Latest KFF Health News Stories
Small Cost Benefit for Tort Reform, More Primary Care
Two new studies show that neither tort reform nor an increase in primary care physicians will bend the health care cost curve as proponents believe.
Health Overhaul Brings Ban On Lifetime Benefit Caps
Among the new provisions of the health law that take effect later this month is a ban on something most people don’t even know they have – a lifetime limit on benefits covered by their health insurance.
Key Health Law Provisions Begin Sept. 23
Some insurers have already altered their plans to reflect the law. But starting this month, a number of provisions become mandatory for insurance plans, including a ban on lifetime benefit limits and the ability to keep adult children on parents’ plans.
For-Profit Hospitals Performing More C-Sections
Private medical centers in California are more likely to perform C-sections compared with nonprofit hospitals.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 13, 2010
As Congress returns from its August recess, the Senate is expected to debate amendments to a package of small business tax breaks that would repeal a provision in the health care law requiring businesses to submit a 1099 form to the IRS for yearly purchases of $600 or more from a vendor.
Health On The Hill – September 13, 2010
As Congress returns from its August recess, the Senate is expected to debate amendments to a package of small business tax breaks that would repeal a provision of the health care law requiring businesses to submit a 1099 form to the Internal Revenue Service for yearly purchases of $600 or more from a vendor.
Researchers Say Access To Primary Care Doesn’t Always Guarantee Better Health
Dartmouth researchers examining records of Medicare patients found that having access to a primary care doctor didn’t always result in the best health outcomes.
The Prevention And Public Health Fund: Good For Our Health, Good For Small Business
At stake in a Senate vote scheduled for this week is crucial public health and prevention funding.
Medical School Students Facing A New Reality
When today’s medical students graduate
Health Issues Prominent In Fla. Governor Race
When it comes to health care, the Florida governor’s race offers voters a clear choice. Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink disagree on hot-button issues from abortion to Medicaid.
Tomorrow’s Medicare: The Efficient Hybrid?
Since Medicare began, how to best pay for beneficiaries’ medical services has been a persistent question.
Government Economists Say Health Overhaul Won’t Significantly Increase Spending
Economists in the federal Medicare office say health overhaul legislation and other changes made by regulators and Congress since February will only have a “moderate” effect on health spending.
Don’t Discount The Value of An Agent, They Discount Your Insurance
Janet Trautwein, the CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, dispels recent media reports about the demise of insurance agents.
In An Age Of Consolidation, Some Community Hospitals Struggle To Remain Independent
While financial pressures and health reform drive many hospitals to merge, some standalone nonprofit hospitals stubbornly refuse to link up with hospital systems. How long can they survive on their own?
Assessing The Needs Of Disabled Medicare Beneficiaries
To provide better services, government officials need more concrete information about the needs of the disabled community, White House adviser says.
State Budget Crises Mount as Medicaid Rolls Soar
Florida and other states faced with soaring Medicaid rolls amid a stubborn recession are struggling to balance their budgets.
Conservative Group Forecasts Medicare Doctor Access Problem
Seniors may have increasing difficulty getting a doctor appointment over the next 10 years, according to a new report from the National Center for Policy Analysis.
Study: Malpractice Costs Just A Tiny Fraction Of Health Spending
The costs of “defensive” medicine practiced by doctors guarding against lawsuits are real, but not nearly as high as some have claimed. Even so, it’s probably worth trying to tame them, some policy analysts say.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 7, 2010
As the Obama administration continues to implement the health care overhaul law, some myths
Health On The Hill – September 7, 2010
As the Obama administration continues to implement the health care overhaul law, some myths