Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Advocates Worry Over ‘Super Committee’s’ Consideration Of Medicaid
Meanwhile, the health law’s individual mandate could fall prey to deficit reduction efforts. And, in the background, congressional appropriators face especially unique challenges this year in trying to get their work done.
Viewpoints: NY Times Deconstructs Health Rulings; Issa On Law & Deficit; Veterans’ Care Needs Boost
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Prescription Drug Shortages Forcing Docs, Pharmacists To Scramble
Experts say a shortage of certain drugs has become a major crisis.
Online Health Records, Medical Devices Face IT Security Risks
Meanwhile, iWatch News reports on how the health information sector seems especially fond of lobbying’s “revolving door.”
Drug Co. Executive Gives Pharma A Sunny Forecast
But medical device companies get less love from Morgan Stanley health analysts.
Gains Against Malaria Recognized On World Mosquito Day
Sarah Kline, executive director of Malaria No More UK, writes in the Guardian’s “Poverty Matters Blog” about World Mosquito Day, which is recognized annually on August 20 to commemorate the discovery 114 years ago that female mosquitoes transmit malaria among humans.
Feds Challenge Ohio Hospital Merger
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Mirror reports on the challenges involved in maintaining a pediatric program at a general hospital.
Fla., CMS Discuss Medicaid Managed Care Options
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
New Estimates Predict Trouble For Social Security Disability Payments
The Fiscal Times reports that the trust fund that supports these payments will run out of cash in 2017, unless Congress intervenes.
HHS Approves New Round Of Waivers
The total number of health law waivers granted by the Department of Health and Human Services is now 1,472.
Congress Could Reconsider FSA Restrictions
Minnesota Public Radio reports that some bills in Congress would lift certain limits placed on flexible spending accounts and how they can be applied to certain over-the-counter medicines.
Food Aid System ‘Needs An Overhaul’
The cost of addressing the effects of drought and famine in the Horn of Africa “has soared to $2.5 billion, just to keep malnourished children alive, and the number of people requiring humanitarian aid has doubled” since “November last year, [when] it would have cost $500 million to prevent the situation from deteriorating,” Jo Khinmaung, a food security policy adviser for Tearfund, writes in the Guardian’s “Poverty Matters Blog.”
Medicare Expands Competitive Bidding Program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says this approach, which is geared toward durable medical equipment, will save billions of dollars and could become a model for other efforts to cut costs.
Economic Pressures Trigger Seniors Concern About Assisted Living Housing
While The Wall Street Journal and Kaiser Health News report on the current dark side of aging in America, The Associated Press offers insights into how baby boomer interest in countering the effects of getting older could lead to billions of dollars in spending.
Humanitarians, Policymakers To Discuss Escalating Water Scarcity And Sanitation Issues In Stockholm
“More than 2,600 humanitarians and policymakers meet in Stockholm this week to hash out ideas about how to tackle escalating problems surrounding water scarcity and access to sanitation, particularly in urban environments,” AlertNet reports.
