Latest KFF Health News Stories
Male Contraceptive Research Gaining Attention From Scientists
The New York Times on Saturday examined research into several different methods of male contraception. “Male contraceptives are attracting growing interest from scientists, who believe they hold promise for being safe, effective and, also important, reversible,” the newspaper writes. “Prompted by women’s organizations, global health groups and surveys indicating that men are receptive, federal agencies are financing research. Some methods will be presented at an October conference sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” according to the newspaper (Belluck, 7/23).
Viewpoints: Van Hollen On Medicaid Cuts; Debate On Raising Medicare Age; Women’s Health Issues
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Talks Between Automakers, UAW Focus On Health Care Costs
Reuters reports that as the three big U.S. automakers begin talks with the United Auto Workers this week on new labor agreements, the amount spent on union members’ health benefits will be front and center.
State Roundup: Doctor Supply At Issue In Several States
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
The Evolution Of Hospice From Its Charitable Roots To Big Business
Bloomberg reports on how this trend may be leading to a steep price for patients and their families.
Health Providers Embrace The Potential Of ACOs
News outlets report on some health care providers’ views of the potential of accountable care organizations to improve quality and reduce costs.
Health Law Changes Present Enrollment Challenges
Meanwhile, news outlets report on a range of other implementation issues, including the decision of Ohio Gov. John Kasich to follow through on forming a state-based exchange despite his opposition to the overhaul, changes to FSAs and the measure’s impact on farmers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on the status of efforts to reach a debt-ceiling deal.
Officials Stake Out Positions As Debt Deadline Looms
Focus turns to a proposal by House Speaker John Boehner that would raise the debt limit now but require a commission to make cuts later in entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Obama And Congressional Leaders Hold New Debt Talks
After efforts by the president and House Speaker John Boehner fell apart, the leaders met at the White House Saturday to try to patch together a new deal. There are questions about what will happen to entitlement programs including Medicare and Medicaid.
House Committee Votes To Reinstate ‘Global Gag Rule’
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday voted to “reinstate a ban on providing foreign aid to groups that perform abortions or provide advice about the procedure,” The Hill’s “HealthWatch” blog reports on the “so-called ‘global gag rule'” (Baker, 7/21).
Infanticide And Attempted Infanticide Common Crimes Among Inmates In Malian Capital’s Women’s Prison
“Infanticide or attempted infanticide has become the most common crime after theft and assault among inmates at the prison for women and girls” in Mali’s capital city Bamako, the Associated Press/San Francisco Chronicle reports.
IRIN Examines Cote d’Ivoire’s Temporary Policy Of Free Health Care
While Cote d’Ivoire studies several options for financing public health services, its temporary policy of providing free care
WHO Appoints Envoy For Patient Safety
With the risk of acquiring an infection or dying in a hospital far greater than flying on an airplane, the WHO on Wednesday announced the appointment of Sir Liam Donaldson, formerly Britain’s chief medical officer, as its envoy for patient safety, PostMedia News/Vancouver Sun reports (Edwards, 7/22).
Al-Shabab Says Ban On Aid Groups In Somalia Remains In Place; WFP Announces Resumption Of Airlifts
Two weeks after lifting a ban on certain aid groups providing assistance in Somalia, the militant Islamist group al-Shabab “has announced that the ban remains in place” and said that the U.N.’s declaration of famine in two regions of the country was being used as “propaganda,” Al Jazeera reports (7/22).
Analyzing The Impact Of Default Worries On Medicare, Medicaid
News outlets report on the potential impact that the possibility of debt default is having on Medicare, Medicaid and state budgets.
Research Roundup: Restricting Medigap Coverage; Hospital-Acquired Infections
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Archives of Surgery.
Health Care Company Settles Class Action Lawsuit After Katrina Deaths
ProPublica reports on the preliminary settlement in which Tenet Healthcare and a subsidiary will pay $25 million.
Exchanges: HHS Official Offers Insights On State Deadline, Insurer Roles
During a news briefing in Washington, D.C., Steve Larsen, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the CMS, discussed certain issues related to the establishment of state health exchanges.
Senate Dems Push For Medicare Drug Savings
During a hearing this week, Senate Democrats, including Aging Committee Chairman Herb Kohl, D-Wis., advanced the causes of certain policies to control drug costs and reduce deficit spending.
