Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Timeline of Kennedy’s Health Care Achievements And Disappointments
Over more than half a century of working on health legislation, Edward Kennedy scored many victories, missed some opportunities and never realized his dream of universal health care.
Uninsured Rate Soars, 50+ Million Americans Without Coverage
In a reflection of the battered economy, the rate of uninsured Americans rose to 16.7 percent last year from 15.4 percent in 2008, according to a new Census Bureau report.
The Census Bureau’s Annual Insurance Coverage Status Check
With this collection of resources, KHN provides a Census Bureau summary of key findings, the chapter on health insurance coverage and access the full report, “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2009.”
GOP ‘Repeal And Replace’ Strategy Lacks Merit
Although far from perfect, the health reform law promises a lot of benefits — to individuals and to the country as a whole. Can Republicans make the case that Americans would be better off without these benefits?
A Consumer’s Guide To The Health Law, Six Months In
The new health reform law could affect people who get their coverage at work, buy their own health insurance or are enrolled in Medicare.
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.