Latest KFF Health News Stories
FAQ: How Paul Ryan Proposes To Change Medicare
The Republican-controlled House, along party lines, twice approved Ryan’s proposals to overhaul the popular program by giving beneficiaries a set amount of money every year to buy coverage from competing health plans. That is a fundamental shift from today’s program, where the federal government must help pay for every doctor visit and medical service that an individual uses.
KHN periodically shares readers’ comments on recent original stories.
Medicare Seeks To Cut Number Of Seniors Denied Nursing Home Coverage After Hospital Stays
The government is testing new hospital payment rules to see if fewer beneficiaries will be classified as observation patients, which can be a costly designation for seniors.
Contraception Coverage Issue Continues To Smolder On Capitol Hill
Jackie Judd and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discuss the health law provision mandating contraception coverage at no cost to consumers, as the focus of the dispute broadens from Congress to the courts.
Study: Nearly A Third Of Doctors Won’t See New Medicaid Patients
But the rate is almost twice as high in New Jersey, largely because the state pays doctors so little to participate in the program for low-income and disabled residents.
Analysis: App-Happy Health Care Full of Optimism, Money
Welcome to the world of Internet-enabled health apps. The question, however, is whether these new tools will bring about fundamental health system change.
Group Health Teams With Hospital System In Pacific Northwest
The joint venture seeks to coordinate patient care and cut costs for employers and health plans.
Hospital Debt Collector Settles Minnesota Case For $2.5 Million
Accretive Health has agreed to pay a $2.5 million fine and leave the state for years as part of a settlement of a federal lawsuit brought by state Attorney General Lori Swanson.
New Federal Transportation Law Encourages Stricter Teen Driving Regs
Efforts by states over the past decade have cracked down on young drivers and tried to curb distractions, but safety experts say more still needs to be done.
Olympians Face Unique Health Insurance Options
U.S. Olympic athletes have a number of health insurance options, including the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Elite Athlete Insurance Program.
Forget The Company Plan-The Boss Wants You On Dad’s Insurance
Employers can encourage young adults to forego the office’s plan and take advantage of health law provision allowing them to join their parents’ policy.
States Efforts To Outsource Prison Health Care Come Under Scrutiny
The cost cutting measures have raised concerns among state unions and prisoners’ rights groups.
Texas Advocates Push Insurance Rate Review
The Perry Administration’s Department of Insurance has nine reviews pending on insurers that are raising premiums more than 10 percent.
Q&A: Upfront Payment For Medical Procedures
Michelle Andrews answers a consumer question about providers requesting advance payment for medical tests and other services.
Hospitals Finding Patients On Google, Facebook
Officials say the strategy helps patients, as well as providers. But critics complain it’s about revenue generation, not about improving health.
How The SCOTUS Medicaid Ruling Could Save Money
The Obama administration doesn’t want states to skip Medicaid expansions, but it could save money.
Sebelius Signal To States: Don’t Roll Back Medicaid Eligibility
In letter to governors, HHS Secretary Sebelius urges states to “take advantage of unusually generous” Medicaid expansion deal.
Q&A: Concierge Care And Choosing A Doctor
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about doctors who charge extra fees for more personalized care.
Rating Doctors Is Tricky, But Consumer Reports Does It In Mass.
Physicians are often nervous about patient reviews but they supported this effort.
What Will The States Do On Medicaid?
The Supreme Court said the federal health law cannot force states to participate in the planned expansion of Medicaid. But since the federal government was paying the bulk of the bill, will states really forego the option?
