Cost and Quality

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Yes, Cut Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

The president and the Republicans agree that balancing the federal budget is impossible without restraining Medicaid spending. That will be much easier if we could stop pretending that every single Medicaid enrollee needs to be there.

The Real Impact Of Cutting Medicaid — Just When We Need It The Most (Guest Opinion)

KFF Health News Original

The recent policy debate surrounding the health care safety net seems predicated on the philosophy that we must sharply shrink government despite the accompanying human costs. That vision is most congenial to those who feel comfortable and safe without public help.

Key Republican Signals Flexibility On Ryan Plan For Medicare (Video)

KFF Health News Original

In today’s Health On The Hill, KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about Rep. Dave Camp’s comments Thursday that signaled flexibility on Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to change Medicare. Camp said he’s open to pursuing other approaches to reduce federal Medicare spending to lower the debt, and he called on Democrats to present specifics on how they would cut federal spending.

Remaking Medicare: Saving Money Or Shifting Costs?

KFF Health News Original

Lawmakers disagree, fundamentally, on how to save costs in the Medicare program and if recent proposals — like the GOP one passed recently in the House — will save money or just shift costs to Medicare patients.

Graduates Without Health Coverage Should Consider Their Parents’ Plan

KFF Health News Original

The health law guarantees that until the age of 26, children can stay on a family plan. There are exceptions, however, including when the young adult is offered insurance at work – even if that insurance is not as good as Mom and Dad’s.

Federal Efforts Build Momentum To Address Health Inequities — Guest Opinion

KFF Health News Original

During the month of April — Minority Health Month — the Obama administration took significant steps to build momentum for efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities. But with this momentum the stakes have become higher than ever, just as fiscal and political pressures mount that could undermine progress.

Health On The Hill – Congress Returns To Work On Deficit Proposals And Health Programs

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s David Nather talk with Jackie Judd about Congress’ return to Washington to work on proposals to lower the deficit. How to, and if, Medicare and Medicaid are reformed in the process are part of the mix of policy and politics lawmakers are considering in their work.

Health On The Hill – GOP Medicare Plan Spurs Anger, Splits Public During Recess

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about varied reaction by Americans and lawmakers to the GOP plan to reduce the deficit by making changes to Medicare. A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll shows most seniors oppose some GOP-proposed changes at a greater rate than the general public, which views it more favorably.

Insurers Clash With Health Providers As States Expand Medicaid Managed Care

KFF Health News Original

Many states are trying to restrain Medicaid spending by putting more people into managed care plans, but with billions of dollars at stake, insurers and health providers are lobbying hard for their interests.

Medicare Patients Aren’t Taking Advantage Of Some Newly Free Tests

KFF Health News Original

This year, seniors enrolled in Medicare no longer have to pay for more than a dozen tests and services to prevent disease thanks to the health law. Many, however, aren’t lining up for mammograms or colonoscopies though free wellness checks are luring many.