Latest KFF Health News Stories
Planned Parenthood Finds Success In Courts To Block Efforts To Cut Funding
News outlets report on the status of state efforts to block funding for Planned Parenthood.
State Roundup: Hurricane Sandy Has East Coast Hospitals Scrambling
A variety of state health policy news reports from around the country.
First Edition: October 29, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the presidential election’s outcome could impact the insurance industry as well as the fate of people who are sick or uninsured.
FDA Report Says Pharmacy Knew About Contamination Problems
The Massachusetts company linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak had mold and bacteria in it work areas and the company’s monitoring showed multiple cases of contamination, federal investigators say.
Health Care Concerns Play Big Among Swing State Voters
‘Obamacare’ continues to grab headlines as President Barack Obama embraces it and Republicans launch a critical Ohio ad campaign.
Obama Emphasizes Women’s Health Issues
President Barack Obama is differentiating his positions from those of GOP challenger Mitt Romney, saying a Romney win could result in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He is also assailing efforts to “redefine rape,” attempting to link Romney to comments made by Indiana Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock.
Senate Investigation Culminates In Report Criticizing Medtronic
The Senate Finance Committee alleges that the medical technology company played a hidden role in drafting studies about one of its products.
In the meantime, President Obama splits with the Supreme Court on their reasoning behind upholding the health law.
Drug Company To Pay $95M To Settle Improper Promotion Allegations
The AP reports the allegations were related to promotions for a stroke prevention drug as well as medications for high blood pressure and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
HHS Fraud Squad Digging Into EHR Medicare Overbilling
News outlets report that the HHS Inspector General is increasing the focus on the connection between Medicare overbilling and electronic health records.
In Wisconsin Senate Race, Thompson Finds Old Political Magic Hard To Restore
Thompson, who served as governor for 14 years, once backed the Medicare plan advanced by Republican vice presidential pick Paul Ryan but has sinced developed his own approach to revamp the health insurance program for older people. His opponent, Tammy Baldwin, once advocated for a single-payer health system but now says she will focus instead on implementing the health law.
A new report shows that improvement in the economy helped curb enrollment in the health care program for low-income people.
Federal Appeals Court Won’t Hear Planned Parenthood Appeal Of Texas Defunding
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the state would move immediately to stop providing any funding for Planned Parenthood and other clinics that provide abortions.
State Highlights: Mass. Contemplates Physician-Assisted ‘Suicide’
A selection of health policy news from Colorado, Oregon, California and Massachusetts.
Medicaid Expansion Finds Advocates And Roadblocks Around America
The health law’s Medicaid expansion — and its cost to state bottom lines — is making news among lawmakers, candidates and advocates in Kansas, Washington state, South Carolina and Arizona.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
CEOs Urge Deficit Deal With More Taxes, Entitlement Program Spending Cuts
A group of more than 80 CEOs are pressing Congress to cut the deficit through a combination of higher taxes and reduced federal entitlement costs.
Research Roundup: Patients’ Unrealistic Expectations For Chemo
This week’s studies come from The New England Journal of Medicine, the American Journal of Public Health, The Kaiser Family Foundation, Health Affairs and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as other news outlets.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how health policy issues are playing across the election landscape and how business leaders are urging a deficit deal with more taxes and with efforts to address entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Mourdock Rape Comment Roils Indiana Senate Race, Reignites Furor Over Women’s Health Issues
The statement by Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, linking God’s will to pregnancy resulting from rape, has spurred strong reactions from campaigns across the country – including the presidential candidates.
