Latest KFF Health News Stories
Majority Of Americans Think Ideology Will Affect High Court’s Ruling On Health Law
Six in 10 people think that the justices’ decision on the individual mandate will be based on their own ideological views rather than legal analysis.
Important New Understanding About Essential Benefits? Not Everyone Thinks So
The Department of Health and Human Services today released a document intended to preview the kinds of benefits most health plans must offer starting in 2014. But one consumer advocate said it does not provide nearly enough information to be helpful. The federal government in December gave states significant leeway to decide what “essential benefits” must be […]
Shortage Of Research On When There’s Too Much Health Care
This story comes from our partner ‘s Shots blog. There’s little doubt that the U.S. wastes a lot of money on unnecessary health care. But pinning down the worst offenders isn’t easy, as a fresh analysis of the scientific literature finds. Published research on overuse is in pretty short supply, so rooting out waste by […]
Today’s Headlines – January 25, 2012
Good morning! Here are your post-SOTU headlines: NPR: Analysis: Landmark Health Overhaul Gets Barely A Mention When it came to health, what was most surprising was how little President Obama had to say in his State of the Union address. His landmark 2010 health overhaul — whose fate is currently before the Supreme Court and […]
Obama Makes Only Modest Mention Of Health Care In State Of Union
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about President Obama’s State of the Union speech. Obama talked little about health care, reflecting maybe the hard sell they’re having getting the public to buy into the health law’s benefits. Republicans talked about reforming Medicare in their response.
Consumer Groups Ask Obama To Not Weaken Provisions For Insurance Labels
Leaders from some of the nation’s top consumer and seniors advocacy groups today urged President Barack Obama not to weaken a key consumer provision of his signature health care overhaul law. The provision requires health insurers and employers to use standardized, easy-to-understand information documents to describe health plan benefits and costs. These forms would explain how […]
Obama On Health Insurance Reform: ‘I Won’t Go Back’ (State Of The Union Excerpts)
The president was brief but resolute on health reform in his State of the Union speech. In the GOP response, Gov. Mitch Daniels, R-Ind., said Medicare dollars should be devoted to “those who need them most.”
On First Lady’s Guest List: Young Adult Insurance Coverage
Adam Rapp of Fall Creek Township, Ill., will have one of the best seats in the House as President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. In a custom dating back to the Reagan administration, the first lady’s guest list for the annual State of the Union address combines both personal and political […]
Jon Stewart, Health Policy Wonk
Who knew comedian Jon Stewart was worried about essential health benefits? Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius found herself in the middle of a surprisingly substantive interview Monday night on Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” — 16 minutes of full-on wonkery, about half televised and half for the Web audience only. The Daily Show With […]
Today’s Headlines – January 24, 2012
Good morning! Here are your headline highlights: The Associated Press/Washington Post: Supreme Court Won’t Hear Arguments Demanding Kagan’s Recusal From Health Care Case The Supreme Court won’t hear arguments from a conservative watchdog group that wants Justice Elena Kagan disqualified from deciding the constitutionality of President Barack Obama’s national health care overhaul (1/23). Politico: Survey: […]
Debate: Dispute Over Gingrich’s Role In Medicare Part D
Video: Health care came up in a variety of ways in Monday’s debate in Tampa, sponsored by NBC, National Journal and the Tampa Bay Times. Mitt Romney accused Newt Gingrich of influence-peddling on Medicare and also defended the Massachusetts health care reform. Rick Santorum tried to distinguish himself from both men, claiming their support of the individual mandate in the past undermines their conservative credentials. And he defended his behavior during the 1995 controversy about Terri Schiavo, who was in the center of a right-to-die dispute.
Hospitals Seek To Attract Business With Patient Perks
The rewards range from free parking and gift-shop discounts to wellness seminars and even social mixers.
Tips For Buying Long-Term Care Insurance
Consumer advocates say if you decide to get the coverage, be careful about the details.
The coverage is expensive and often restrictive, but it offers vital protection and flexibility for some consumers facing a nursing home stay.
Panel Sidesteps Controversy On Draft For Comparative Effectiveness Research
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) — created by the health law to help determine the most effective medical treatments — released its draft priorities and research agenda on Monday, but it did not single out any specific diseases, treatments or procedures to study. Instead, the nongovernmental institute that will oversee billions in research funding […]
Today’s Headlines – January 23, 2012
Welcome back! Here are your morning headlines: The Wall Street Journal: Can Accountable-Care Organizations Improve Health Care While Reducing Costs? It’s often said that the main method of paying health-care providers—with a fee for each service—results in increased and wasteful spending. Such a system, its critics say, rewards providers just for doing more procedures, rather […]
High Cost Of New Cancer Drugs Sparks New Care Struggle
Unaffordable new cancer drugs, even when they’re covered by insurance, are being rationed by price as patients, doctors and hospital officials struggle with how to pay for the spectacular rise in the cost of cancer care.
Health Plans Launch Own Exchanges Ahead Of Public Versions
Several large insurers in Minnesota are launching private insurance exchanges to protect themselves against competition from the public exchanges when they go online in 2014.
In Quest to Grow, Catholic Hospital System Pares Religious Ties
Catholic Healthcare West today ends its governing board’s religious affiliation to ease concerns from possible new partners. Some of its hospitals will remain Catholic.
Advocates Demand Clarity About Options For Patients In Financial Need
Many Americans continue to struggle with the high cost of medical care, unaware that non-profit hospitals are required to provide information about potential financial assistance or relief. But, a provision in the 2010 health law seeks to clarify what help hospitals should offer. Advocates were on Capitol Hill Friday to raise awareness about the provision […]