Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republican Presidential Candidates On Health Care: Transcript
KHN provides a full transcript of video excerpts from the June 13 debate in which the candidates took on key health policy issues.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Debate Medicare
At the New Hampshire debate, candidates Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, discussed the controversial Ryan budget plan that would revamp Medicare and put forth some solutions of their own.
On Political Expediency and Health Care Reform (Guest Opinion)
Once upon a time, President Barack Obama and many others who championed his health care plan actually professed faith in the power of a functioning health care marketplace. That now seems like a distant memory.
A Health Policy Reality Check (Guest Opinion)
We occupy a strange time in U.S. health policy. Over the past two years, assumptions and beliefs that bridged the liberal-conservative health policy divide have been blown apart.
Berwick: “I’ve Got The Back” Of Medicare Beneficiaries – The KHN Interview
Embattled CMS administrator says partnering with providers will improve care and reduce costs.
Berwick: “I’ve Got The Back” Of Medicare Beneficiaries (Video)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick discusses the GOP proposals for controlling the costs of Medicare and “the way out of this Medicaid dilemma.”
Ryan’s Unintended Consequences (Guest Opinion)
There is one good thing about Ryan’s plan, and it has been completely overlooked. Offering beneficiaries the same voucher, no matter where they live, would expose the egregious amount of money Medicare wastes in many parts of the country.
The Other Health Care Lawsuit: California Medicaid Case Headed To Supreme Court
The court will focus on whether outside groups, such as hospitals, pharmacists and Medicaid recipients, have the right to sue when they believe the state is violating federal law.
Report: Big Flaws In How Medicare Pays Hospitals, Doctors
A prestigious Institute of Medicine panel says Medicare’s methods of evaluating regional costs are disturbingly imprecise and need to be overhauled.
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.
