Medicare

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Some States Seeking Health Care Compact

KFF Health News Original

The interstate compact, which has been adopted by four states, would replace federal programs – including Medicare and Medicaid – with block grants. It cannot be implemented without congressional approval.

VA Experience Shows Patient ‘Rebound’ Hard To Counter

KFF Health News Original

The Veterans Health Administration has long used approaches Medicare is pushing on all hospitals to cut unnecessary readmissions. But new data show VA hospital patients are just as likely to end up back in a hospital bed.

Reaching Out To Legal Immigrants Who Need Health Care

KFF Health News Original

For the first time the Department of Health and Human Services is trying to help eligible legal immigrants sign up for programs like Medicaid, sometimes by going to health fairs in immigrant neighborhoods.

Health On The Hill: Congress Returning, Seeking Consensus On ‘Super Committee’

KFF Health News Original

With the summer recess ending, Jackie Judd talks to KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the staffing and makeup of the deficit panel and what to expect in the coming months. The “super committee” may take a closer look reining Medicare costs in through reforming Medigap plans and provider payments to cut the deficit.

How Would Perry Reform Health Care If President?

KFF Health News Original

Republican presidential candidates are often careful to not reveal during primaries how they would change health care in America, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry is no exception. But examining Perry’s legislative record gives a glimpse into just what he’d change if elected.

Rep. Schakowsky: Without New Tax Revenue, “Super Committee” Unlikely To Be Successful

KFF Health News Original

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., a member of President Obama’s 2010 debt commission led by Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, believes lawmakers on the “super committee” should aim for a balanced approach that would include new tax revenue as well as budget cuts.

Frist: ‘Super Committee’ Has ‘Shot This Time’ At Reining In Debt, Medicare Spending

KFF Health News Original

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist about the “super committee’s” chance at tamping down the nation’s debt. Frist says the panel has a chance to lower the debt and Medicare spending growth because the American public understands the stakes this time – the American Dream.