Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biz Groups Push For Answers On Minnesota Exchange
The head of the largest business group in Minnesota has a message for both Democrats and Republicans as the state attempts to plan a health insurance exchange: We need answers, fast.
‘Obamacare’ Plays Starring Role In First Night Of Convention
Several speakers cited the 2010 health law as a signature achievement of the Obama administration Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. This video sample includes Stacey Lihn, the mother of a child with congenital heart disease, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, San Antonio Mayor Juli
Video Excerpts: Kennedy-Romney Debate 1994
As part of a video tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Democrats showed this 18-year-old debate excerpt at their convention in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday. In 1994, Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, challenging Kennedy, the incumbent at that time.
Romney Vows To Repeal And Replace Health Law
Health care was not featured in the Republican presidential nominee’s acceptance speech, but former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney repeated his pledge to repeal or replace the incumbent’s signature legislative achievement.
Ryan: ‘Greatest Threat To Medicare Is Obamacare’
Rep. Paul Ryan, the GOP vice presidential nominee, was not the only speaker who denounced the health law at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night. State Attorneys General Pam Bondi and Sam Olens spoke about the federal lawsuit against the law, and former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee called the law’s provisions an “attack on my Catholic brothers and sisters.”
GOP Convention: Christie Promises ‘Hard Truths’ From Romney
Excerpts on health issues from Gov. Chris Christie’s keynote speech, plus speeches by former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis.
Paul Ryan’s Health Care Record
By choosing Wis. Rep. Paul Ryan to be his running mate, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney has put Medicare on the table as a major 2012 campaign issue. Here’s a summary of Ryan’s record on a range of health care issues, including Medicare.
Medicare Fraud Squads Wield New Weapons
The fraud squads who look for scams in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs have some new weapons: tools and funding provided by the health law.
Romney’s Choice Of Ryan Is Key To Politics Of Medicare Debate
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Marilyn Werber Serafini discuss how Medicare reforms could figure into November’s presidential election now that presumptive GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has chosen Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to be his running mate.
Medicare To Penalize 2,217 Hospitals For Excess Readmissions
Too many patients are returning to the hospital soon after being discharged, a costly problem the government is tackling.
FAQ: How Paul Ryan Proposes To Change Medicare
The Republican-controlled House, along party lines, twice approved Ryan’s proposals to overhaul the popular program by giving beneficiaries a set amount of money every year to buy coverage from competing health plans. That is a fundamental shift from today’s program, where the federal government must help pay for every doctor visit and medical service that an individual uses.
Contraception Coverage Issue Continues To Smolder On Capitol Hill
Jackie Judd and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discuss the health law provision mandating contraception coverage at no cost to consumers, as the focus of the dispute broadens from Congress to the courts.
Ten Things You Didn’t Know Were In The Affordable Care Act
The 2010 health law’s big-ticket items have been the stuff of political debate and policy controversy. But the law’s hundreds of pages include a number of other initiatives that have gained much less notice.
How The SCOTUS Medicaid Ruling Could Save Money
The Obama administration doesn’t want states to skip Medicaid expansions, but it could save money.
Sebelius Signal To States: Don’t Roll Back Medicaid Eligibility
In letter to governors, HHS Secretary Sebelius urges states to “take advantage of unusually generous” Medicaid expansion deal.
Court Ruling Triggers Tax Debate On Capitol Hill
Jackie Judd talks to KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about Tuesday’s House Ways and Means Committee session on the individual mandate and congressional taxing authority. They also preview Wednesday’s House vote to repeal the health law.
Court Ruling Doesn’t Quell Partisan Feelings On Health Law
A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll done immediately after Thursday’s ruling shows the public remains split on the law along party lines.
Health Law Deadlines Under Pressure
The Supreme Court ruling shifts the focus to states. But between 20 and 40 may be unable to set up new online insurance markets by fall 2013.
Hospitals Celebrate Decision, But Threats Remain
The decision to let states opt out of the Medicaid expansion means hospitals serving the poor could still be stuck with unpaid care.