Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Pays For A Kidney Transplant, But Not The Drugs To Keep It Viable
The federal government pays for kidney transplants. But the program only pays for essential anti-rejection drugs for three years. Many people can’t afford them and can end up losing the kidney.
New Medicare Rules Should Help ‘High Need’ Patients Get Better Treatment
Medicare is launching new regulations in January that will provide higher reimbursements for doctors involved in care coordination for seriously ill people.
Latest Hospital Injury Penalties Include Crackdown On Antibiotic-Resistant Germs
Medicare reduced payments to 769 hospitals in the program, punishing facilities that have high rates of patient injuries, including infections, blood clots, falls and bed sores. This year, federal officials also added the prevalence of two dangerous bacteria.
Hospitals And Surgery Centers Play Tug-Of-War Over America’s Ailing Knees
As Medicare considers paying for knee replacement procedures outside the hospital, doctors debate patient choice and the potential for post-operation complications.
When Looking For A Nursing Home, You May Get Little Help From Your Hospital
Hospitals rarely help patients find the best nursing home. When they do advise, hospitals sometimes push their own facilities.
Women Doctors May Be Better For Patients’ Health
Older patients who were treated in the hospital by women physicians were less likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, according to a new study.
COBRA, Retiree Plans, VA Benefits Don’t Alleviate Need To Sign Up For Medicare
Thousands of people mistakenly think that if they have insurance, they can wait to sign up for Medicare Part B. Generally, insurance other than that provided by a current employer will not exempt them from Medicare’s strict enrollment requirements.
Marketplace Enrollment Still Important Despite Plans For Health Law Repeal
Republicans’ plans to overhaul the federal health law are not expected to take effect immediately, so consumers can still sign up for 2017 coverage.
Price Poised To Protect Doctors’ Interests At HHS
As a Republican congressman, orthopedic surgeon Tom Price introduced bills to protect doctors’ financial interests.
Slowing Down Hospital Discharge Requires Fast Action
Seniors who feel they’re being rushed out of the hospital can file an appeal to halt the process but they need to act fast.
Health Law’s Test Kitchen For Payment Reforms Could Offer Tool For GOP Ideas
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation was charged by the health law with exploring payment reforms that could cut health care costs and possibly improve quality. But its future is hinged to whether GOP lawmakers see value in its work.
Trump’s Pick To Run Medicare And Medicaid Has Red State Policy Chops
Seema Verma is a consultant who was Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s health policy advisor when he was governor of Indiana, playing a key role in Medicaid expansion in that state.
Price’s Appointment Boosts GOP Plans To Overhaul Medicare And Medicaid
Privatizing the Medicare program for the elderly and disabled and turning the Medicaid program for the poor back to the states are long-time goals for Republicans in Congress and the White House.
A Consumer’s Guide To Medicare’s New Rules On Doctor Pay
Federal officials have released final regulations for the new program, which will reward physicians for providing high quality, efficient care.
Medicare Bars New ‘Seamless Conversion’ Efforts For Some Seniors
Some insurers have been allowed to move customers on the health law’s marketplaces into their Medicare Advantage plans when they become eligible for Medicare, but seniors complain they didn’t always know it was happening.
How To Enroll In Medicare And Avoid Costly Mistakes
Enrolling in Medicare is confusing and mind-boggling if you don’t act at the right time and avoid costly mistakes.
For Seniors, Teeth Need Care — But Insurance Coverage Is Rare
Traditional Medicare does not cover most dental needs and the private Medicare Advantage plans often have limited coverage, leaving most seniors struggling to pay for dental care out of pocket.
Feds Find Doctor Listings Often Wrong In Medicare Advantage Directories
The federal government’s first in-depth review reveals errors such as wrong addresses and incorrect phone numbers riddle many directories used by Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
Video Highlights: Health Care On The Debate Stage
Video highlights of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton’s discussion of health issues in the third and final debate on Oct. 19, 2016.
Officials Warn Some Older Marketplace Customers To Switch To Medicare
The government is sending emails and letters to some seniors to warn them that if they are eligible for Medicare and stay on the health law’s exchange, they will have to repay any subsidies they receive and if they miss their Medicare enrollment opportunity, they will face a life-long penalty.
