Help Avoid Medical Mishaps
Too often, however, hospitals and other providers are not reimbursed for such services and can’t afford to keep them.
Poll: What It’s Like To Be Sick In America
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. In the lull between the Supreme Court arguments over the federal health overhaul law and the decision expected in June, we thought we’d ask Americans who actually use the health system quite a bit how they view the quality of care and its cost. Most surveys […]
Today’s Headlines – May 21, 2012
Here are your Monday morning headlines to get your week rolling: NPR’s Shots Blog: Poll: What It’s Like to Be Sick In America In the lull between the Supreme Court arguments over the federal health overhaul law and the decision expected in June, we thought we’d ask Americans who actually use the health system quite […]
Higher Prices Charged By Hospitals, Other Providers, Drove Health Spending During Downturn
A new study finds prices rose at least five times faster than overall inflation for emergency room visits, outpatient surgery and facility-based mental health and substance abuse care from 2009 to 2010.
Second Guessing Medicare’s Star Rating System
Supporters say the bonus system is improving care for millions of seniors, but critics say it can be a clumsy measure of value and rewards mediocrity.
Sebelius Tells Georgetown Students To Follow Their ‘Own Moral Compass’
About 200 students earned degrees this year from Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, but most of the attention at Friday’s graduation ceremony was focused on one person: Kathleen Sebelius. The Health and Human Services Secretary gave commencement remarks – with only one major interruption – to a largely supportive audience. In her speech, Sebelius didn’t directly address […]
Today’s Headlines – May 18, 2012
You made it to Friday. Enjoy your weekend, but first, here are your headlines: The Wall Street Journal: Geithner Says Austerity Alone Won’t Work Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner sharpened the Obama administration’s criticism of Republican fiscal policy in a speech Thursday, pushing back against the GOP on calls for immediate spending cuts and long-term plans […]
Innovation Grants: Adding Resources To Ideas To Improve Health Care Delivery
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently awarded 26 innovation grants to advance ideas that are designed to add efficiency and quality to the health system while generating savings. KHN takes a look at four of these projects.
Embattled Hospital Debt Collector Taps Politicians For Defense
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. So what do you do when you’re accused of hitting up sick patients in the hospital to pay their bills — sometimes even before they get treatment? Well, if you’re Chicago-based Accretive Health, under fire by not only the Minnesota Attorney General but key members of Congress and […]
Today’s Headlines – May 17, 2012
Good morning! Here are your headlines: Los Angeles Times: Congress’ Partisan Fight Persists Despite High-Level Overture As President Obama welcomed congressional leaders for a White House chat over hoagies about setting aside differences to improve the economy, a far different scenario was unfolding at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Republicans in the House and […]
Senate Panel Looks At Innovative Health Care Strategies
No matter how the Supreme Court rules next month on the challenges to the 2010 health care law, there will be a continued focus on making the health care system more efficient, and senators looked at some promising options Wednesday. Witnesses at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing told the panel about […]
Alaska Targets An Old Foe: Tuberculosis
Until 1950, TB was the No. 1 cause of death in Alaska. That legacy means that a large number of Alaskans still carry the bacteria that can cause the disease.
States Must Submit Plans For Insurance Marketplaces By Nov. 16
States must provide details to the federal government by Nov. 16 — just 10 days after the presidential election — on how they will run online insurance marketplaces, according to guidance released Wednesday. Those that don’t meet the deadline – or that can’t operate their own marketplaces, called exchanges – will have it done for them by […]
Targeting Diabetes Prevention Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Recent studies might suggest an increase of Type 2 diabetes among children and young adults, but the real low hanging fruit, according to diabetes and policy experts, may be among the Medicare population. Those 65 and older tend to be a costly population for health care services, according to Michael Mawby, the government affairs officer […]