Latest KFF Health News Stories
Costly Heart Procedures Thrive In Some Places, Michigan Study Finds
Why do some doctors keep doing expensive medical procedures after it becomes apparent there are cheaper and equally safe ways to treat patients? A new study of cardiac procedures in Michigan takes a crack at this question, and while it comes up short on definitive answers, it has some interesting findings. The Center for Healthcare […]
Today’s Headlines – May 2, 2012
Good Wednesday morning! Here are your headlines: Politico: GOP: Cut State Bonuses For Children’s Health Care House Republicans want to stop rewarding states for finding and enrolling low-income children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and public health advocates are livid. The Republicans say it’s a smart fiscal move that will better protect […]
When Is A Joint Committee Disjointed?
Over the past two weeks, 18 scathing messages hammering the Obama administration on health care matters have been e-mailed to reporters and congressional staff from an address associated with the congressional Joint Economic Committee – a panel of Democrats and Republicans from the House and Senate. Isn’t the JEC a bipartisan, bicameral panel that alternates […]
Advocates Worry States Are Moving Too Fast On Dual Eligibles
Some states likely will begin testing new ways to care for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid early next year—a timeline that has some advocates urging officials to slow down. Finding high-quality, cost-effective ways to care for the 9 million people known as “dual eligibles” is among the brass rings of health policy. […]
Community Health Centers Get $728M Boost To Serve More People
The Obama administration on Tuesday gave out $728 million to expand and modernize 398 community health centers that provide primary care mainly to the poor. The money, made available under the 2010 health law, will help centers in 48 states expand their capacity to serve an additional 900,000 people. Demand for care at the centers […]
Dr. Otis Brawley: ‘The System Really Is Not Failing … Failure Is The System’
The chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society has a powerful message for the country: We’re all responsible for overuse of the health care system.
In Massachusetts, Hope For Higher Salaries If Health Care Inflation Slows
As Massachusetts’ state legislators put the finishing touches on a major health care cost-control bill, there is still one big question: How much could it save employers and fatten employee paychecks?
Today’s Headlines – May 1, 2012
Good morning! Here are your early headlines: The Associated Press/Washington Post: On Taxes, Health Care And Government’s Role, Obama And Romney Offer Distinct Choices To Voters Those differences surely exist. Obama and his Republican challenger are offering voters a distinct choice on taxes, a sharp disagreement over health care and a classic ideological divide on […]
Studies Reignite Mammography Debate For Middle-Aged Women
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. Should women in their 40s routinely get mammograms to detect breast cancer? Two studies released Monday aim to help resolve that question, which is one of the most intense debates in women’s health. The studies identify which women in their 40s are most likely to benefit from […]
$18 For A Baby Aspirin? Hospitals Hike Costs For Everyday Drugs For Some Patients
People who are not admitted to the hospital
Some Insurers Deny ER Coverage To People Who Have Been Drinking
Laws in about half the states allow plans to restrict payments for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. That can hamper hospital efforts to counsel patients on the dangers of their behavior.
What Is The Future Of Health Care? Watson Has An Answer
IBM’s Watson frequently had the right answer when the supercomputer competed on Jeopardy last year. Now, the nation’s second largest health insurer is hoping it will have the right diagnosis and treatment for patients. Representatives from IBM and Wellpoint discussed their developing partnership at a Friday Capitol Hill event. The tech company aims to make […]
Today’s Headlines – April 30, 2012
The New York Times: The Ticket: Ryan’s Rise From Follower To GOP Trialblazer His prescriptions in the Republican budget plan he devised have become his party’s marching orders: cut income tax rates and simplify the code, privatize Medicare, shrink the food-stamp and Medicaid programs and turn almost all control over to the states, and reduce […]
Conflicts Arise As Health Insurers Diversify
When a health insurer buys a business that helps hospitals win billing battles with insurers, alarm bells should sound, experts say.
Breaux: Bipartisanship Necessary To Fix Medicare Finances
Louisiana Democrat John B. Breaux left the Senate seven years ago, but old habits die hard. Today he fell back easily into his former role of compromise builder as he stressed the need for political common ground to overhaul Medicare next year. After a House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing to delve into “premium support” models, Breaux held […]
Why We Still Have Faith In Physicians
Every week, Kaiser Health News reporter Jessica Marcy selects interesting reading from around the Web. National Journal: Why We Trust Doctors This patient is no fool, and she does’t award trust liberally. … Yet, somehow, (Mary) Morse-Dwelley never lost faith in Pellegrini. She’d hear the click of her doctor’s shoes in the hallway, see her […]
Sued Over An $1,800 Hospital Bill
Charity care at nonprofit hospitals is scrutinized by state and federal officials, as hospitals go to great lengths to collect unpaid debts from patients.
Quick Facts About High-Deductible Health Plans
Covering more than 11.4 million people, high-deductible health care plans are no longer a novelty-they are becoming mainstream. Here’s a brief guide to this popular type of health insurance.
Today’s Headlines – April 27, 2012
Happy Friday from Kaiser Health News. Here are today’s top headlines: Los Angeles Times: Obama Healthcare Reforms Lead To $1.3 Billion In Insurance Rebates U.S. consumers and businesses will receive an estimated $1.3 billion in rebates from insurance companies this year, according to a new study quantifying a key early benefit of the healthcare law […]
Wanted: Mavericks And Missionaries To Solve Mississippi’s Doc Shortage
Janie Guice, a recruiter for University of Mississippi’s medical school, is looking for a few dedicated souls who are willing to commit to practicing in rural parts of the state, even in places without a Walmart.