Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about continuing budget issues involving Medicare and state efforts to cut back on Medicaid.
Sprouts Suspected As Possible Source Of German E. Coli Outbreak
German officials on Sunday said an E. coli strain that has sickened more than 2,000 people and killed 22 may have originated in a batch of sprouts produced at an organic farm in the north of the country, the New York Times reports.
Malawi’s Health Care System Feeling Effects Of DFID Aid Withdrawal
Malawi’s health care system is “facing major setbacks” after the U.K.’s Department for International Development (DFID) made its final aid disbursement to the country in March and decided not to renew a six-year spending commitment that ends this month, IRIN reports.
Several Drug Makers Plan To Lower Prices Of Vaccines For GAVI Purchase
Several pharmaceutical companies have pledged to lower the prices of vaccines against childhood illnesses ahead of the GAVI Alliance conference in London next week, the Guardian reports (Quinn, 6/6).
Focus On Getting More People On Antiretroviral Therapy As AIDS Turns 30
Sunday marked the 30th anniversary of the first published report of the disease that came to be known as AIDS, the Los Angeles Times reports. Though the “promise” of a vaccine “has not materialized,” “[s]ome progress has been made on other fronts,” the newspaper writes (Healy/Maugh, 6/5).
Former Malian Health Minister Indicted In Case About Misuse Of Global Fund Donations
Oumar Ibrahim Toure, a former Malian health minister, “has been indicted for his role over the misuse of donor funds to fight malaria and tuberculosis in the poor West African nation, Mali’s supreme court said in a statement” on Thursday, Reuters reports.
AP/Seattle Times Examines Health Care Costs In India
The Associated Press/Seattle Times examines the challenges associated with extending affordable health care to people in India.
Flaws Identified In U.S. Haiti Quake Death Toll Report, USAID Official Says
Flaws have been found in a recent U.S. report suggesting the death toll from Haiti’s January 2010 earthquake was significantly lower than official estimates, Mark Feierstein, USAID’s assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean, said on Friday, the Associated Press reports.
Medicare, Medicaid Continue To Play Central Role In Budget Debate
As the standoff over raising the nation’s debt ceiling continues, congressional efforts to cut entitlement programs appear increasingly likely to be pushed off until after the next election. In the background, though, both parties are focusing on Medicare and Medicaid as key to their future prospects.
Pivotal Health Law Challenge Heads To 11th Circuit Court Of Appeals
A three-judge panel in Atlanta will hear oral arguments Wednesday in the lawsuit brought by 26 states. At issue is whether a Florida judge’s ruling to strike down large portions of the sweeping overhaul should be reversed.
Viewpoints: Reps. On Medicare Politics, Policies, Community Pharmacies; Reflections On AIDS
A selection of opinions and editorials around the country.
Court Action Today On Indiana Funding Ban For Planned Parenthood
The reproductive health organization is seeking a preliminary injunction against a new state law that would cut Medicaid funds.
States Slow To Set Up Health Exchanges; Alabama Moves Forward On Reforms
Recent stories examine how states are responding to the federal health law and its implementation. Meanwhile, Politico looks at a Deep South state and the health moves there that are surprising some observers.
An Anniversary – AIDS Turns 30
Three decades after the first cases of AIDS were recorded, more than 60 million people have been infected worldwide. Scientists agree that the epidemic is far from over and, even with major treatment advances and improvement in understanding the illness, hurdles remain in the effort to eradicate the disease.
Investigation Finds ‘Disarray’ In Institutions For Housing Developmentally Disabled
The New York Times examines New York state’s system for taking care of people who are developmentally disabled and finds problems.
Wash. Lawmakers Enact Fee On Nursing Homes To Increase Federal Match
Medicaid news from Lousiana, Washington, Texas and New York.
Roundup: Poll Finds Growing Support In Mass. For Health Law
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues.
Health Law Waivers: Political Benefit Or Policy Safety Valve?
Media outlets report on the varying views on the waivers granted so far by the Obama administration to ease requirements of the health law. Meanwhile, specific regulations – such as those relating to the “broker rule” and accountable care organizations – continue to be hot topics.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Take Stabs At Health Law, Offer Fiscal Policy Views
Political activity continues to swirl around the health law. Congressional Republicans say they are still pressing forward with repeal plans, and possible presidential hopefuls take on the measure and offer specific policy positions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about state-level health law implementation activities.
