Topic: Kaiser Family Foundation

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Tax VOX Health cost growth slows. Time to rethink budget debate?

If future medical costs continue to grow at their current low rate the federal budget will be in much better shape than most analysts thought, Gleckman writes. The slowdown in health spending growth is sure to drive the fiscal debate in some important and perhaps unexpected ways.
Opinion: Opponents of Medicaid expansion put politics over people

The rejection by several Republican-led states of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion to provide health care access to millions of America’s poor isn’t just partisan politics; it’s immoral. It’s not too late to press state leaders to put people ahead of partisanship.
State of the Union 101: Has Obamacare really slowed rise of health costs?

The president's State of the Union claim that Obamacare has slowed the rise of health costs misses the fact that key provisions don't kick in until 2014 and that slower spending is related to a weak economy.
Medicare: Taking it private would raise premiums

Medicare would be more expensive for six in 10 recipients if it were privatized, according to a recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Some regions, including the senior-rich political swing state of Florida, would face hundreds in premium hikes under a hypothetical privatized Medicare system.
Modern Parenthood Background TV exposure may harm children's development

Background TV – the kind young children don’t watch but experience because the television is on – is linked to problems with play, parent-child relationships, and cognitive performance. A new study in the journal “Pediatrics” suggests that kids are exposed to 4 hours of background television a day.
Obama's health-care law saved Americans $2.1 billion: Is it working?

A government report shows that rules in Obama's health-care law saved consumers $2.1 billion in premiums last year. It shows that states are using the law to their advantage, experts say.
Health-care premiums rise three times faster than wages

Health-care premiums have doubled since 2002, a new study finds, while average wages to pay those premiums has risen only by a third. But the rise in health-care premiums is starting to slow.
Supreme Court ruling on Medicaid tees up campaign issue

Some Republican governors and state lawmakers are eager to opt out of the expansion of Medicaid under 'Obamacare,' now that the Supreme Court has removed the penalty. But millions could remain uninsured. Expect this to play big in some state elections.
After Supreme Court ruling, Medicaid expansion faces uncertainty

A main goal of the Affordable Care Act was to increase the rolls of insured Americans, with about half coming from Medicaid. But the Supreme Court made it easier for states to opt out of the expanded program.
Health care: What the Supreme Court's ruling means for US consumers

The US Supreme Court ruling to uphold Obama's health-care reform law affects households across America. Millions without insurance are on track to get it. But costs are an unresolved issue.
Health-care reform law: How Supreme Court ruling affects families

The US Supreme Court ruling upholding President Obama's health-care reform law carries major import for millions of American families. Notably, many who are uninsured will gain access to health coverage.
Health-care reform law will survive even if mandate doesn't, experts say

Chaos will not ensue if the US Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate to buy health insurance, even if other parts of Obama's health-care reform law are upheld, health experts say. But premiums would be likely to rise.
Focus Gender gap daunting for GOP: Why women's vote is key

The gender gap for the next election is daunting for Mitt Romney as President Obama leads the likely GOP nominee among women in major polls. With simply more women voters, can he overcome it between now and November?
Obama health care law at Supreme Court: mega case for the history books

US Supreme Court takes up the Obama health-care reform law starting Monday. The case puts the high court center stage in a constitutional showdown that could define the scope of congressional power for generations – and perhaps affect Obama's reelection prospects.
Why Democrats are cheering the Paul Ryan Republican budget plan

As they did last year, Democrats are attacking the Republican budget plan released by Rep. Paul Ryan as an 'end of Medicare as we know it.' They think it will help them in November.
Michelle Obama marks 'Let's Move' milestone with arugula, 'Interlude Dance' (+video)

Michelle Obama started Let's Move to tackle childhood obesity two years ago. Now, she's finishing up a four-state tour to promote the effort – all with a dash of fun thrown in.
Toddlers to tweens: relearning how to play

Children's play is threatened, say experts who advise that kids – from toddlers to tweens – should be relearning how to play. Roughhousing and fantasy feed development.
Cover Story The games kids no longer play

Experts say the more creatively children play, the less lucrative it is for toy makers. They advocate returning to the games kids no longer play.
Obama campaign memo: Preview of a highly negative 2012?

The campaign memo, released Monday, said that Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and the rest of the Republican field have ‘embraced policies that the American people oppose.’
High-deductible health plans growing

The employer market is moving toward more consumer-driven plans. Will that translate into lower health spending?
Little girls or little women? The Disney princess effect

In today's highly sexualized environment – where 5-year-olds wear padded bras – some see the toddlers-and-tiaras Disney princess craze leading to the pre-teen pursuit of "hot" looks. Do little girls become little women too soon?
Little girls or little women? The Disney princess effect

In today's highly sexualized environment – where 5-year-olds wear padded bras – some see the toddlers-and-tiaras Disney princess craze leading to the pre-teen pursuit of "hot" looks. Do little girls become little women too soon?
Employee benefits: Rising costs will eat into your paycheck

Businesses are restoring employee benefits eliminated during the recession. But other employee benefits are going to cost workers extra.
SpongeBob study: Do fast-paced cartoons impair kids' thinking?

SpongeBob study: A study published Monday found that 4-year-olds performed worse on tests requiring focus and self-control after watching just nine minutes of 'SpongeBob SquarePants.'
Health-care costs: Debt talks boost Medicare reform plans

Health-care costs for seniors have been largely picked up by government. But their health-care costs could rise under various Medicare reform plans.