Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Mass. Hospital-Doctor Group Still Seeks To Fulfill Premiums Pledge
Partners HealthCare System vowed to pay $40 million to help reduce insurance costs for small businesses, the Boston Globe reports. Also, California group announces plans for an ACO and Minnesota Public Radio examines how cost cutting efforts will affect health care.
HHS Reviewing Florida’s Plans For Medicaid
Officials from Florida and the federal government are working on the state’s plans to move all Medicaid enrollees to managed care plans. Meanwhile, Iowa is planning changes to its Medicaid program that could impact the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. And a Medicaid provider in Georgia finds anomalies in payments.
Nursing Homes To Face Medicare Pay Cut
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized an 11 percent drop in nursing home payments, which will kick in next year.
HHS Announces New Guidelines For Women’s Preventive Services
The rule includes everything from distribution of birth control pills to administration of breast exams. Ultimately, women will no longer pay out of pocket for preventive services. However, Politico reports that the Department of Health and Human Services may include a “conscience clause” in the regulation.
