Latest KFF Health News Stories
New HHS Rule Requires Insurance Coverage For Contraception
The regulations, which were issued Monday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, implement what is likely to be one of the most wide-reaching and popular provisions of the health law.
Women’s eNews Examines U.N. Women’s Position on Abortion
U.N. agencies “are shying away from the politically volatile topic [of abortion], despite mounting evidence that restricted abortion access contributes to maternal deaths and constitutes a violation of a woman’s human rights,” Women’s eNews reports.
PBS NewsHour Profiles Projects Competing In Saving Lives At Birth Challenge
PBS NewsHour on Monday profiled five projects to improve maternal and child health that are competing for a share of $14 million in research grants through the Saving Lives at Birth challenge.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including how the specifics of the debt-ceiling deal might impact Medicare providers.
Obama, Congressional Leaders Strike Debt-Limit Deal
The agreement must now win the approval of rank-and-file members. Within the agreed-upon framework, the second wave of cuts could touch payments to Medicare providers, but beneficiaries would not be hit.
Exploring The Debt Deal’s Repercussions
Politico asks if the agreement will muddy the Medicare waters. Meanwhile, USA Today examines the political damage that it may ultimately cause.
Cutting Foreign Aid Is Shortsighted Solution To U.S. Budget Woes
“Haggling in Congress over bills to fund the state department and foreign operations in 2012 are worrying for those of us seeking to address global poverty and climate change, and respond to famine and other disasters,” Samuel Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction, writes in the Guardian’s “Poverty Matters Blog.”
Global Democracy Promotion Act ‘Would Help Keep Ideology In Check’
The Global Democracy Promotion Act (.pdf), recently introduced in the House by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), “would bar the use of U.S. foreign aid to restrict people’s liberty
Florida Stands Out By Refusing To Accept Health Law Funds
The New York Times reports on strict stand by Florida governor to avoid HHS money. Meanwhile, other news outlets look at funding for insurance co-ops, efforts to set up health exchanges, and reviews of insurance premium increases.
State Roundup: Calif.’s Budget Cuts; New Med School For Rural Docs
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
Wall Street Journal Examines India’s Public Health Infrastructure
The Wall Street Journal and the newspaper’s “India Real Time” blog published stories on Saturday examining India’s health care system. “Indian government officials say the country’s public health infrastructure is sorely deficient, but they argue it is improving because of several initiatives underway,” the blog reports. “They acknowledge the government has spent too little
Science Magazine Special Section Examines World’s Population Growth
The current issue of Science magazine features a special section that explores issues surrounding population growth, “many of which continue to split demographers,” according to the section’s introduction. “Debate continues over
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Viewpoints On Debt-Ceiling Debate Center On Medicare
Some opinions on the effects of Medicare on the debt-ceiling debate, and vice-versa.
Antibody Discovery Leads Researchers One Step Closer To Universal Influenza A Vaccine
“The first human antibody that can knock out all influenza A viruses has been shown effective in lab mice, an exciting step forward in the hunt for a universal vaccine, researchers said Friday,” Agence France-Presse reports (Sheridan, 7/30).
“Officials in Nigeria’s northern Kano state say parents who refuse to have their children vaccinated against polio may be prosecuted,” VOA News reports. “Officials began a four-day immunization campaign in Kano on Thursday, with the goal of immunizing six million children,” according to the news service (7/29).
Disparities Persist Despite Insurance
A pair of studies highlights how health disparities continue to take shape and unravels some of the factors that are involved in differences in health outcomes.
Medical Device Review System Called Into Question
An advisory group offered criticism of the Food and Drug Administration’s review system for medical devices. But the FDA’s reaction appears dismissive.
