Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Administration Delaying Some Rules For Appealing Health Insurance Denials
Officials say they will revise the requirements to deal with objections raised by insurers.
As governors across the land pepper the federal government with requests to scale back Medicaid
Medicare Rule Sparks Concerns About Patients’ Access To Home Health Care
Providers criticize health law requirement targeted at curbing wasteful spending.
On Health Law’s Anniversary: Predictions For Next Year
We asked 12 players from across the nation what they thought they would have accomplished by next year’s anniversary of the health law, or what issues they expect to be central in the ongoing debate.
HHS Says 48,000 Have Used Medicare Drug Discounts This Year
The health law provides a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs and 7 percent for generics once beneficiaries reach the doughnut hole.
Analyzing The Health Law’s Rocky First Year – Health On The Hill Transcript
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and NPR’s Julie Rovner report on how proponents and opponents are marking the first anniversary of the law.
Health On The Hill: Analyzing The Health Law’s Rocky First Year
NPR’s Julie Rovner joins KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talk about developments on the Hill. This week: With the one-year anniversary of the health law this week, proponents of the measure point to many of its provisions, such as insuring adult children up to age 26 on a parent’s policy or tax credits to help small businesses afford coverage, as signs that the law is succeeding. But opponents of the law say many of its provisions, such as the Medicaid expansion or a requirement that most individuals have health insurance or pay a fine, will weaken public support.
What A Difference A Year Makes
One year ago, the House approved the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Two days later, the measure became law. Normally, that would be enough to transform a bill into a permanent fixture of American life. But this was no ordinary bill.
Health Insurers Respond To Reform By Snapping Up Less-Regulated Businesses
Health insurance companies respond to new regulations by expanding into related
