Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Evolution Of Medicare Advantage Plans
The roots of Medicare Advantage plans go back to the late 1970s, when health planners believed they could improve care while saving money. Now, health care reformers say the plans are too costly.
Democrats Are Not The Real Threat To Medicare
A look at Republican efforts to drastically change Medicare in the 1990’s shows that the Democratic health reforms plans aren’t the real threat to the program.
New rules being debated by Congress could mean consumers couldn’t be rejected because they have health problems and would include subsidies for lower-income people to buy insurance. But the rules won’t solve all the problems faced by those who don’t get insurance through their jobs.
Democrats Are Tightening The Belt For Health Reform
Democrats are considering their options for a less ambitious overhaul plan, including a new proposal from Sen. Max Baucus. Meanwhile, President Obama is planning his address to Congress, in which he is expected to propose specific refinements to the current bills.
Premium And Out-Of-Pocket Maximums For Individuals Under The House Bill
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Health Bills Might Not Protect Some Needy Americans, Experts Say
As lawmakers weigh trimming legislation, some consumers might end up burdened by medical and insurance costs.
KHN Exclusive: Congressional Documents Show Health Costs
These documents, prepared by the House Committee on Ways and Means and obtained by KHN, show the maximum premiums and out-of-pocket costs low- and moderate-income people might face under the House health overhaul plan, called America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Reform Won’t Work Without Strengthening Nursing
Health care reform is the serious-minded media event of the summer, but one element of the story has inspired relatively little serious discussion: the role of nursing.
Minnesota Experiment Puts Patient Health First
Doctors paid a salary, rather than per procedure ordered, shift their emphasis to prevention. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Whatever Happened To the Uninsured?
What the uninsured are missing, plain and simple, is a group of individuals with the passion to organize them around the issue.
Nixon’s Plan For Health Reform, In His Own Words
In 1974, President Nixon proposed universal health care, financial assistance for those who needed it and a way to control costs – a plan strikingly similar to those on Capitol Hill now.
Could Lawsuit Curbs Pave Way For Health Care Deal?
The GOP has long said that many of the ills of the nation’s health care system can be remedied with a cap on medical malpractice suits. Democrats say limits on pain and suffering awards are not the answer. Could a compromise save the president’s health care initiative? This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Sen. Charles Grassley Discusses Alliance with Sen. Max Baucus
In an interview with KHN’s Eric Pianin, Republican Grassley says his long-standing alliance with Democratic Finance Committee Chairman Baucus remains strong despite political pressure but won’t influence his decision on whether to support bipartisan health care legislation. Listen to the interview.
Baucus-Grassley Bipartisan Partnership Frays Under Health Reform Pressures
For nearly a decade, the two Senate Finance Committee leaders have found ways to bridge partisan divides to shape dozens of bills. But their partnership is being severely tested on a health care overhaul plan.
Dr. House’s Prescription: More Medicine Is Better
Despite TV portrayals of best medicine, health reform proponents says patients could get good treatment — and cheaper care — if high tech tests were used more judiciously.
Health On The Hill – August 31, 2009
New federal deficit numbers in combination with concerns that some voters have expressed at town hall meetings this August over the size, scope and cost of health care legislation may lead lawmakers to reconsider elements of the measure Democrats want to pass this year. The death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., may create new momentum among Democrats and Republicans to resolve their differences over the bill, but the many complexities involved with any overhaul of the nation’s health care system guarantee a lengthy debate this fall.
Why Seniors are Health Reform Winners, Not Losers
In truth, seniors are likely to big winners if responsible health reform passes and prime victims if it fails.
What The ‘Gang Of Six’ Wants From Health Bill
If there is any hope of passing a bipartisan health care bill in the Senate, it may well lie with a key group of senators known as the Gang of Six. Three Democrats and three Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee have continued to work on a compromise health care bill through Congress’ summer recess. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
In Health Care Debate, Fear Trumps Logic
Every effort to remake America’s health care system since the 1930s has been scuttled by the same technique – scaring the public. The opponents have been different, ranging from the AMA to the insurance industry to conservative ideologues. But the playbook has remained the same. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Sen. Charles E. Grassley Discusses Prospects For Health Legislation
In an interview with KHN, Grassley talks about the impact of town hall meetings on bipartisan negotiations.
