Latest KFF Health News Stories
Interest Group Wish List: A Window Into The Challenge For The Super Committee
To help give a sense of the enormity of the pressure faced by panel members, KHN has examined just one of many areas the committee must consider. Here is a sampling of the advice and requests from health care interests.
Analysis: Keys To The Supreme Court’s Health Law Review
In this analysis, Stuart Taylor writes that the case is “especially momentous” because it will determine the future of the health law — President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement. The ruling also will likely occur during the midst of the 2012 presidential election season.
Scoreboard: Tracking Health Law Court Challenges
Kaiser Health News tracks the status of more than two dozen cases as they work their way through the federal courts.
Tough Lessons From America’s Health Reform History
KHN’s Jordan Rau talks with Paul Starr about “Remedy and Reaction,” his new book. Starr, a health policy adviser during the Clinton administration, looks at America’s ongoing and bitter struggle with reforming its health care system.
Romney’s Plan Would Fundamentally Change Medicare
Although the GOP presidential candidate is offering to let beneficiaries stay in the traditional fee-for-service program, critics say his plan could shift more cost to individuals.
Minnesota GOP Wrestles With Health Exchange Questions
The state could end up with an exchange run by the federal government, and some lawmakers think that’s a risk worth taking.
In Kansas, Republicans Can’t Agree On Insurance Exchanges
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback sent back a $31.5 million federal grant and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger worries it’s not sound policy.
Herman Cain On Health Reform: ‘I Believe In The Free Market System’
Watch video excerpts from the Republican presidential candidate’s address to the Congressional Health Care Caucus, where he outlined his plans for health policy.
Minnesota Health Systems Try Partnering, Not Competition, To Boost Their Bottom Lines
A partnership between two rival health systems in the Minneapolis area is offering a glimpse of the future, at least as envisioned in the federal health law.
Public Support Of Health Law Drops Sharply
Many Democrats lost faith that the law would help them, a bad sign for the Obama administration as it tries to maintain support among voters.
State Medicaid Spending Skyrockets
KHN staff writer Phil Galewitz reports that the combination of rising enrollments and the end of federal stimulus funds is forcing a huge spike in state spending on Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor.
In Mass., Conflicting Emotions About Controlling Health Care Costs
Pollster Robert Blendon discusses the first comprehensive look at public opinion on costs since the state’s health reform law was passed in 2006.
Minnesota Appeals Court Hears Case Challenging Health Law
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Paul Minnesota heard arguments against the constitutionality of the health law’s mandate for individuals to buy insurance.
HHS Releases Final Regulations For ACOs
KHN staff writers Jenny Gold and Phil Galewitz report on the new rule, which will make it easier for health care providers to participate in the new models of delivering health care.
Oregon Wants To Grade Its ACOs
Oregon’s Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat and a physician, is pushing for a way for the state’s health plans to coordinate care better for patients.
Testy GOP Presidential Hopefuls Continue Health Reform Attack On Romney, Obama
Health care took a prime role in the Republican presidential candidates’ debate in Las Vegas Tuesday. Former Sen. Rick Santorium led off with a strong criticism of former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney’s role in revamping the state’s health care system. Romney defended his position hard and noted that other Republicans, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich who is also running for president, had previously endorsed an individual mandate. Also, Rep. Michele Bachmann pointed to the Obama Administration’s freeze of the CLASS Act as evidence that the law can be repealed.
Clock Starts Ticking Saturday For Medicare Enrollment
Medicare’s open enrollment season begins
Chasing The Stars, Insurers Improve Quality — And Revenue
Only a handful of Medicare Advantage plans win five stars for quality. But the bonuses attached to the federal rating system are reshaping the competitive landscape for insurers.
Super Committee Health Goals Need Sound Policy
If the super committee is to reach its goal of finding an estimated $1.2 trillion in savings over the next decade, this panel will have to think big and produce recommendations with real substance — especially in regard to the health care component.
Transcript: What Is The Super Committee Doing? Advocates Elbow Lawmakers On Cuts
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the latest in talks around the “super committee’s” efforts to cut the deficit. Advocates and lawmakers are busy whispering what health programs should be shielded from cuts and which should be on the chopping block.
