Latest KFF Health News Stories
Back-Up Plans For The Individual Mandate?
With this key health law provision’s constitutionality in question, Kaiser Health News asked six experts what alternative policy approaches might be used in its place.
How Would Perry Reform Health Care If President?
Republican presidential candidates are often careful to not reveal during primaries how they would change health care in America, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry is no exception. But examining Perry’s legislative record gives a glimpse into just what he’d change if elected.
Readers Face Multiple Dilemmas About Insurance Coverage, Costs
“Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews answers questions from readers, including someone wondering about coverage if you’ve been drinking, talking with your insurer about a family member’s bill and preventive colonscopies.
Health Insurers Seek Delay Of New Consumer-Friendly Coverage Forms
Shopping for health insurance next year will be easier, consumer advocates and government officials say. But the new materials are still a work in progress.
Insurance Experts Hope New Rules Will ‘Empower Consumers With Information’
Mila Kofman and Sabrina Corlette helped to develop the forms that HHS unveiled on Wednesday. The idea is to give consumers simple, clear and standardized information before they buy coverage – akin to nutrition labels.
Analysis: Medicare, Liberals And The Lesser Of Two Evils
For some Democrats and for liberals, the best outcome of the super committee’s negotiations could be the automatic Medicare cuts.
Document: Appeals Court Strikes Down Individual Mandate In Health Law
The 304-page opinion from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ends with a short conclusion from Chief Judge Frederick Dubina and Circuit Judge Frank Hull. Judge Stanley Marcus concurred in part and dissented in part.
Romney, Bachmann, Pawlenty, Ron Paul Spar On Individual Mandate, Health Law
In Thursday night’s Fox News/Washington Examiner debate in Ames, Iowa, all of the Republicans seeking the presidential nomination declared
Q&A: Where Do I Find A Community Health Center?
Michelle Andrews, KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist answers a question from an uninsured reader with a big health-care bill. She’s looking for advice on future care.
Pawlenty Points To Minn. Health Law As Model For U.S.
The former governor says he “passed health care reform the right way. No mandates. No takeovers.” But critics argue that it is unclear if the law will lower costs and it does little to expand insurance coverage.
Health On The Hill Transcript: Medicaid Untouched, Medicare Spared – For Now – In Debt Deal
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks about the lack of Medicare and Medicaid cuts in the initial round of cuts tied to the debt ceiling increase, and about what sort of cuts the programs could be open to later in the year.
Panel Formed To Give Consumers Reliable Treatment Information
The group, mandated in the federal health law, is expected to provide research that can empower patients to make informed choices and steer clear of unnecessary options.
Health Care Recommendations From Previous Bipartisan Deficit-Reduction Groups: Document
The debt-ceiling agreement calls for a bipartisan “super committee.” This is not the first effort to find a bipartisan agreement on reducing the federal deficit; here is a guide to the health-care recommendations from four groups.
Medicare Prepares Rule To Penalize Hospitals With High Readmission Rates
The federal health care program also wants to pay less to hospitals with higher-than-average costs for patient care.
Nation’s Health Care Bill To Nearly Double By 2020
New estimates from Medicare’s actuaries find the nation’s health spending will grow by 5.8 percent a year through 2020, compared to 5.7 percent without the overhaul.
Poll Finds Americans Gloomy On Some Promises In Health Law
Only 20 percent of people believe consumer protections will get better under the law.
At Age 46, Is Medicare Ripe For A Change?
Seven experts explore what it would take to muster the political will to revamp the popular health care program.
New Emergency Care Programs Focus On Quality-Of-Life Issues
With training, hospital emergency department staff members can enhance their skills in pain and symptom management and improve their communication skills.
Head Of Major HMO Sees Openings For Accountable Care Organizations-The KHN Interview
Kaiser Permanente’s George Halvorson says that despite the complexity of ACO regs, some versions have the potential to save money and improve care.
Trends To Watch For Curbing Health Costs
Industry mergers, doctor-hospital cooperation, new payment models are among the changes identified by six health care experts.
