Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democrats Are Not The Real Threat To Medicare
A look at Republican efforts to drastically change Medicare in the 1990’s shows that the Democratic health reforms plans aren’t the real threat to the program.
A Medical Mystery: Why Health Care Is So Expensive
Policymakers are looking for ways to trim medical spending. In a single procedure, a cardiologist might throw away two heart stents that cost $2,000 apiece. That’s just part of providing proper care, the doctor says – it’s the economics of precision and technological advance. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
New rules being debated by Congress could mean consumers couldn’t be rejected because they have health problems and would include subsidies for lower-income people to buy insurance. But the rules won’t solve all the problems faced by those who don’t get insurance through their jobs.
Democrats Are Tightening The Belt For Health Reform
Democrats are considering their options for a less ambitious overhaul plan, including a new proposal from Sen. Max Baucus. Meanwhile, President Obama is planning his address to Congress, in which he is expected to propose specific refinements to the current bills.
Premium And Out-Of-Pocket Maximums For Individuals Under The House Bill
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Health Bills Might Not Protect Some Needy Americans, Experts Say
As lawmakers weigh trimming legislation, some consumers might end up burdened by medical and insurance costs.
Premium And Out-Of-Pocket Maximums For Families of Four Under The House Bill
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
KHN Exclusive: Congressional Documents Show Health Costs
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Reform Won’t Work Without Strengthening Nursing
Health care reform is the serious-minded media event of the summer, but one element of the story has inspired relatively little serious discussion: the role of nursing.
Minnesota Experiment Puts Patient Health First
Doctors paid a salary, rather than per procedure ordered, shift their emphasis to prevention. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Whatever Happened To the Uninsured?
What the uninsured are missing, plain and simple, is a group of individuals with the passion to organize them around the issue.
Nixon’s Plan For Health Reform, In His Own Words
In 1974, President Nixon proposed universal health care, financial assistance for those who needed it and a way to control costs – a plan strikingly similar to those on Capitol Hill now.
Taking Doctors’ Profits Out Of Medical Care Decisions
Lawmakers look for a way to shift doctors’ incentives from monetary profit to healthy outcomes. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Could Lawsuit Curbs Pave Way For Health Care Deal?
The GOP has long said that many of the ills of the nation’s health care system can be remedied with a cap on medical malpractice suits. Democrats say limits on pain and suffering awards are not the answer. Could a compromise save the president’s health care initiative? This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Sen. Charles Grassley Discusses Alliance with Sen. Max Baucus
In an interview with KHN’s Eric Pianin, Republican Grassley says his long-standing alliance with Democratic Finance Committee Chairman Baucus remains strong despite political pressure but won’t influence his decision on whether to support bipartisan health care legislation. Listen to the interview.
Baucus-Grassley Bipartisan Partnership Frays Under Health Reform Pressures
For nearly a decade, the two Senate Finance Committee leaders have found ways to bridge partisan divides to shape dozens of bills. But their partnership is being severely tested on a health care overhaul plan.
Piecemeal Reforms Won’t Control Health Care Costs, Report Says
A new report offers specific recommendations on how to “bend the curve” regarding costs to the nation’s health system.
Advice From Massachusetts: Beware Of ‘Unstable Compromise’ On Health Reform
Architects of the Massachusetts universal coverage initiative outline key lessons they have learned so far.
Arizona Faces ‘Financial Tsunami’ Over Medicaid
While Washington lawmakers are discussing an expansion of Medicaid, Arizona is having trouble paying for the program at its current level. The state has one of the highest Medicaid rates in the country, with about 1 out of every 5 residents covered by the program for the poor. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
California PAC Sponsors ‘Tea Party Express’
Members of Congress will return from their August recess soon. They’ve been getting an earful back home about overhauling health care. A political action committee from California has launched a cross-country bus tour dubbed the “Tea Party Express.” Members are concerned about spending, higher taxes and bailouts. This story comes from our partner NPR News.