Cost and Quality

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Birth Control Without Copays Could Become Mandatory

KFF Health News Original

Is birth control part of preventive care for women? That’s the question before an independent panel of experts. And their decision could force insurance companies to fully cover the cost of the pill and other prescription contraceptives

It’s Not Just The Money: Cost Control In Cancer Care (Guest Opinion)

KFF Health News Original

Health reform raises deep questions about the size and scope of government, about progressive taxation, about the individual mandate and more. It’s easy to forget that cost control will be a huge challenge, no matter how these ideological matters are resolved. Finding the right combination of humanity and restraint will be particularly hard in addressing life-threatening or life-ending illness.

President: ‘Shared Sacrifice’ Means ‘Taking On Health Care Spending’ (Video Excerpts)

KFF Health News Original

In his second news conference in a week, President Barack Obama said he is “willing to look at” a number of ways to reduce health care spending, including provider cuts and changing the eligibility age for Medicare. But he dismissed the Republican approach, saying “it’s not necessary to completely revamp” Medicare to deal with the deficit and the debt ceiling.

Rising Health Care Curve Won’t Bend, Even for Obama

KFF Health News Original

A forthcoming report from the Congressional Budget Office shows that more than two dozen demonstrations projects launched by Medicare and Medicaid over the past decade have failed to stop the upward march of health care costs. But health care policy experts say the findings paint too gloomy a picture.

Medical Loss Ratio: What Does It Mean For Consumers And Brokers?

KFF Health News Original

In this Kaiser Health News video, Michelle Andrews talks about medical loss ratio, the amount of money an insurer must spend on health care as opposed to administrative costs and profits. The ratio could help ensure consumers are getting the most value for their health insurance premium dollars, Andrews says.

A Medicare Reform Model Everyone Can Love (Guest Opinion)

KFF Health News Original

Democrats and Republicans may not be able to agree on whether to increase taxes as part of a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling. But they can at least agree on this much: the need to restrain Medicare spending. The trick is finding a way to do it without sacrificing quality and access to care.

President Calls For ‘Meaningful Changes’ To Medicare, Medicaid (Video Excerpts)

KFF Health News Original

In his news conference today, President Barack Obama discussed negotiations with Republicans regarding the debt ceiling and the deficit. He also paid some attention to efforts to curb entitlement spending, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Q&A: Can I Get Medical Treatment And Hospice Care At The Same Time?

KFF Health News Original

Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader who wonders if there are states where they can get both curative care and hospice care at the same time. The health law may provide some solutions, Andrews says.

NY Health and Hospital Corp.’s President Welcomes The Health Law’s Promise, But Sees ‘A Very Clear Downside’ For Public Hospitals — The KHN Interview

KFF Health News Original

Alan D. Aviles, the longest serving president of the nation’s largest municipal health system, discusses his efforts to stabilize HHC’s finances in the face of dramatic budgetary challenges — including the health law’s reduction in special funding for safety net hospitals and state efforts to reduce Medicaid costs.

A New Health Care? Many Doctors Skeptical of New Technology

KFF Health News Original

Video: Like many physicians across the country, Cleveland doctor Conrad Lindes is worried about one of the government’s latest overhauls to the medical system: digitizing health care. He believes the government is forcing doctors to make a change to electronic medical records before they — and the technology — are ready.