Latest KFF Health News Stories
Texas Lawsuit Identifies Problems In Medicare Hospice Provisions
Complaint filed in federal court alleges one of the nation’s largest hospice companies and HMO firms defrauded the government by inappropriately shifting patients into the program for terminally ill.
Interest Group Wish List: A Window Into The Challenge For The Super Committee
To help give a sense of the enormity of the pressure faced by panel members, KHN has examined just one of many areas the committee must consider. Here is a sampling of the advice and requests from health care interests.
Affluent Seniors Could Take A Hit On Medicare
Both Democrats and Republicans are eyeing proposals to require well-off Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for their coverage as the super committee looks for ways to hold down spending.
Targeting Wealthy Medicare Beneficiaries
More than half of 15 major deficit reduction proposals put forth in 2010 and 2011 call for higher-income Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for their coverage.
Romney’s Plan Would Fundamentally Change Medicare
Although the GOP presidential candidate is offering to let beneficiaries stay in the traditional fee-for-service program, critics say his plan could shift more cost to individuals.
SHIP Programs Can Help Seniors Save Money On A Medicare Drug Plan
The free counseling program is available in nearly every county. The current open enrollment season ends Dec. 7.
Shopping Tips For Medicare Drug Plans
Here are some questions SHIP officials recommend asking.
Open-enrollment season for Medicare Part D often brings confusion for seniors all over the United States trying to sign up for prescription drug plans. Most counties in the U.S., however, have programs to help seniors wade through the options.
When TLC Doesn’t Satisfy Patients, Elite Hospitals May Pay A Price
As Medicare prepares to factor patient ratings into reimbursements, hospitals everywhere are pulling out the stops to please. Some of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals are struggling to appease their exacting patients.
Simpson, Bowles Blast Health Care Spending
Former Sen. Alan Simpson and former Clinton White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles both zeroed in on health care costs and the deficit during testimony before the super committee on Tuesday.
Health On The Hill: Budget Experts Warn Super Committee About Consequences Of Failure
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the super committee’s public hearing Tuesday when it heard from the leaders of previous deficit reduction groups.
More Than 25% Of Medicare Drug Plans Get Poor Ratings
Federal officials have changed the evaluation system to include more quality measures and plans that don’t meet standards in three years will face expulsion.
Seniors Get a Break On Medicare Part B Premiums
KHN staff writer Mary Agnes Carey reports that most beneficiaries face only a small boost in their monthly premiums next year, and some will enjoy decreases, Obama administration officials announced.
State Medicaid Spending Skyrockets
KHN staff writer Phil Galewitz reports that the combination of rising enrollments and the end of federal stimulus funds is forcing a huge spike in state spending on Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor.
Medicare Releases Patient Safety Ratings For Hospitals
Publication of the new Medicare data on HHS website is a step in the government’s plan to link payments to quality.
Clock Starts Ticking Saturday For Medicare Enrollment
Medicare’s open enrollment season begins
Chasing The Stars, Insurers Improve Quality — And Revenue
Only a handful of Medicare Advantage plans win five stars for quality. But the bonuses attached to the federal rating system are reshaping the competitive landscape for insurers.
Super Committee Health Goals Need Sound Policy
If the super committee is to reach its goal of finding an estimated $1.2 trillion in savings over the next decade, this panel will have to think big and produce recommendations with real substance — especially in regard to the health care component.
Health policy analysts are at risk of neglecting the issue that will more profoundly influence health policy than all of those now absorbing their attention: whether tax increases form a major part of any program to curb future federal budget deficits.
Different Takes: Advice For The Super Committee
KHN asked Henry J. Aaron of The Brookings Institution, Nina Owcharenko from The Heritage Foundation and Third Way’s David Kendall what they view as the most substantive issue or challenge facing the super committee and what advice they might offer to tackle it. Read their perspectives.
