Latest KFF Health News Stories
Workers Face Higher Costs for Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Employers are passing on more of the expense of rising health insurance costs to their workers through higher deductibles and co-payments, according to new survey.
Checking In With Dr. Abraham Verghese On The Importance Of The Bedside Manner
The author of “My Own Country” and “Cutting For Stone” talks about his solution to the critical shortage of primary care physicians, the impact of technology on the patient-physician relationship and ‘the charm and magic’ of being at a patient’s bedside.
Poll Finds Most Doctors Support Public Option
In the heated, political back-and-forth of the health care debate, doctors’ voices aren’t always heard. A new, comprehensive nationwide survey finds that 73 percent of doctors support the inclusion of a public option.
Senate Health Bill On The Floor Within Two Weeks
The Senate Finance Committee could begin work on a health overhaul bill as early as next week.
Will Long-Term Care Be Included In Health Reform?
The real challenge for long-term care reform remains indifference, rather than outright opposition.
Can Obama Pay For His Health Bill?
President Obama said in his speech Wednesday that most of his health care plan “can be paid for by finding savings within the existing health care system.” Economists say there are ways to squeeze savings out of the existing health care system, but they might not make people happy.
Several states are implementing “medical home” programs, which shifts the health care system from emphasizing acute care for emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, to one focusing more on treating – or preventing – chronic illnesses.
Ohio Health Care Lobbyist Pays $30,000 A Year For Health Insurance
Sebelius cites case of Rick Colby, who supports Obama’s health care goals, but offers some changes.
Experts To Obama: Here’s How To Keep Health Reform From Adding To Deficit
Health economists say their “failsafe” proposal would keep health care spending from growing.
Please Don’t Call It Health Reform
The President has said “the status quo is not an option,” but that is for the most part what these bills would give us.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 10, 2009
Transcript of KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin’s discussion of recent and upcoming activities on the Hill.
Children Gain Insurance, Adults Lose In 2008
Federal and state programs drive down uninsured rate for children, but adults continue to lose job-based coverage, according to Census report.
Health On The Hill – September 10, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and other experts discuss recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
Experts Analyze Obama’s Speech
KHN asked nine experts
Excerpts From The President’s Speech To Congress On Health Care Reform
Highlights of the president’s address to Congress include his proposals for guaranteed insurance coverage, mandates to buy insurance and insurance exchanges. He endorsed a ‘public option,’ but said he would remain open to other ideas to expand coverage.
Obama’s Speech: A Sampling Of Reactions From Consumers
KHN interviewed several Americans about their reactions to the president’s speech: Was it persuasive? How would the proposals he outlined affect you and your family?
Text of the letter from Senator Edward M. Kennedy referenced by the President in his address to a Joint Session of Congress.
Obama’s Speech Leaves Room For Snowe’s Compromise To Put Off Public Option
President Obama signaled in his nationally televised speech last night that there is some flexibility in his commitment to a government-run insurance plan, providing an opening for Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe’s idea for holding the public option in reserve.
Transcript Of President Obama’s Address: ‘I Still Believe We Can Act’
A transcript of President Barack Obama’s address to Congress on his health care reform proposals.
New Poll By Health Advocacy Groups Highlights Concerns About Current Insurance System
More than three quarters of Americans older than age 50 have concerns that the insurance system as it stands now will not be able to continue to pay for medical treatment for them or that of someone they know, according to a poll released Wednesday by the AARP, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association.