Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health On The Hill – House Republicans’ Budget Plan: What It Means, What’s Next
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with CQ HealthBeat’s Rebecca Adams about the fiscal 2012 budget plan from House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan. It would dramatically change Medicaid and Medicare.
Medicaid To Offer Rewards For Healthy Behavior
The $100 million program, part of the federal health overhaul, seeks to help Medicaid enrollees quit smoking or keep weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. But there is limited evidence that these reward programs work.
Health Insurance From Both Sides: KHN Interview Of Aetna CEO Bertolini
Mark Bertolini knows the insurance industry inside out. Both he and his son have had life-threatening health crises. He says he wouldn’t qualify for an individual policy and talks with KHN about how Aetna is reacting to the health law.
Policy Riders And Spending Debate Fueling Govt. Shutdown Fears
Policy issues including a number of controversial health-related items are adding to the difficulties faced by lawmakers as they try to reach agreement on legislation to provide funding to avert a federal government shutdown.
Patient Safety Expert Says Law Could Lead To Overuse Of Medical Care: The KHN Interview
Rosemary Gibson, who has led national efforts to improve health care quality and safety, is concerned about 32 million newly insured Americans being exposed to too much treatment.
CBO: Seniors Would Pay Much More For Medicare Under Ryan Plan
Health care entitlement programs are targeted for major overhauls under the House GOP budget proposal, says the Congressional Budget Office.
CBO Outlines ‘Key Features’ Of Ryan Budget Proposal: ‘Substantial’ Changes To Medicare, Medicaid
The Congressional Budget Office analyzed Rep. Paul Ryan’s 2012 budget proposal and revealed some additional details not in the Republicans’ news conference Tuesday.
Ryan, Van Hollen Duel On Medicare Spending In Proposed GOP Budget
The GOP budget plan includes proposals that would reshape entitlement programs like Medicare. Democrats responded quickly, saying Republicans want to get rid of Medicare as Americans know it.
Analysis: Medicare And Medicaid Get Squeezed In Ryan Plan
The House Budget Committee chairman’s alternative budget would provide Medicare beneficiaries with “premium support” and turn Medicaid into a capped block grant.
Ryan Budget: A Huge Opportunity To Improve Health Care
This week, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will release a budget blueprint that tackles the three big health care challenges facing the budget
GOP Proposals On Medicare Could Shift Costs To Beneficiaries
Despite the political risks of changing the popular program, Republicans – including Budget Comm. Chairman Paul Ryan – will offer overhaul plans soon.
New ACO Rules Outline Gains And Risks For Doctors, Hospitals
As many as 4 million Medicare beneficiaries could end up in new model of health care, but initial savings for government are small.
Transcript: Understanding The New HHS ACO Rule
KHN’s Jordan Rau explains how the Obama administration envisions accountable care organizations, which are designed to help hospitals and doctors form new networks to coordinate patients’ care.
Video: Understanding The New HHS ACO Rule
KHN’s Jordan Rau explains how the Obama administration envisions accountable care organizations, which are designed to help hospitals and doctors form new networks to coordinate patients’ care. Officials estimate that the ACOs could save Medicare up to $960 million over three years. ACOs are a feature of the new health law.
10 Reasons To Feel Good About Health Reform Implementation
Health law advocates tend to get gloomy about the threats haunting every step along the measure’s path to implementation. As an antidote, here are ten reasons to be optimistic about the Affordable Care Act’s progress and prospects.
Sebelius Challenged, Encouraged At Senate Committee
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was the lone witness at the Senate Appropriations Health subcommittee hearing today. Committee chairman Tom Harkin was adamant that the health law would not lose funding while ranking Republican Sen. Richard Shelby called the law too expensive.
High-Deductible Plans: When Spending Less On Health Care Isn’t Always Good News
A recent Rand study found that in families with high-deductible plans, kids were less likely to get immunizations and adults were less likely to get cancer screenings. Not only did this seem to jeopardize the beneficiares’ health, it also called into question the cost savings.
Study Finds Raising Medicare Age Would Shift Costs
If eligibility went up to age 67, the federal government would save $7.6 billion but total costs would rise more than that for seniors, employers and states.
Lawmakers Return To Wrangle Over Health Law, 1099 Repeal Funding – Health On The Hill Transcript
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s David Nather report on lawmakers’ return to Washington to wrangle over health law funding.
Health On The Hill: Lawmakers Return To Wrangle Over Health Law, 1099 Repeal Funding
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Politico Pro’s David Nather about developments on the Hill. This week: As Congress returns to Washington, funding for implementation of the health law is expected to pay a major role in the debate over funding the federal government beyond April 8 when the current continuing resolution expires. Separately, House and Senate lawmakers remain at odds over how to finance the repeal of a paperwork provision in the health law known as the “1099” that has drawn criticism from small business groups.
