Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wash. Hospital CEO Gets Pay Cut – To Just Over $1M A Year
Rich Roodman, Valley Medical Center’s chief executive, has won a new two-year employment contract that will pay him more than $1 million annually in salary and bonuses.
Medicare Identifies 97 Best And 95 Worst Hospitals For Hip And Knee Replacements
The new analysis is part of the government’s effort to improve the quality of care.
Table: Hospitals Judged Best And Worst For Hip And Knee Readmissions And Complications
Medicare has evaluated how often patients undergoing hip and knee surgery were readmitted or suffered a serious complication. These hospitals did much better or worse than average.
How Palliative Care Helps: One Iowa Family’s Journey
‘This is their life. They’re the boss,’ says Dr. Tim Ihrig of the palliative care department at UnityPoint hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. ‘It’s an honor to be on this journey.’
In Hollywood, Health Coverage Presents Unique Challenges
The entertainment industry relies heavily on freelancers and independent contractors who rarely are able to gain health insurance through their employers. Though the health law might help some, people in this industry still sometimes face difficulties in the health care system.
Promises To Fix Mental Health System Still Unfulfilled
Even for those with the will and drive to pursue treatment, the process remains difficult, frightening and full of holes. On the federal level, little has come from the task forces and promises that followed the Newtown shootings.
New York Data Show Hospital Charges All Over The Map
Consumers should not assume that facilities provide better care because they charge more, experts say.
Why Some State Health Exchanges Worked
The most successful exchanges kept things simple, amply tested systems
More Than 110,000 Signed Up For Coverage Through Healthcare.gov In November
Navigators report a surge in consumer interest since the website became easier to use.
Insurers Question Health Benefits Of Some Genetic Tests
When a test is covered, typically genetic counseling is, too — to make sure the patient is a good candidate and to explain the results.
Some California Insurance Plans Narrow Doctor, Hospital Choices
In an effort to reduce costs, Blue Shield sent thousands of cancellation notices informing customers that the company will begin to offer newer, more limited plans at the beginning of the year.
For HIV Patients In Texas, Expanded Coverage Is Elusive
Many people with HIV live below the poverty line and therefore won’t qualify for Obamacare subsidies to buy private insurance, or for Medicaid since Texas officials opted against expanding that program under the law.
Judge’s Medicare Advantage Order Could Have National Impact
UnitedHealthcare will appeal a federal judge’s order temporarily blocking the insurer from dropping Connecticut providers, while doctors’ groups in Ohio and New York look at bringing similar lawsuits.
When Palliative Care Is The Best Care
A growing subspecialty that manages pain and stress for the seriously ill saves money, increases patient satisfaction and lengthens lives.
Medicare Seeks To Curb Spending On Post-Hospital Care
One out of every six dollars Medicare spent in the traditional fee-for-service program went to nursing and therapy for patients in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, long-term care hospitals and in their own homes.
Table: Medicare Spending By State And Category
One out of every five dollars Medicare spends goes to nursing homes, home health services or other post-acute facilities and services. The spending varies greatly between states: Louisiana spends 31 percent on post-acute services while Hawaii spends 12 percent.
Websites Step Up To Fill Federal Void
Several sites are helping consumers compare policies and figure out whether they are eligible for federal subsidies.
Administration Tests Fixes That Would Allow Insurers, Brokers To Enroll More Consumers
Changes that would allow the companies to enroll subsidy-eligible individuals are being tried in Texas, Ohio and Florida.
In Iowa, Accountable Care Begins To Make A Difference
The Medicare program created by the Affordable Care Act focuses on smarter, targeted care to save lives and money.
Hispanics Interested In ‘Having Providers Who Can Appreciate Their Culture,’ Medical Leader Says
Elena V. Rios, the president of the National Hispanic Medical Association, tells KHN that the U.S. needs more diversity in medical education at all levels.
