The Health Law

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Colorado Gets Closer To Essential Health Benefit Benchmark

KFF Health News Original

Colorado is moving forward with broad consensus among the state’s decision makers on the minimum level of health coverage people will be required to carry beginning in 2014.

Bill Clinton On Medicare: ‘There Were No Cuts To Benefits At All’

KFF Health News Original

As part of his 50-minute defense of the Obama administration’s record, the former president praised Obama’s health policies, asking, “Are we better off because President Obama fought for health care reform? You bet we are.”

Biz Groups Push For Answers On Minnesota Exchange

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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’

KFF Health News Original

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.”

Paul Ryan’s Health Care Record

KFF Health News Original

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.

Romney’s Choice Of Ryan Is Key To Politics Of Medicare Debate

KFF Health News Original

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.

FAQ: How Paul Ryan Proposes To Change Medicare

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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.

Court Ruling Triggers Tax Debate On Capitol Hill

KFF Health News Original

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.