Latest KFF Health News Stories
Grassley: No Longer Sure Bipartisan Health Deal Possible In September
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Finance Committee, says that mounting public concern about the federal deficit and government spending could hurt prospects for a bipartisan health care overhaul deal when Congress returns to work next month.
Sen. Enzi Plays Crucial Role Negotiating Health Care
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. represents the smallest state in population but he has a big role to play in the negotiations to overhaul health care. Enzi is one of the “gang of six” senators crafting the Senate’s health care bill. He says he won’t vote for any measure that can’t get the support of 75 to 80 senators. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Children’s Advocates Fear Health Reform Could Undermine CHIP
Proposals to move disadvantaged youngsters from the Children’s Health Insurance Program to health exchanges raise concerns that benefits would be reduced.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – August 24, 2009
A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.
Health On The Hill – August 24, 2009
A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.
Transcript: Quick Takes On The Ad Wars
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Jordan Rau about the advertising blizzard surrounding the health care debate. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent supporting and attacking efforts by President Barack Obama and Congress to overhaul the nation’s medical system, with the ads running in the capital and the districts of key lawmakers.
Is Grassley Abandoning Bipartisan Health Bill?
Republican Sen. Charles Grassley’s evolution – from legislator once complimented by President Obama for his willingness to work across the aisle to one of the president’s critics on health care – is a sign that the chances for passing a bipartisan health care bill have all but disintegrated. This story comes from our partner NPR News
Democrats’ Strategy to Avoid Filibuster Carries Serious Risks
Congressional leaders are considering invoking rarely used budget rules that would allow a health reform bill to be passed by a simple majority. But the technique could backfire and leave key provisions of the overhaul legislation vulnerable to Republican challenge.
Democrats’ Go-It-Alone Strategy
If Democratic leaders and the White House use “reconciliation” budget rules this fall to try to pass health overhaul legislation without Republican support, how would it work?
A guide to the definitions of the complex terminology of budget reconciliation.
‘Don’t Choose Paper’: Sebelius, Blumenthal Provide Detail On Health IT Funds
At a forum in Chicago, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Vice President Joe Biden announced Thursday the release of $1.2 billion of stimulus money to help with the adoption of electronic medical records at a forum in Chicago.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – August 19, 2009
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin about the growing political pressure on President Obama and congressional Democrats to scale back the cost and scope of the health care overhaul legislation this fall.
There’s no doubt the administration’s new health reform sales pitch works much better in focus groups. But does it really describe what’s under consideration in Congress?
Attacks May Force Democrats To Scale Back Health Reform Ambitions
Although some Democratic party stalwarts still urge administration to hold out for a comprehensive health care bill, others say a defeat in Congress could be politically disastrous.
Can Health Reform Pass? Experts Weigh In
Will President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats have to greatly scale back their health care overhaul proposals to get legislation passed this year? Here’s what some experts advise.
Health On The Hill – August 19, 2009
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin about the growing political pressure on President Obama and congressional Democrats to scale back the cost and scope of the health care overhaul legislation this fall.
What Can A Medical Billing Advocate Do For You?
When a claim is denied, an out-of-network fee is too costly, or an uninsured patient confronts an unclear or towering bill, an advocate may be able to help.
Code Blue: Out-of-Network Charges Can Spur Financial Emergency
When Gary Diego’s wife, Ellen, had bleeding in her brain, she ended up in an out-of-network emergency room. And he ended up with a huge bill. In a practice known as balance billing, insurers pay a portion of the out-of-network charges, and the rest is dumped on patients.
Health Co-Ops Touted As Alternative To Public Plan
Facing mounting opposition to the overhaul, administration officials left open the chance for a compromise with Republicans that would include health insurance cooperatives instead of a government-run plan. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Boehner Blasts PhRMA On Deal With White House
The House Minority Leader suggested that the drug-industry pact with President Obama, whom he called a “bully” – will backfire on industry and consumers. The GOP has its own health bill, which Boehner announced on June 17.
