Latest KFF Health News Stories
Americans’ Opinions Of Health Law Shifts – Just A Little
A new tracking poll finds the public is sharply divided over the new health law. However, seniors’ opposition has dropped since the bill passed in March.
Video: ‘Individual Mandate’ In Health Law Is Unconstitutional, Federal Judge Rules
Lawyer and journalist Stuart Taylor discusses today’s development in health care reform. U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson in Virginia struck down a key part of the new health law, saying that the mandate on most Americans to buy health coverage is unconstitutional.
Want To Avoid Unnecessary Tests? Stick To One ER, Researchers Say
New study in Massachusetts finds that too often patients go to multiple emergency rooms for treatment but health records often don’t follow.
Text: Judge Hudson’s Decision Striking Down Part Of Health Law
Text: Federal judge Henry Hudson in Virginia on Monday struck down part of the health care law that mandates most Americans buy health insurance or face paying a penalty. Here’s his decision.
Democrats Ramp Up War On GOP Health Benefits
While Republicans continue to plot ways to reverse the Affordable Care Act when they take over the House Jan. 5, Democrats are stepping up their attack on Republicans’ own health benefits.
New Rules Spell Out Protections For Consumers With ‘Limited Benefit’ Insurance Policies
HHS says that employers and insurers have 60 days to send out detailed notices to consumers on the limitations of their health insurance policies, which could have effects on so-called ‘mini-med’ policies.
A New Nursing Home Population: The Young
Young people ages 31 to 64 now make up 14 percent of the nursing home population, an analysis of federal data from the Department of Health and Human Services by NPR’s Investigative Unit found.
Video: Senate Reaches Deal On 12-Month Medicare ‘Doc Fix’
Lawmakers have a deal to stop scheduled Medicare physician payments for one year. Meanwhile, in Texas a new study shows that the state would lose $15 billion of federal funds in one year if it left the Medicaid program.
How The Health Reform Game Has Changed
The future trajectory of health reform will be shaped far more by interest group agendas and state-level actions than by the new House leadership’s stated plans.
Big Health Insurers Seek To Boost DC Influence
Five large health insurers are shopping for a public relations firm as they build a coalition to influence implementation of the health law and congressional action on it.
Checking In With Dr. Arthur Garson On ‘Health Care Half Truths’
KHN interviews Dr. Arthur Garson, Jr., on health care sound bites and myths. He says that the massive amount of confusion plaguing reform efforts confirms just how pervasive such myths can be.
Care At Stake As Congress Nears ‘Doc Fix’ Deal
Lawmakers are close again to delaying a 25 percent cut in reimbursement to doctors who serve Medicare patients. It’s the fifth time this year Congress has faced down the cuts, which could have dire consequences for the program if enacted.
Health on the Hill Transcript – December 7, 2010
Lawmakers have a tentative deal to stop scheduled Medicare physician payments for one year. Meanwhile, in Texas a new study shows that the state would lose $15 billion of federal funds in one year if it left the Medicaid program.
Some States To Get Hit Twice With Medicaid Funding Cuts In 2011
Already facing a record budget shortfall, Texas has received more bad news: The portion of state Medicaid costs paid by the federal government is about to drop.
Unnecessary Hospital Admissions Targeted By New Payment Plan
Maryland hospitals and regulators are teaming up in an experimental payment plan to reduce unnecessary admissions while improving patient care.
McAllen, Tex. spends more on Medicare patients than almost any other part of the country. But a new study contradicts the assumption that McAllen, Texas doctors over-treat everyone.
Health Law’s Aim: Multiple Vaccines For More People
Adults need vaccines to protect against serious diseases, including shingles, pneumonia and hepatitis. The health reform law, with its emphasis on prevention, will expand coverage to improve vaccination rates, currently too low.
Health Care Lawsuits and Party-Line Judging
A ruling is expected this month from a Republican-appointed judge on the heart of the new health law – the mandate to buy insurance. It could illustrate the growing prevalence of party-line judging in this country.
OPM Health Database Stirs Privacy Concerns
The project, designed to aid research into costs and trends, will collect claims filed by federal workers and others. OPM says privacy will be paramount, but some advocates are worried.
Docs Not Dropping Medicare Patients Just Yet
A new survey from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) finds doctors aren’t actually following through on threats to drop seniors from their patient rosters – at least not yet.