Latest KFF Health News Stories
G8 Foreign Ministers Highlight Global Health, Agriculture, Nutrition In Statement
The ONE blog examines how G8 foreign ministers “will additionally prioritize smart and effective global health, agriculture and nutrition plans at this year’s [s]ummit.” According to a statement from the G8 ministers, they reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, called for an AIDS-free generation, and stated investments in agricultural development show progress, particularly when focused on nutrition and women, the blog notes (4/17).
Trust, Invest In African Ministries Of Health To Create Sustainable Health Care Solutions
“During the 1990s it had taken a while for the rest of the world to wake up to the tragedy of AIDS in Africa, but belatedly the alarm call had come,” John Wright, a consultant in clinical epidemiology at Bradford Royal Infirmary in England, writes in a BMJ opinion piece. “Global funding and international action achieved something quite miraculous, bringing the most expensive and innovative drugs in the world to the poorest people on the planet; a triumph of science and health policy that made the discovery of penicillin look quaint,” he says. “The new health colonialists have come from across the globe with admirable intentions and boundless energy in a new scramble for Africa. Dozens of well meaning health providers are falling over each other to help — but crucially also to justify their efforts to their sponsors back home,” he writes.
White House Science Adviser Responds To Inquiry Regarding Handling Of H5N1 Research Controversy
“White House science adviser John Holdren has replied [.pdf] to questions asked last month by Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.) about how the Obama Administration has handled the controversy surrounding two studies that showed how to make the H5N1 avian influenza virus transmissible between mammals,” ScienceInsider reports. On March 1, “Sensenbrenner — a former head of the House of Representatives committees on science and the judiciary, and currently vice chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, sent a ‘fact-finding letter’ [.pdf] to Holdren” asking a “number of questions about how the government reviews potential ‘dual-use research of concern’ (DURC) that might be used for good or evil,” the news service writes.
State Roundup: Mass. Seeks To Improve Medical Malpractice System
News outlets also report on health policy developments from a number of states including Nebraska, Florida, Minnesota, Kansas and California.
Report: More Patients Turning To Social Media For Medical Advice
According to a new report, a third of consumers use social media to seek medical information, leading some to say that providers and insurers should utilize the media more to better interact with patients about their conditions.
Texas Asks Feds To Fund Women’s Health Program Through October
Texas is asking the federal government to continue funding its Women’s Health Program for five more months — through October — to allow the state to better prepare to fully take over the program.
Supreme Court Ruling Gives Generic Drug Makers A Victory
The Supreme Court handed generic drug companies a victory with its Tuesday decision.
Poll Explores Women’s Presidential Election Concerns
A new Reuters/Ipsos Poll found that 52 percent of women surveyed viewed President Barack Obama as stronger on health care, which was the second most pressing election concern. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama makes a pitch to women at a fundraiser.
Doughnut Hole Is Trouble Spot For Seniors On Heart Drugs, Researchers Find
A study documents that beneficiaries with cardiovascular conditions who reach the annual gap in coverage for prescription drugs, known as the doughnut hole, are more likely to stop taking their drugs because of the costs.
Official Provides Details, Dates For PCORI’s Research Priorities
The COO of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute offered insights into what appears to be a busy agenda.
A selection of health care opinions and editorials from around the United States.
Perspectives: What Is The Role For Comparative Effectiveness Research?
The Journal of the American Medical Association devoted this week’s issue to the topic of comparative effectiveness and how it should be used in medicine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the latest Capitol Hill developments related to the budget.
Smart Shopping Can Relieve Pain From Dentists’ Charges
Dental coverage often maxes out at just a few thousand dollars a year or less. KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews reports that getting a reliable estimate of prices in your area can be critical if you want to keep a lid on costs.
Feds Cite Two Insurers For Excessive Premium Increases
The insurance companies will be able to charge the higher amount, but they will be required to disclose on websites that reviewers found the rates to be unreasonable and explain why they are still imposing them.
U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Finds Small Business Owners Wary Of Health Law Regs
The survey finds that the regulations rank at the top of small business owners’ concerns. In other news, the National Journal examines the future of accountable care organizations.
Seniors Increasingly Challenged By Cost, Logistics Of Handling Health Care
News organizations are covering how some seniors are moving in with their children or grandchildren — or using community programs — to help navigate the world of care.
State Roundup: Minn. Doc Training Money Cut
News outlets report on a variety of health policy issues in Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Rep. Frank Says Obama’s Push For Health Law Was ‘Mistake’
Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said in a magazine interview that President Obama made a “mistake” pushing for health reform and that he urged Obama to take up financial system reform instead. In the meantime, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said a single-payer health care system is the only “obviously constitutional” health care plan.
Lawyers Eye Disability Act For Lawsuit Opportunities
The New York Times reports that a small groups of lawyers are using New York City’s idiosyncracies as the backdrop for a flood of lawsuits citing violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
