Kaiser Health News - Medicare

Senate Immigration Bill Would Ease Restrictions On Foreign Health Workers

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:33:00 GMT

On Capitol Hill, several legislative efforts are moving forward on health issues. Among them is an effort by the Massachusetts delegation to keep bonus Medicare payments for the state's hospitals, while House Republicans are looking for another way to deal with a bill to fund high-risk insurance pools. In addition, a Senate measure is advancing that would increase scrutiny On compounding pharmacies.

As Hill Panels Focus On Medicare, Marketplace Examines How Part D Changed The Pharmaceutical Industry

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:14:18 GMT

Medicare is a topic of conversation on Capitol Hill as a Senate committee holds a hearing on the Medicare Part D drug program. Meanwhile, on the House side, members of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee heard testimony on patient cost-sharing that triggered a broad discussion of health care incentives within the program.

First Edition: May 22, 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:20:17 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the Medicaid expansion is shaking out in Virginia and Texas, as well as a report about the role health care is playing as the House attempts to negotiate an immigration reform measure.

Some GOP Lawmakers Target HHS Secretary Sebelius For Fundraising

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:17:52 GMT

The members of Congress are questioning Sebelius' efforts to solicit funds for Enroll America, which is trying to help get people signed up for benefits under the federal health law.

New Analysis Finds More Seniors Living In Poverty

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:15:00 GMT

The estimate, which takes health spending and other factors into account, concluded that 1 in 7 seniors lives in poverty. Projections indicate that number could go up if certain Medicare reforms took effect.

First Edition: May 21, 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:23:54 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories examining how the approaching implementation of some health law provisions is highlighting key policy questions.

CBO: Obama's Budget Would Reduce Medicare Spending By $364B

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:33:00 GMT

The Congressional Budget Office estimated Friday that President Obama's budget would reduce Medicare spending by $364 billion over the next decade and would reduce future budget deficits. The White House and Congress will likely soon need to work on a long-term budget solution as the nation again hits its debt limit.

First Edition: May 20, 2013

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:26:54 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the policy and political issues currently surrounding the health law's implementation.

Republicans Ask GAO To Probe Sebelius' Fundraising

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GOP lawmakers seek an investigation of the Health and Human Services secretary's efforts to secure more funding for a private group that will help with the implementation of the health law. At the same time, an HHS spokesman offered more detail regarding whom she contacted.

Some Hospitals Under The Microscope For Steep Pricing

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:33:00 GMT

The New York Times and Los Angeles Times report on specific hospitals that have been shown to be among the most expensive in the nation. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports on interest from some senators in overhauling Medicare's hospital payment system.

Tavenner Becomes Agency's First Confirmed Chief In 7 Years

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:10:00 GMT

In a 91-to-7 vote, the Senate approved President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Marilyn Tavenner, who has been the agency's acting administrator, was endorsed by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.

House GOP Lays Groundwork For Fall Budget Face-Off

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:44:00 GMT

Among the ideas being bandied about is delaying for at least two years the implementation of the health law's insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Retiree Medical Expenses Fall, But They Still Exceed Most People's Expectations

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:43:00 GMT

A study released by Fidelity Investments estimated that a couple, who are enrolled in traditional Medicare and retiring in 2013, will need $220,000 to cover medical costs throughout their retirement.

First Edition: May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:20:00 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the Senate confirmation of Acting Chief Marilyn Tavenner to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Deficit Projections Likely To Reduce 'Grand Bargain' Pressure

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:02:00 GMT

The Congressional Budget Office reports the deficit is shrinking at a faster-than-expected rate this year. Medicare and Medicaid outlays are smaller than anticipated, and health care cost increases appear to have slowed. The numbers are expected to lessen the momentum to cut spending on Medicare and other entitlement programs.

89 Arrested In $223 Million Medicare Fraud Schemes

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:01:00 GMT

Doctors and nurses were among those charged in the bust that spanned eight cities and focused on bogus Medicare charges.

Political Cartoon: 'Bloc On Wood?'

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:40:21 GMT

Take a look at KHN's lighter side, featuring today's cartoon and health policy haiku.

Viewpoints: Controversy Taints IRS Efforts On Health Law; Another Chance To 'Gut' The Overhaul In The Courts; Salt Wrongly Accused

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:26:29 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

First Edition: May 15, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:33:15 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the latest Congressional Budget Office projections could further stall efforts to reach a grand bargain that includes changes to Medicare and other entitlement programs.