Latest KFF Health News Stories
Frist Predicts Congress Will Approve a $1 Trillion Health Care Bill That Won’t “Bend The Cost Curve”
KHN’s Eric Pianin talks with former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., about his new book, “A Heart to Serve, The Passion to Bring Health, Hope, and Healing.”
The Public Option Contradiction
Pursuing sensible change requires a clear understanding of what’s driving the status quo.
Analysis: Can What Killed California Health Reform Strike Again?
In 2007, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed covering the state’s uninsured with a plan similar to the one Congress is now considering. By January 2008, his plan was killed by a state Senate committee. While Obama’s prospects remain stronger than Schwarzenegger’s ever were, the current effort is hitting roadblocks reminiscent of the California experience.
Senate Health Overhaul Plan Offers Employers Penalties, Assistance
For employers, the Senate Finance Committee health bill says size matters. Small businesses that don’t offer coverage would get tax credits while the bigger ones could face fines.
Baucus Must Strike A Balance With Three Factions To Pass His Bill
The Finance Committee today thwarted efforts by liberal Democrats to include a government-run health insurance option in major health care legislation, as the Senate appears to be dividing into three important camps: those who are solidly behind Chairman Max Baucus, those reluctantly leaning in his direction and a handful of wild cards who will wield great influence. UPDATED
Employer-Based Insurance Explained
As a part of our “Are You Covered?” series, KHN and NPR examine employer-sponsored health insurance.
Holding Onto Health Insurance That Works
For some Americans, insurance is what it’s supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage. Employer-Based Insurance Explained | Video Profile
In not too many years, long-term care nursing home beds may be as rare as Republicans in Massachusetts.
The ‘Underinsurance’ Problem Explained
At least 25 million Americans are underinsured – their health benefits don’t adequately cover their health costs. The major proposals being debated in Congress would require insurers to provide a minimum set of benefits, which would take care of most patients’ needs.
U.S. Doesn’t Always Trump Other Countries In Quality Of Health Care
A study comparing U.S. treatment outcomes and other indicators among 30 developed nations found “no hard evidence” that American system stands out.
Baucus Bill: A New Round Of Preliminary Estimates, Scoring Implications
The Senate Finance Committee released preliminary estimates of the scoring implications of the modifications to the Chairman’s mark of the America’s Health Future Act, as introduced on Sept. 22.
It’s Time For A Chronic Health Care Bailout
To get to universal coverage in a fiscally sound way, we need to come up with a “chronic care bailout” plan. The way to do this is through health payment reform.
Fernando Arriola, 58, had full health coverage for years at his former job, but since starting his own contracting business, there are no affordable coverage options for him and his wife. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.
Health On The Hill: Baucus Asks Finance Committee For Truman-Like ‘Courage’
As the Senate Finance Committee devolved into partisan infighting about health overhaul legislation, chairman Max Baucus quoted Harry Truman’s advice to show some courageous, skillful leadership, and seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
Baucus Bill Doesn’t Bend Cost Curve Enough, Experts Say
Some analysts are praising Sen. Max Baucus’ health overhaul as a good start on a tough task but they worry that key provisions will be weakened during debate.
As a part of our “Are You Covered?” series, KHN and NPR examine how the health overhaul would affect medicare.
Baucus Offers Modified Version Of Finance Committee Chairman’s Mark
The modifications are designed to make health insurance more affordable for low- and middle-income Americans by increasing the Health Care Affordability Tax Credit and lowering the penalties for people who fail to meet the individual requirement to have health insurance. See related news summaries.
Senate Finance Committee Press Release On Bill Modifications
The Senate Finance Committee released a press release summarizing the major modifications to the Chariman’s Mark.
‘Cadillac Plan’ Video: The Stabbe Family
Mitch Stabbe and Marjorie Goldman treasure their “Cadillac” plan health insurance, even though it costs more than $20,000 in premiums per year. Their son, Bryan, has Crohn’s disease, which means very expensive treatments. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.
‘Cadillac Plan’ Video: Rusty and Deb Lovell
Deb and Rusty Lovell are not the kind of people you would expect to have “gold-plated” health insurance. Deb works at a community college and earns a little over $30,000 a year. But the health benefits she gets from the New Hampshire government have made a huge difference in their lives. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.
