Latest KFF Health News Stories
Global MDR-TB Response Has Been Slow, Report Says
A report (.pdf) released recently and compiled by the Treatment Action Group, Medecins Sans Frontieres and Partners In Health says that international efforts aimed at scaling up treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have been slow due to weak government action, low funding and a “sluggish response by international support mechanisms,” BMJ News reports.
Viewpoints: Debt Dilemma; IPAB Intense Defense; Minnesota Middle-Ground
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
International Affairs Budget Is Issue Of National Security, State Department Official Says
Tom Nides, the State Department’s new deputy secretary for management, said the State Department will argue against potential budget cuts by highlighting the essential role international affairs spending plays in preserving U.S. national security, Foreign Policy’s “The Cable” blog reports.
Lancet Issue Dedicated To HIV/AIDS Ahead Of IAS Conference
The current issue of the Lancet is dedicated to HIV/AIDS, a theme meant to coincide with the 6th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention taking place in Rome, Italy, July 17-20, according to a Lancet article (7/16).
State Highlights: Minn. Officials Reach Deal To End Shutdown
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
DRC Facing Cholera, Measles Outbreaks, U.N. Says
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded more than 3,000 cases and 192 deaths from cholera since March, according to a U.N. report on the outbreak, VOA News reports (7/14).
Alabama Insurance Premium Hikes May Soon Come Under Federal Scrutiny
In other state insurance news, the Georgia health plan that covers about 700,000 state workers, retirees and dependents is facing low reserves, and two California insurers announces new coverage for autism therapy.
Bill Offered To Undo HSA Health Law Provision
Bipartisan legislation was introduced Thursday to remove restrictions on tax-exempt health spending accounts – a revenue-raising provision of the health law that was estimated to garner $5 billion over 10 years.
What Do Proposed Cuts Mean For Medicare’s Future?
The LA Times examines whether recent proposals to raise Medicare’s eligibility age might find traction – maybe now, maybe after the 2012 election. Meanwhile, CQ HealthBeat offers an analysis about why cutting Medicare is so difficult.
Governors To Focus On Health Exchanges’ Big Picture
During the National Governors Association meeting on Saturday, “broad-stroke policy decisions” will be discussed – in terms of what states need to know to set up an exchange in the face of tight budgets. Meanwhile, a new AARP report concludes that consumers will have an easier time in these marketplaces if they don’t have too many options.
Heavy Rains, Disease Affecting Drought Refugees In Somalia, Kenya And Ethiopia
People who have fled the drought in Somalia to camps near the capital Mogadishu are being hit by cold, heavy rains, and at least five people have died of exposure, according to aid workers, BBC News reports.
Report Criticizes Miami Hospital’s International Marketing Effort
The Miami-Dade inspector general finds fault with company that used to run Jackson Health System’s international marketing program.
Politics And Personalities Swirl Around Budget Negotiations
The Wall Street Journal reports that House Democrats are gaining leverage – and, according to The Washington Post, Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., is a key liberal leader. Meanwhile, statements by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a GOP presidential hopeful, highlight the GOP’s rift.
WHO Says World Is Better Prepared For Influenza Pandemic
“More than 100 public health experts have wrapped up a three-day meeting in Geneva to review a Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines that was developed in 2006, and to develop a strategic plan of action for the next five years,” VOA News reports, noting that the WHO “says the world is better prepared for the next influenza pandemic than it was in the past” (Schlein, 7/14).
Record Number Of Abortion Restrictions Enacted
Report by the Guttmacher Institute identifies 162 new laws passed by states this year. Meanwhile, conservatives are pointing to another report by an anti-abortion group that alleges misconduct by Planned Parenthood.
Plan B Gaining Traction In Debt-Ceiling Strategy
A proposal offered earlier this week by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is emerging as a means to resolve the current stalemate in negotiations to raise the nation’s debt limit. But even as this approach continues to gain momentum, it will face considerable political and procedural hurdles.
Research Roundup: Putting Good Science Into Practice
This week’s studies come from the Archives Of Internal Medicine, Health Affairs, the New England Journal Of Medicine, the Journal Of The American Medical Association, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the debt-ceiling strategy appears to moving toward a “plan B.”
