Latest KFF Health News Stories
High Court: Broken Bed Falls Under Malpractice Cap
As a federal judge considers the constitutionality of Texas’ 2003 medical malpractice reform – and Gov. Rick Perry campaigns for more lawsuit restrictions – the state Supreme Court has ruled that hospital injuries seemingly unrelated to doctor error can fall under Texas’ stringent medical malpractice caps. Some legal observers say the decision is a perversion of legislative intent, but tort reform advocates contend the high court simply closed a huge loophole in liability reforms.
Health Law Calls For Breast Cancer Warnings To Young Women
Provision aims to raise awareness about the risk of the disease to women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Health On The Hill – September 27, 2010
Just weeks before the November elections, new polling shows that four out of 10 adults – no matter whether they supported the law – think the health care law did not do enough to change the health care system in America, and 53 percent of Americans are still confused about health reform.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – Sept. 27, 2010
Just weeks before the November elections, new polling shows that four out of 10 adults – no matter whether they supported the law – think the health care law did not do enough to change the health care system in America, and 53 percent of Americans are still confused about health reform.
Americans Still Confused, Divided About Health Law
Fifty-three percent of Americans say they are confused by the health reform law, an increase of 8 percentage points, a monthly Kaiser Family Foundation poll reports.
Congress has promised almost everyone in the country access to a whole slew of preventive services with no copay or deductible. The result could have a dire impact on health care quality and access.
Returning To The Argument: Can Health Reform Reduce Costs?
Health reform critics cite recent developments regarding insurance premium cost increases as proof that their suspicions about the overhaul were on target. But are they right? Don’t be so sure.
As They Consolidate, Hospitals Get Pricier
The health reform law is likely to spur more hospital mergers, fueling a trend that experts say has led to higher hospital prices and insurance premiums.
Week In Review: It’s Health Reform’s Six-Month Anniversary, Is The Honeymoon Over?
As a number of its consumer protections took effect, attention to health law ramped up — six weeks before the midterm elections.
Health Law’s 8 New Changes To Insurance – With 7 Caveats
A set of new consumer protections went into effect Sept. 23. Here’s a guide to some of the changes
A Guide To Sept. 23: Health Law’s Big Day
The national health reform that was signed into law six months ago contained an ambitious timetable for changing elements of the health care system.
New Health Law’s Protections For Adult Children Begins
The new federal health law requires that insurers, when they renew their plans, give parents the option of keeping adult children who are under 26 years old on their plans.
Kids With Preexisting Illness Get New Protection For Coverage But Hurdles Remain
As of today, insurers can’t deny coverage to children with medical problems. But an important question is: How much will the coverage cost?
Transcript: Michelle Andrews On What Sept. 23 Could Mean For Health Consumers
For the past few months, health reporter Michelle Andrews has written about various aspects of the new law for her weekly feature “Insuring Your Health.” Today, the six-month anniversary of the signing of the health bill, a number of key provisions officially kick in and Jackie Judd sat down with her to discuss them.
How The Health Law Changes Could Affect You
For the past few months, health reporter Michelle Andrews has been writing about various aspects of the new law for her weekly feature “Insuring Your Health.” Today, the six-month anniversary of the signing of the health bill, a number of key provisions officially kick in and Jackie Judd sat down with her to discuss them.
Few Insurers Provide Coverage For Weight Loss Treatment
Millions of Americans battling excess fat find that their insurers refuse to pay for obesity treatments but instead cover its expensive consequences.
GOP Plan To Change Or Repeal Health Law Could Bring New Complications
Even if Republicans increase their numbers on Capitol Hill, experts say pushing through changes to the law will be difficult and could bring unintended consequences.
Keeping An Eye On The Health Care Prize
Many reformers undoubtedly believe that passage of the health overhaul law laid the issue to rest. But policy’s wheels continue to turn, and the process is anything but over.
A Timeline of Kennedy’s Health Care Achievements And Disappointments
Over more than half a century of working on health legislation, Edward Kennedy scored many victories, missed some opportunities and never realized his dream of universal health care.
Uninsured Rate Soars, 50+ Million Americans Without Coverage
In a reflection of the battered economy, the rate of uninsured Americans rose to 16.7 percent last year from 15.4 percent in 2008, according to a new Census Bureau report.