Kaiser Health News - Stories

The IRS' Role In The Health Law Comes Under Scrutiny

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:24:00 GMT

As Republicans raise new questions about the IRS’ responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the health law, KHN’S Mary Agnes Carey talks to Joanna Kerpen, a partner at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, about the job ahead for the agency.

Oklahoma Law Reflects Divide Over End-Of-Life Issues

Michael Ollove, Stateline — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:38:27 GMT

A new law passed this year says Oklahoma patients who are disabled, elderly or terminally ill cannot be denied life-preserving treatments if they or their health proxies want it.

Senate Confirms Tavenner To Head CMS

Wed, 15 May 2013 23:01:00 GMT

KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jennifer Haberkorn of Politico Pro about the Senate's confirmation Wednesday of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the challenges she faces.

How A Florida Medical School Cares For Communities In Need

Greg Allen, NPR News — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:31:00 GMT

In places where medical care is scare, medical schools -- like Florida International University -- are connecting students with people who need to see a doctor, and making it a major part of their curriculum.

Doctors Transform How They Practice Medicine

Ankita Rao — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:03:00 GMT

Physicians are experimenting with new business models and practice techniques in response to financial and lifestyle pressures.

Hospitals, Testing Companies Face Questions About Value Of Community Screenings

Julie Appleby — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Promotions don’t disclose that many of the tests for heart disease and stroke are not recommended for those without symptoms or risk factors.

Coverage Problems Could Still Remain For Young Adults

Michelle Andrews — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Despite having access to parents’ health policies and new options provided by the health law, this age group faces challenges.

Oregon's Medicaid Lottery: A Participant's View

Jordan Rau — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:00 GMT

Amid the cacophony of expert views about the implications of a landmark study, a Medicaid beneficiary weighs in on the values and shortcomings of public health assistance.

Colorado Exchange Board Spars Over Federal Funding

Eric Whitney, Colorado Public Radio — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:54:00 GMT

Statehouse Republicans say the board has asked for too much money for Colorado's online insurance marketplace.

California Weighs Expanded Role For Nurse Practitioners

Pauline Bartolone, Capitol Public Radio — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:51:01 GMT

Some 15 states are expected to consider giving advanced practice nurses more independence and authority this year. It’s part of a push to meet increased demand for primary care as more people get insurance under the health law.

Health Perks Geared To Top Workers Could Trigger Penalties Under Health Law

Julie Appleby — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:51:00 GMT

Employers who offer more generous benefits to highly paid workers could face $100-a-day fines for every worker who doesn’t get them.

Medicare Lags In Project to Expand Hospice

Jordan Rau — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:51:00 GMT

The 2010 health law called for an experiment to see if allowing patients to continue to have lifesaving treatments when they join hospice would improve their quality of care and save money.

Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion And Online Marketplaces Offer Veterans New Care Options

Michelle Andrews — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:58:00 GMT

Many former service members have access to health care through the VA, private insurance or other government programs, such as Medicare and Tricare. But having so many choices can also lead to fragmented care.

Doctors' Diagnostic Errors Are Often Not Mentioned But Can Take A Serious Toll

Sandra G. Boodman — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:33:46 GMT

Diagnoses that are missed, incorrect or delayed are believed to affect 10 to 20 percent of cases, far exceeding drug errors and surgery on the wrong patient or body part, both of which have received considerably more attention.

State Spending On Consumer Assistance Could Have ‘Huge Impact’ On Marketplace Enrollment

Phil Galewitz — Sun, 05 May 2013 12:12:00 GMT

Some states with high uninsured rates get far less money to help people sign up for coverage under the health law.

Florida Legislative Session Ends Without Deal On Medicaid Expansion

Lynn Hatter, WFSU — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:52:56 GMT

The question of whether Florida would expand its Medicaid program to cover more low-income people has been answered, and it’s a “no” — at least for now.

Medicare Seeks To Limit Number Of Seniors Placed In Hospital Observation Care

Susan Jaffe — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:26:00 GMT

The proposal, part of the annual payment update, would help ease confusion over when beneficiaries are admitted to the hospital – an important criteria that can impact whether Medicare will cover nursing home stays – by setting guidelines.

Advocates Head To Court To Overturn Medicare Rules For Observation Care

Susan Jaffe — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:52:00 GMT

Some hospital stays are not considered in-patient care, but seniors often don’t know that until they find they don’t qualify for full Medicare coverage.

Colorado Weighs Reopening A Psychiatric Hospital To Serve The Homeless

Eric Whitney, Colorado Public Radio — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:11:00 GMT

A proposal by Gov. John Hickenlooper would bring mentally ill and addicted homeless people to Fort Lyon, a one-time mental hospital, then prison, that’s been shuttered for two years. The patients would voluntarily come to the institution. And the tiny town of Las Animas would welcome the jobs that reopening the facility would create.

Letters To The Editor: Better Wages For Home Health Aides; Nurse-Staffing Laws; Physician-Owned Hospitals; Actuaries And 'Rate Shock'

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:00 GMT

Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We will edit for space, and we require full names.