Latest KFF Health News Stories
Closing Medicare Drug Gap Helps Democrats Sell Reform
The health overhaul package passed by Congress will gradually eliminate the so-called Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” making prescription drugs more affordable for many seniors.
The First Test Of New Health Law: Covering Hard-To-Insure People
In a test of the Obama administration’s ability to smoothly implement the sweeping health care overhaul law, officials at the Department of Health and Human Services have just 90 days to launch an insurance program for people who can’t get private coverage because of health problems.
Health On The Hill: The Reform Bill Is Signed, What’s Next?
With a package of legislative changes to the health care bill on its way to President Obama, congressional Democrats have concluded work on their plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system. Republicans have said they will continue in their efforts to repeal the bill while Obama and Democrats are focused on the measure’s implementation.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – March 26, 2010
With a package of legislative changes to the health care bill on its way to President Obama, congressional Democrats have concluded work on their plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system. Republicans have said they will continue in their efforts to repeal the bill while Obama and Democrats are focused on the measure’s implementation.
Federal Agencies To Iron Out Health Care Details
Health care experts say enforcement of the new health care bill will fall to the Department of Health and Human Services and the IRS. One expert says the pages of regulations could dwarf the 2,400-page bill. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Transcript: President Obama’s Health Care Rally In Iowa
President Barack Obama’s speech on health reform takes place today, in Iowa. Read his speech, as released by the White House.
Text: The President’s Executive Order On Abortion Funding And The Health Bill
The White House released the text of President Barack Obama’s executive order on abortion funding and the health bill.
Which Medicare Plans Broke Rules?
Six Medicare Advantage plans that have been in trouble in the past are still breaking marketing rules in ways that place beneficiaries at risk. Some of their earlier violations included tricking beneficiaries into signing up for the wrong plan and sometimes even enrolling them without their knowledge.
Coverage For Sick Kids Under Question In New Law
The Obama administration says the new health overhaul law bans insurers this year from denying coverage to kids with pre-existing illnesses. Insurers say that’s not their interpretation of the law.
Some Will Remain Uninsured After Reform
When President Obama signed health care overhaul into law Tuesday, did he fulfill a campaign promise to “bring health care to all?”
GOP On Health Care Fight: ‘It’s Not Over’
One prominent Republican drew the ire of his fellow party members this week by calling the passage of the health care bill the GOP’s Waterloo. But Republicans say the issue has lost none of its power to motivate the opposition in the midterm elections and beyond.
Highlights: President Obama Signs Health Bill
At a White House ceremony this morning, President Barack Obama signed into law the Senate version of health insurance reform. The White House released video of the event, which includes remarks by the president and Vice President Joe Biden.
Last Minute Deal On Medicare Highlights Dilemma On Curbing Costs
Lawmakers agreed in health bill to increase Medicare payments by $800 million to hospitals and doctors in a handful of states.
Transcript: President Obama At Health Reform Bill Signing Ceremony
The White House released this transcript of remarks by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the signing of the health reform bill.
Final Health Care Package Shaped By Changing Political Landscape
The Democrats scaled back their ambitions for health overhaul legislation amid a year-long series of turbulent shifts in the political landscape.
Medicare Steps Up Efforts To Monitor Seniors’ Prescriptions
Medicare is expanding a program to make sure that some older adults use the right drugs and take them correctly to prevent harmful side effects or interactions. A similar program helped Irene Mooney, who was taking 13 medications and developed some serious side effects.
Doctors, Hospitals, Insurers, Pharma Come Out Ahead With Health Bill
Hospitals and drug makers are among the biggest winners in the legislative bonanza.
The Health Care Debate Has Just Begun
Last night’s historic vote to pass comprehensive health care legislation means a lot of things, but it does not end the health care debate in America–not by a long shot.
Why The Vote Changes The Health Care Debate Forever
Health care reform promises to shift the middle ground between government and market, modestly, but in a way that will have far-reaching effects.
Primary Care Shortage Could Crimp Overhaul
For all the changes put in motion by yesterday’s historic vote passing health care overhaul, an expansion of coverage for tens of million of uninsured people raises a really big question: Who will take care of them all?