Latest KFF Health News Stories
Sebelius: Protesters Trying To ‘Silence Debate’
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Friday in a conference call with members of the Service Employees Internation Union that some people protesting at town hall meetings around America are trying to silence the health care debate.
Democrats Get An Earful On Health Care
At town hall meetings across the U.S., congressional Democrats have met with unruly crowds ready to voice their concerns over the health care overhaul. Even Alabama’s conservative Democrats, who oppose the current legislation, haven’t escaped the wrath. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Community Health Centers Fill Big Need During Recession
As the economy has worsened, community health centers – which provide free and reduced-cost care to millions of Americans – have felt the pinch . Facilities, such as the Walker-Jones Health Center in Washington D.C., will have even more patients if Congress passes a health overhaul that expands coverage.
‘Medical Homes’ Concept Takes Off In Seattle
Across the country, doctors are experimenting with a health care model that puts the focus on individualized, preventive care. In so-called medical homes, doctors are rewarded for using longer visits, phone calls and e-mails to keep patients healthy. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Community Health Centers Strained By Recession, Face Bigger Caseloads Under Reform
While health reform legislation includes additional funds for community health centers, proposals to expand health coverage to the underserved and uninsured could overwhelm facilities that already provide reduced-cost care to 18 million people.
Big Business Group Urges Cost Cutting To Pay For Health Overhaul
John Castellani, president of Business Roundtable, said in a conference call Thursday morning that his group is seeking a health care reform bill that is funded largely through cost savings inside the system, preserves ERISA and stops cost-shifting.
Reform is Still Worth Fighting For
If the possibility of lesser reform doesn’t motivate liberals, then maybe something else will: the possibility of no reform.
Checking In With Health Insurers’ Chief Lobbyist Karen Ignagni
In just the last few weeks, Karen Ignagni, the health industry’s chief lobbyist, has faced Democratic accusations that insurers are “villains” and “immoral.” In an interview with KHN, Ignagni discussed her take on the Democratic political assault, her industry’s end-game strategy and her unflagging opposition to a public plan.
In Massachusetts, A Radical Idea For Changing How Doctors Are Paid
Some Massachusetts policymakers want to end the tradition of paying health care providers a separate fee for every service they provide. They say paying fees for every visit, test and procedure ordered is the main reason Massachusetts’ health care costs are the highest in the nation. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Insurance Agents Look Into The Future, See Uncertainty And “Opportunity”
For the tens of thousands of individual insurance agents nationwide, proposed changes to the health care system could radically alter how they do business.
In interviews, two agents talk about how they are bracing themselves for the post-reform environment. One thinks her fellow agents are too complacent, the other says “in every adversity, there is opportunity.”
Are Insurers’ Profits As Low As They Claim?
A trade group says insurers only make 1 cent off every dollar spent on health care. But that figure measures insurer profits against all the money pumped into the U.S. system. Economists say profits are traditionally calculated by how much insurers spend versus how much money they take in.
Health Insurance Chief Lobbyist Says “Villain” Comments Hurt Process
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, said the “Washington politics as usual” of finger pointing at health insurers is hurting the process of trying to forge consensus on health reform.
Health Insurer Chief Says “Villain” Comments Hurt Process
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans said the “Washington politics as usual” of finger pointing at health insurers is hurting the process of trying to forge consensus on health reform.
Public Baffled By Health Care Arguments
Many voters agree the current system is broken, but the “confusing babble” from D.C. sounds worse.
Will Emphasis on Prevention Bring Health Costs Down?
Obama and congressional leaders hope to reduce health care spending by promoting prevention to catch disease early. But some insurance and health officials say such efforts-although laudable-may not cut overall health costs.
Transcript: Health On The Hill for Week of August 3
Jackie Judd talks with Eric Pianin about the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s vote last Friday, wrapping up its work on major health care legislation, before Congress adjourns for the August recess.
Health On The Hill – August 3, 2009
Jackie Judd talks with Eric Pianin about the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s vote last Friday, wrapping up its work on major health care legislation, before Congress adjourns for the August recess.
Get Medicaid Out Of The Long-Term Care Business
While states and the federal government struggle to update Medicaid though a maze of waiver programs and patches to an increasingly outdated law, their efforts are a little like trying to add disc breaks and electronic ignition to a 1965 Plymouth. It is, in the end, still a 1965 Plymouth.
Pharmaceutical Industry Keeps Hand In Health Care Bill: Interview With Billy Tauzin
NPR’s Linda Wertheimer talks with Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of PhRMA, the biggest trade association for the prescription drug industry.
Dems and Republicans Head Home With Health Care Talking Points
Democratic and Republican lawmakers will offer their constituents very different takes on pending health care legislation during the August recess. Democrats will say the bills will “hold insurance companies accountable” and guarantee lower costs and more choice, while the Republicans will warn against a government takeover that will undermine competition and drive up costs.