Top KHN Original Stories
Seniors Who Don’t Consider Switching Drug Plans May Face Steep Price Rise
For beneficiaries, staying in their current plans could prove costly so advocates urge them to check out the alternatives.
Dementia Also Takes Toll On Unpaid Caregivers, Study Shows
The research shows 77 percent of those with dementia receive routine help with household tasks or personal care such as bathing and dressing. Only 20 percent of the 33 million people without dementia received similar help.
Don’t Just Renew Your Medicare Plan. Shopping Around Can Save Money.
Enrollment for private Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans begins Oct. 15 and consumer advocates urge seniors to check out prices to find the best deals.
All Stories
Viewpoints: Misplaced Blame On Co-Ops; Is Ryan Doomed?; Lack Of Family Leave
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Hopes Fade For Congressional Intervention To Block Medicare Premium Hike
Though there is bipartisan interest in a fix, lawmakers are struggling to find an offset to pay for this change. The premium cost increase, which stems from the fact that there will be no Social Security cost-of-living adjustment this year, would impact a large percentage of Medicare beneficiaries.
With Debt Ceiling Challenges Looming, Ryan Makes Bid To Become House Speaker
Meanwhile, the race to succeed Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is heating up.
Viewpoints: Paul Ryan’s Strengths And Weakness; Trump’s Mixed Signals On Health
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Longer Looks: The Medical Tab Of Congressional Gridlock; Why Go To Work With The Flu?
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
How Medicare Beneficiaries Can Pick The Best Drug Plan For Their Pocketbook
With the open enrollment period running through Dec. 7, PBS Newshour offers advice for choosing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Meanwhile, PBS’ Next Avenue looks at who might be affected by a 52-percent Medicare Part B premium increase in 2016, how to lessen the pain and what might stop the hike.
Viewpoints: Ryan’s Options–And Challenges; Fighting Opioid Drugs; Paying Egg Donors
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Medicare Advantage Plan Ratings May Be Adjusted After Fairness Complaints
Elsewhere, a proposal to stave off a $54-per-month increase in Medicare premiums for some seniors could lead to a budget battle on Capitol Hill.
After $3 Million Loss, Dartmouth-Hitchcock To Leave Pioneer ACO Program
The medical center says the Pioneer accountable care organization model is “unsustainable.” KHN also queries experts on whether they think ACOs are working.
On Capitol Hill, Lawmakers Weigh Possible Plans To Raise The Debt Ceiling
Some GOP House members are pushing for a bill that would have “strings attached” — some of which include finding savings in Medicare and Medicaid. Many Republicans also are blaming the Democrats and the health law for the failure of the Obamacare co-ops. Meanwhile, 10 House Democrats are urging that Medicare cover the cost of end-of-life discussions.
Ryan Says He Will Agree To Take Speaker’s Job, But Only If GOP Caucus Unifies Behind Him
The House Republicans’ leadership struggle has complicated the fall legislative calendar, which includes must-pass items such as the measure to raise the federal debt limit.
Viewpoints: Cynical Surprise At Co-Ops’ Problems; Bernie Sanders On His Health Plan
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Drug Testing Lab Millennium Health To Settle Federal Suit For $256M
The government alleged that the largest U.S. lab-testing company charged Medicare for unnecessary tests and provided gifts to doctors in exchange for referrals. Millennium Health is expected to file for bankruptcy by Nov. 10 as part of a corporate restructuring.
Seniors Who Don’t Consider Switching Drug Plans May Face Steep Price Rise
For beneficiaries, staying in their current plans could prove costly so advocates urge them to check out the alternatives.
Viewpoints: Fixing Medicare Premium Hikes; 2016 Politics And Drug Abuse
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Dementia Care — Where And How — Often Dictated By Money
In other news, KHN reports that antibiotic overuse in nursing homes may be putting residents in danger. And ProPublica reports Medicare spent nearly $4.6 billion in the first half of 2015 on hepatitis C drugs.
Clinton Calls For Cap On Medicare Cost Spikes
The Democratic presidential hopeful wants Congress to act to stave off Medicare premium and deductible increases for some beneficiaries after Social Security benefits stagnated. The increases for many would amount to an additional $54 per month in costs.
Congress Has Short Timeline To Stop Medicare Premium Increases
The Hill reports hopes are dimming for a that congressional deal to avert double-digit increases that will be felt by some Medicare beneficiaries next year. Meanwhile, Politico notes that budget talks appear to be hitting the skids.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Enrollment ‘Flatlined’; Investors Enjoying Health Law Benefits
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
