Latest KFF Health News Stories
NSABB Recommends Full Publication Of Controversial Bird Flu Studies
The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) on Friday recommended that revised versions of two controversial studies on H5N1 avian flu be published in scientific journals, reversing its previous recommendation that the studies only be published if certain details were withheld, the New York Times reports. The studies are the work of two research teams that created genetically altered viral strains that were airborne and therefore easily transmissible, the newspaper notes (Grady, 3/30). “In a statement [.pdf] released [Friday], the NSABB said it unanimously recommended that the revised manuscript by the University of Wisconsin group, headed by Yoshihiro Kawaoka, DVM, PhD, be published in full, and members voted 12 to six that the data, methods, and conclusions in the revised paper by the Erasmus group, headed by Ron Fouchier, PhD, be published,” CIDRAP News writes (Schnirring, 3/30).
Al Jazeera examines the administration of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide, focusing on treatment as prevention (TasP), but says current funding levels are insufficient to implement the strategy. The HPTN 052 study showed that HIV-positive people who take ART could reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their HIV-negative partners by 96 percent, according to the news agency. “This research is considered a game changer,” Al Jazeera writes, noting, “2012 may not be the year the international community eliminates HIV, but health experts say it could still be the year where the tide is turned.” The article includes comments from several HIV/AIDS experts (Dalal, 3/31).
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports featuring more analysis of what could become of the Supreme Courts consideration of the health law.
Biden, Schumer Expect Court To Uphold Health Law
On Sunday talk shows, the two senior Democrats express confidence that the law will survive the high court’s review.
States’ Efforts To Change Health System Take On New Significance
With the federal health law’s fate being considered by the Supreme Court, states are reviewing plans and changes they have made to implement the national overhaul.
Post-Supreme Court, Political Debate On Health Law Heats Up
Just a few days after the Supreme Court’s marathon consideration of the health law, news coverage centered around political ramifications.
House OKs Ryan Budget — With Medicare Changes; Entitlement Program Cuts
The budget blueprint, advanced by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is unlikely to gain passage in the Senate but will be a key marker in the upcoming election season.
Justices Hold First Vote Today On Health Law’s Fate
If past practice holds, the Supreme Court will meet privately today to cast a preliminary vote. No one else will be present, and drafts of opinions are likely to be written and rewritten many times in the next few months before the actual decision is issued, likely sometime in June.
Perspectives: All This Fuss About The Word ‘Tax’; Civic Lessons From The Supreme Court
Commentators offer further thoughts about the Supreme Court’s review of the health law.
High Court’s Health Law Consideration Has Political Repercussions
The pending ruling could be a stamp of “repudiation or endorsement” during the upcoming election season. But, if the court overturns the health law, will the GOP be prepared to turn the decision into political victory and could that outcome have a “silver lining” for the Obama administration?
The Republican National Committee uses audio from Supreme Court oral arguments to craft a campaign ad criticizing President Barack Obama and the health law. Meanwhile, the Obama campaign has had a health law strategy of its own in place.
Autism Rate Soars To 1 in 88 Children
The number of children with autism in America has climbed 23 percent in the last two years, but the increase could be partially attributable to better diagnoses, officials say.
Economics Lessons For The Court: Broccoli Isn’t The Same As Health Care
Several opinion writers offer insurance primers for the justices.
Ariz. Hospitals Drop Medicaid Cuts Lawsuit; Fla. Gov. Signs Controversial Medicaid Bill
Both states have news happening in their Medicaid programs.
Viewpoints: Ryan’s Budget Called ‘Cruel’ Or ‘Sophisticated’
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
State Roundup: Texas, Minn. Scrutinize Psychiatric Care
A selection of health policy news from Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Texas and Kansas.
Course Of State Implementation Efforts Unchanged By High Court’s Review
Politico reports that state plans appear unchanged by this week’s events. Those that were moving ahead at full speed will likely continue to do so. Those who were taking a go-slow approach have no need to change strategies now. But for Massachusetts, the justices’ questions regarding the individual mandate have triggered concerns that the challenges to the federal law could spur similar efforts at the state level.
Insurers, Employers React To Idea Of A Health Law Without An Individual Mandate
Insurers’ “worst nightmare” is that the Supreme Court would overturn the health law’s insurance requirement but leave the rest of the overhaul intact. Employers are being advised to continue working toward meeting the law’s deadlines.
Contemplating The Options: What Will Become Of The Health Law?
With the Supreme Court arguments complete, media outlets consider the various scenarios that could play out, and the complications that could arise. To quote the Tom Petty song: “The waiting is the hardest part.”
U.S. Suspends Resumed Food Aid To North Korea
“The United States has suspended planned food aid to North Korea as Pyongyang vows to push ahead with a plan to launch a long-range missile in defiance of international warnings, U.S. military officials said on Wednesday,” Reuters reports (Eckert, 3/29). “Under a deal reached last month, North Korea agreed to a partial nuclear freeze and a moratorium on missile testing in return for U.S. food aid,” but “Pyongyang then announced it would use a long-range rocket to launch a satellite,” VOA’s “Breaking News” blog writes (3/28). Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoy on Wednesday “told lawmakers North Korea had violated [the] moratorium agreement and could not be trusted to deliver the aid properly,” BBC News writes (3/28). The aid package, containing 240,000 tons of food and nutritional products, “was expected to target the most needy in North Korea — including malnourished young children and pregnant women,” VOA News notes (Ide, 3/28).
