Latest KFF Health News Stories
From Now On, We’re All In It Together
The House vote signals that we may be ready to listen to our better angels, and include all Americans in our coverage system.
The House Bill Could Have Been Avoided
With the right leadership, a bi-partisan merger of the Republican alternative and the coverage expansions in the bill itself could have been augmented with real delivery system reforms.
The House Bill Is A Great Start
The House health overhaul bill is a great start. It should just be faster, stronger and–really–bigger.
John Dingell: The House’s Link To Health-Care History
The health care legislation in the House has John Dingell’s name on it. The Democrat from Michigan is the longest-serving member in the history of the House, and he was there when Medicare was passed. Dingell’s father first introduced a bill calling for universal health coverage in the 1930s. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Injury Upon Injury: Californians Losing Jobs Find State Health Safety Net Is Badly Frayed
With the pressure of a severe budget crisis, California officials have made tough cuts to health services once deemed vital. Funds for dental clinics, foot and eye care, hearing aids, mental health care and other services long covered under the state’s Medicaid program have been slashed.
Conflict Of Interest For AARP In Health Bill Debate?
House Republicans are questioning whether the lobbying group is putting its potential for profit ahead of its members’ interests. It seems that whenever health care changes are debated, one party or the other seeks to undermine the organization’s clout. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
The President Should Be Opposing the House Bill
If the president and his aides continue to signal that House bill is acceptable, they will never be able to deliver the real reform the president has promised.
Could Delays Jeopardize Health Overhaul?
Those who want a health reform bill passed by Christmas fear that if that doesn’t happen, there could be a repeat of the brutal August town hall meetings. Others don’t think the situation is so dire and say that Democrats could deliver the bill to Obama by the spring.
House Democrats Offer ‘Manager’s Amendment,’ Signal Health Reform Debate Is Close
House Democrats late Tuesday released a 42-page “manager’s amendment” to accompany their health care legislation.
Republicans Release Their Own Health Care System Reform Bill
Republicans in the House of Representatives have legislation they say is a less expensive alternative to the Democrats’ health overhaul bill. They plan to introduce it as an amendment in the next week.
Medicare Experiments To Curb Costs Seldom Implemented on a Broad Scale
Successful demonstration projects are often derailed by objections from hospitals, doctors and other providers —
Abortion Language Creates Snag For Health Bill
Lawmakers thought they had crafted “abortion-neutral language,” essentially maintaining the status quo, but neither side of the debate is happy. And the issue is causing headaches for the Catholic Church, where opposition to abortion is running headlong into support for a health overhaul.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – November 2, 2009
House Democrats are expected to begin floor debate this week on their health care overhaul plan and House Republicans are expected to unveil an alternative measure.
House Democrats are expected to begin floor debate this week on their health care overhaul plan and House Republicans are expected to unveil an alternative measure.
Analysis: Public Option Might Play Only Minor Role In Changing Health Care
Despite all the controversy, a new Congressional Budget Office estimate indicates that relatively few people would be helped by a public health insurance plan. Any “opt-out” provision means at least some states are likely to bar a government-backed plan within their borders.
Take This Conservative Argument Seriously
Lately conservatives have been making an argument you should hear. It’s about whether we can believe Congress when it promises to raise taxes or cut spending–and, as such, whether we can believe that health care reform can actually be fiscally responsible.
House Health Reform Bill Contains Public Option, Promises Coverage For 36 Million Uninsured
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats will “deliver on the promise of making affordable, quality health care available for all Americans” with a sweeping health reform bill.
Audio: Health On The Hill – House Health Bill Explained
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses the latest health reform proposal unveiled by House Democratic leaders. A transcript is also available.
A Practical Reform: Indian Country As The 51st State
The federal government could treat Indian Country, at least for health programs, as the 51st state.
Finance Bill’s Fine Print May Cause Sticker Shock For Some Consumers
Legislation seeks to limit the amount low-and middle-income people will pay for health insurance. But a shift in the way their share of the premium is calculated in the second year of the program may make it more expensive.
