Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 24, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that Medicare tries bundled payments and HHS may give states a second chance to avoid a federally-run health insurance exchange.
‘Super Committee’ Handicapping, Analysis Continues
The deficit panel has already set to work, holding conference calls and using the congressional recess to begin their process. As its members face a Thanksgiving deadline for making their recommendations to find $1.5 trillion in budget savings over 10 years, speculation continues regarding their chances for success.
Idaho Governor Appears ‘Open’ To State-Run Exchange, Texas Governor Is Not
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says it makes sense for his state to accept federal funds and set up its own exchange. But Texas Gov. Rick Perry stands firm in his opposition.
State Roundup: Budgets Cause Layoffs In Wash., End Of Calif. Adult Day Care
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
Ark. Details Plans For Medicaid Payment Reforms
In other Medicaid news from the states, Kansas must find a new funding source for its online enrollment system, and New York and Nebraska audit medicaid payments.
Polio Eradication ‘At Risk’ As Chad And Pakistan Face Continued Outbreaks, GPEI Report Says
“According to the latest report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), continued transmission of polio is a ‘global health emergency,’ and plans to interrupt transmission by the end of 2012 are ‘at risk,'” the Lancet Infectious Diseases reports, adding, “With a US$590 million funding gap and weak political leadership in some countries, the engagement of communities to plan and implement local approaches is paramount.”
Viewpoints: Rational, Not Rationing, Medicare Cuts; Paul Ryan’s Future; Hospitals’ Clout
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Hospitals Gain Speed In Heart Attack Care
According to a new study published in the journal Circulation, more heart attack patients are now getting care within the recommended time frame than were five years ago.
Georgia Company Charges Hospitals With Balance Billing
The firm told state lawmakers that its employees are receiving collection notices as a result of hospitals using this practice.
HIV-Positive Pregnant Women Across Africa Face Discrimination
HIV-positive women across Africa are facing discrimination, with many “say[ing] they have been pressured
Rick Perry’s Views On Medicare, Other Health Policy Issues Draw Scrutiny
The GOP presidential hopeful’s views on key issues have triggered examination by news outlets. Meanwhile, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who proposed sweeping changes to the Medicare program, has opted not to join the presidential primary contest.
Haitian Women Crossing The Border To Give Birth Overwhelm Dominican Health Care System
“Dominican hospitals and clinics are being overwhelmed by Haitian women
Researchers Exploring How Microwaves May Be Used To Treat Malaria
The New York Times describes a research proposal to investigate the use of low-level microwaves to treat malaria that has received a $1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
“How best to provide clean water and sanitation to the world’s cities and their expanding slums is the overriding theme of World Water Week, which opened Monday in Stockholm,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur/M&C reports (8/23).
Monsoon Rains Displace Thousands In Bangladesh, Create Need For Food, Water And Shelter
“Heavy monsoon rains have caused several major rivers in Bangladesh to burst their banks, displacing thousands and affecting nearly a million people in all, according to the country’s Disaster Management Bureau (DMB),” IRIN reports.
First Edition: August 23, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry’s positions on the health law and other health policy issues.
The Politics Of Health Policies Emerge In Presidential Contest
The AP reports that GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry has backed an approach to health reform that could be “as controversial as Obama’s remake.” Meanwhile, President Barack Obama faces discontent from his base over many of his policies.
