Latest KFF Health News Stories
Device That Collects Water Quality Data Introduced At TEDGlobal Conference
Researchers at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, this week described a device that collects water quality data to “chec[k] supplies in real-time, alerting users to possible infections,” and “upload[s] the data, allowing scientists to monitor the location and movement of outbreaks,” BBC News reports. The researchers said the device, called the Water Canary, “could prove invaluable for governments around the world keen to contain disease and environmental disasters,” according to the news service (Wakefield, 7/13).
Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Explorations Grant Recipients Look To Fight Malaria, HIV
The Associated Press/Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines two research proposals
Two New Studies Support Use Of PrEP For HIV Prevention Among Heterosexual Men And Women
“Two new studies done in three African countries have shown for the first time that AIDS drugs taken daily can cut by more than half a person’s chance of becoming infected with HIV through heterosexual intercourse,” the Washington Post reports. One of the studies, carried out in Kenya and Uganda by the University of Washington, was halted a year and a half early because of positive results, while the other, conducted in Botswana by the CDC, ended as scheduled in the spring, according to the newspaper (Brown, 7/13).
Study Examines Teaching Hospitals’ So-Called ‘July Effect’
The research looks at the effect when new untrained residents start working at hospitals. Also in the news, research exploring disparities in nursing home risk scores.
Studies Show AIDS Drugs Can Prevent Heterosexuals From Acquiring HIV
The Wall Street Journal reports on two new studies that add to the body of knowledge regarding ways to slow the spread of the virus. But costs may limit their use.
Feds Stepping Up Action On Medical Scooter Fraud
News outlets report on a range of developments related to health care fraud.
N.Y. Ends Medicaid Plan For Hospitals To Curb C-Sections
The Wall Street Journal finds that the Cuomo administration plan had expected to cut the number of surgeries in half. Also, a new study finds giving higher payments to dentists helps increase access for children on Medicaid.
Sebelius Takes To The Hill To Defend IPAB
During a Capitol Hill hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius criticized the House-passed budget plan and its Medicare provisions and also defended the potential effectiveness and constitutionality of the health law’s Independent Payment Advisory Board.
State Roundup: N.H.’s Planned Parenthood Funding Dilemma
News outlets examine a variety of state health policy issues.
Home Health Care Payment Under Scrutiny – In Debt Talks, Rules
One GOP governor has asked his Republican colleagues in Congress to reject debt-ceiling proposals that would cut home health services while recently released rules will further squeeze corporate margins.
Viewpoints: Prominent Republicans Against IPAB; Docs Defend Health Law; Medical Marijuana Research
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
U.N., Africa Union Appeal To International Community For Aid To Fight Drought In Horn Of Africa
During a Tuesday news conference with reporters in Geneva, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “called on countries to urgently support United Nations agencies in their efforts to respond to the crisis in the Horn of Africa, where more than 11 million people are in need of life-saving assistance as they face the worst drought in decades,” the U.N. News Centre reports. U.N. agencies have called for $1.6 billion in aid for the region, but only half of that amount has been received, according to the news service (7/12).
Big Employers Work To Weaken Insurance Mandate
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Internal Revenue Service, along with two other agencies, is in the midst of figuring out messy questions related to enforcing this health law provision. In other news, Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf offers bleak predictions about future prospects of bending the curve for health care costs. He offered some suggestions for possible reductions, including rolling back the health law’s Medicaid expansion and insurance subsidies.
Insurance Commissioners Back Away From Broker Bill
The measure, which is sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and is currently pending in Congress, would exempt insurance agents’ commissions from the health law’s limits on what companies can view as administrative costs.
Political Fault Lines In Budget Discussion
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., appears to be trying to push President Barack Obama in one direction and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is standing firm on Obama’s left. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is taking a go-big-or-go-home position on the need to reach a “grand deal” on entitlement cuts and revenue raisers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details regarding the next moves in the ongoing budget discussion — including a “last-choice option” proposed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Obama Administration Rolls Out Rule For Health Exchanges
The proposed rule includes provisions that give states leeway on how to create these new insurance marketplaces.
Local Reaction Offers Insights Into How States View The Exchange Reg
For some states, significant questions still remain. Others are already well underway in their efforts to develop these health insurance marketplaces.
State Roundup: Minn. Shutdown’s Health, Economic Impact Significant
News outlets report on a variety of state health issues.
A selection of editorials and opinions from around the country.
