Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hospitals Face New Pressure To Cut Infection Rates
Under laws in more than two dozen states and new Medicare rules that went into effect earlier this year, hospitals are required to report infections, risking their reputations as sterile sanctuaries, or pay a penalty. That’s left hospital administrators weighing the cost of ‘fessing up against the cost of fines.
Fact Check: Pat Boone On The Ryan Plan
Even as some Republicans distance themselves from the House-passed budget that would fundamentally change the Medicare program, the conservative seniors group 60 Plus’ celebrity spokesman Pat Boone is boosting the plan.
Bill Clinton Rips Ryan Plan At Fiscal Summit
Former President Bill Clinton said Wednesday that a controversial GOP plan to dramatically overhaul Medicare clearly was a factor in the Democrats’ victory Tuesday in a House special election in a heavily Republican Western New York district.
Not All Medicare Cuts Are Created Equal (Guest Opinion)
An issue for voters — both in this week’s New York special election and in the run up to 2012 — has to do with the differences in the two parties’ visions for Medicare’s future. After all, Medicare cuts come in all different shapes and sizes.
Conservative Senior Group Comes Up Short In NY Race
Sixty Plus, a 19-year-old organization, has become increasingly active in pushing Republican candidates and causes, will be effective in next year’s elections. It tried to have an impact on this week’s congressional race in New York.
Most Americans Oppose GOP Plan To Cut Medicaid
Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds about 60 percent of Americans want Congress to keep Medicaid in its current form.
‘No Regrets’ In Nursing Home Industry For Health Law Support-The KHN Interview
Mark Parkinson, head of the largest nursing home lobby, says some nursing homes will be hurt by the law’s requirement to offer workers insurance but they still favor the overhaul to bring health care costs under control.
Democrats Push Senate Budget Vote On GOP Medicare Plan (Video)
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about Democratic efforts to get Senate Republicans on the record regarding an increasingly unpopular GOP budget that includes big changes to Medicare. A vote is scheduled this week. The move is seen by some as a strictly political step that won’t bring lawmakers closer to agreement on a budget. (A transcript is also available.)
Coburn Exit Has Some Questioning Role Of Gang Of Six
In today’s Health On The Hill, KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with The Fiscal Times’ Eric Pianin about the Gang of Six, negotiators seeking consensus on deficit reduction plans. The group lost a member this week after Sen. Tom Coburn left talks Tuesday over proposed cuts to Medicare, potentially leaving them overshadowed by other similar efforts, like one headed by Vice President Joe Biden.
In Medicare Debate, Both Sides Claim An Edge
In the debate over Medicare, both Democrats and Republicans are claiming the upper hand after years of honing their attacks on the other, and next week’s special congressional election in N.Y. will provide a test case of who is winning.
Administration Offers New Path For ACOs
Facing strong criticism of the proposed regulation for accountable care organizations, the Obama administration announced new options to lure hesitant hospitals and doctors.
Florida Pushing New Fees For Most Medicaid Recipients
But the provision could get a chilly reception from federal officials, who would have to approve the changes.
Gloomier-Than-Expected Forecast For Medicare
The outlook for the federal health insurance program that, as of last year, covered 47.5 million elderly and disabled Americans is a dramatic shift from last summer.
When it comes to controlling rising health care costs, we face an urgent problem that leads to a simple question: Is there a smart idea that can be done now? Yes. It’s called “Paying for Outcomes.”
The first Republican debate among some of the presidential contenders included some questions about the health law, the role of the federal government, medical malpractice and Medicare. These excerpts of the debate include answers from Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump and Newt Gingrich did not attend the Greenville, S.C. debate.
Medicare Announces Rules For Quality Bonuses To Hospitals
Extra funding will be awarded to facilities that do better than average on quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Health On The Hill Transcript – Key Republican Signals Flexibility On Ryan Plan For Medicare
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about Rep. Dave Camp’s comments Thursday that signaled flexibility on Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to change Medicare.
Key Republican Signals Flexibility On Ryan Plan For Medicare (Video)
In today’s Health On The Hill, KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about Rep. Dave Camp’s comments Thursday that signaled flexibility on Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to change Medicare. Camp said he’s open to pursuing other approaches to reduce federal Medicare spending to lower the debt, and he called on Democrats to present specifics on how they would cut federal spending.
Remaking Medicare: Saving Money Or Shifting Costs?
Lawmakers disagree, fundamentally, on how to save costs in the Medicare program and if recent proposals — like the GOP one passed recently in the House — will save money or just shift costs to Medicare patients.
The Hypocritical And Reckless Attacks On The Ryan Medicare Plan — Guest Opinion
Last week, the president said the country has serious issues to address. He’s right. One of the biggest is the budget challenge. Unfortunately, the president’s carefully orchestrated attack on the Ryan plan has made it much less likely that real progress will be made before 2013 to address the problem.
