Latest Morning Briefing Stories

An Unreasonable Expectation

KFF Health News Original

As the country has struggled to raise the debt ceiling, there have been periodic expectations that the current fiscal distress would produce the “right environment” to finally reform entitlements — particularly Medicare. This has seemed quite astounding to me, 15 months before a presidential election year, given the presence of a divided Congress and our highly charged political environment.

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.

Medicaid’s Moment (Guest Opinion)

KFF Health News Original

While Democrats are effusive in their praise of Medicare, their silence in response to public attacks on Medicaid has been deafening. All the more important, then, is the study released this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research. It makes the job even easier.

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.