Kaiser Health News - Health Reform

Medicare, Deficits And The Politics Of 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:47:01 GMT

Reuters offers an analysis based on a recent poll and finds that people, shaken by the difficult economy, worry about the impact of efforts to address the nation's deficit. This concept could lead to Democrats finding traction for their positions on Medicare.

State Developments: Florida Hospitals Dodge Budget Bullet

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:47:00 GMT

A selection of state health policy news from around the U.S.

As Administration Explains Birth Control Rule, GOP Leaders Join In Criticism

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:46:00 GMT

House Speaker John Boehner, R- Ohio, called the decision on birth control coverage unconstitutional, while a senior White House official acknowledged during a conference call with reporters that there has been "a fair amount of interest and some confusion" about the policy.

HHS Offers Progress Report On Shrinking Medicare's Doughnut Hole

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:44:39 GMT

A provision in the health law was intended to help fill a gap in Medicare's prescription drug coverage. On Thursday, administration officials said 3.6 million beneficiaries saved $2.1 billion on prescription drugs in 2011.

Research Roundup: Safety-Net Hospitals Stack Up Well Against Others

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:44:00 GMT

This week's studies come from the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Government Accountability Office, The Kaiser Family Foundation, the Journal of Health Services Research and the Institute of Medicine.

First Edition: February 3, 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:49:55 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including news about Medicare's 'doughnut hole,' the political climate on Capitol Hill and the Komen-Planned Parenthood flap.

House Votes To Repeal CLASS Act — A Part Of The 2010 Health Law

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:29:00 GMT

The GOP-led push to repeal this long-term care insurance program, which the Obama administration already made clear it would not implement, drew some Democratic votes. During floor speeches, Republican lawmakers cast it as a barrier to achieving a real reform.

Health Policy Positions Offered By Romney, Santorum And Paul Draw Attention

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:52:53 GMT

In the midst of the GOP presidential primaries, Mitt Romney's comments about the safety net trigger strong reactions, while Rick Santorum delivers a speech in Colorado on health policy themes, and The Washington Post fact checks Ron Paul's comments about life before Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Climbs, Premiums Fall

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:48:00 GMT

The increase in enrollment was larger than expected.

More Fallout Over Obama Administration Birth-Control Coverage Rule

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:48:00 GMT

President Barack Obama's decision on this issue may offer insights into his approach to policy making. Meanwhile, kudos and criticism come from different sides of the issue.

HHS Essential Benefits 'Bulletin' Draws Tide Of Comments

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:47:13 GMT

As the official window of time allowed for groups to react to the Department of Health and Human Services essential benefits proposal closed, a variety of objections, concerns and common themes became clear.

Setting The Scene For The Supreme Court's Consideration Of The Health Law

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:47:03 GMT

Two state attorneys general will face off at the National Press Club on the constitutionality of the health overhaul. In other news, a Mississippi district court judge has agreed to hear a different legal challenge to the measure.

Viewpoints: Censoring Flu Research; Assailing Komen's Move To Cut Planned Parenthood Funding

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:46:28 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinion articles about health care policy from around the country.

The Health Law Implementation Challenges Faced By States

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:46:00 GMT

States' ability to implement the major changes that take effect in 2014 are tied to the decisions they face now. Meanwhile, governors' "state of the state" speeches reflect an overall cautious mood.

First Edition: February 2, 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:28:14 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports from Capitol Hill about ongoing efforts to reach a deal on the "doc fix" as well as the latest on the flap between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and Planned Parenthood.

Religious Protests Continue In Response To Obama Administration Birth Control Rule

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:44:00 GMT

The White House continues to defend its new insurance coverage rule, which requires religiously affiliated nonprofit groups to provide free birth control coverage to women. Also in the news, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is considered to be on the short list for the GOP vice presidential pick, introduced legislation Tuesday that would vastly expand the opt-out ability of religious or faith-based employers.