Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Young Docs Stumped By Health Care System, Too
Fewer than half of all graduating medical students say they have a good sense of how to navigate health care systems or the economics of practicing medicine, according to a new study.
The Public Option Contradiction
Pursuing sensible change requires a clear understanding of what’s driving the status quo.
Analysis: Can What Killed California Health Reform Strike Again?
In 2007, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed covering the state’s uninsured with a plan similar to the one Congress is now considering. By January 2008, his plan was killed by a state Senate committee. While Obama’s prospects remain stronger than Schwarzenegger’s ever were, the current effort is hitting roadblocks reminiscent of the California experience.
Senate Health Overhaul Plan Offers Employers Penalties, Assistance
For employers, the Senate Finance Committee health bill says size matters. Small businesses that don’t offer coverage would get tax credits while the bigger ones could face fines.
Baucus Must Strike A Balance With Three Factions To Pass His Bill
The Finance Committee today thwarted efforts by liberal Democrats to include a government-run health insurance option in major health care legislation, as the Senate appears to be dividing into three important camps: those who are solidly behind Chairman Max Baucus, those reluctantly leaning in his direction and a handful of wild cards who will wield great influence. UPDATED
Employer Provided Private Insurance Video: Dave Koenig
Dave Koenig gets private insurance through his employer and couldn’t be happier. As a conservative, he thinks private health care is the way to go, but he supports some changes to the insurance industry to protect patients from losing their coverage.
Employer-Based Insurance Explained
As a part of our “Are You Covered?” series, KHN and NPR examine employer-sponsored health insurance.
Holding Onto Health Insurance That Works
For some Americans, insurance is what it’s supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage. Employer-Based Insurance Explained | Video Profile
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 28, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
Health On The Hill – September 28, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
In not too many years, long-term care nursing home beds may be as rare as Republicans in Massachusetts.
The ‘Underinsurance’ Problem Explained
At least 25 million Americans are underinsured – their health benefits don’t adequately cover their health costs. The major proposals being debated in Congress would require insurers to provide a minimum set of benefits, which would take care of most patients’ needs.
Not Enough Insurance And Swimming In Medical Bills
Between the two of them, Martha Martin and her husband Jim work five part-time jobs, but still can’t afford health insurance. Last year, the Martins spent 45 percent of their $44,500 income on health insurance premiums and medical bills. Part of our series “Are You Covered?” co-produced with NPR.
U.S. Doesn’t Always Trump Other Countries In Quality Of Health Care
A study comparing U.S. treatment outcomes and other indicators among 30 developed nations found “no hard evidence” that American system stands out.
Baucus Bill: A New Round Of Preliminary Estimates, Scoring Implications
The Senate Finance Committee released preliminary estimates of the scoring implications of the modifications to the Chairman’s mark of the America’s Health Future Act, as introduced on Sept. 22.
It’s Time For A Chronic Health Care Bailout
To get to universal coverage in a fiscally sound way, we need to come up with a “chronic care bailout” plan. The way to do this is through health payment reform.
Fernando Arriola, 58, had full health coverage for years at his former job, but since starting his own contracting business, there are no affordable coverage options for him and his wife. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.
Health On The Hill: Baucus Asks Finance Committee For Truman-Like ‘Courage’
As the Senate Finance Committee devolved into partisan infighting about health overhaul legislation, chairman Max Baucus quoted Harry Truman’s advice to show some courageous, skillful leadership, and seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
Baucus Bill Doesn’t Bend Cost Curve Enough, Experts Say
Some analysts are praising Sen. Max Baucus’ health overhaul as a good start on a tough task but they worry that key provisions will be weakened during debate.
Medicare Recipient Video: ‘I Hope Medicare Stays Healthy For A Long Time’
Seventy-one year old Audrey Bernfield is one of the 45 million people on Medicare, the government health insurance program for the disabled and those over 65. Like most beneficiaries, she is very satisfied with her coverage.