Latest KFF Health News Stories
States And Exchanges: A Progress Report
Some states are moving ahead with health insurance exchanges while others are moving more slowly than expected.
Child Casualties Rise Significantly In Somalia, WHO Says
The WHO on Tuesday said children under age 5 make up almost half of those injured in a recent upsurge of violence in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, AlertNet reports (Migiro, 5/31).
Google Launches Dengue Trends Tool To Track Outbreaks
“Google has launched Dengue Trends, a tool that aims to detect dengue fever outbreaks around the world using the same methodology behind Google Flu Trends,” PC Magazine reports (Yin, 5/31).
IRIN Examines How Some Aid Data Artificially Inflates Contributions
IRIN examines how some major international aid donors report their donations in a way that inflates their contributions.
WHO Warns Of Tobacco Dangers On World No Tobacco Day
“Tobacco will kill nearly six million people this year, including 600,000 non-smokers, because governments are not doing enough to persuade people to quit or protect others from second-hand smoke, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday,” which was observed as World No Tobacco Day, Reuters/Toronto Sun reports (Kelland, 5/31).
Small Increases In Temperature, Rainfall Amount Can Predict Cholera Outbreaks, Study Says
Small increases in temperature and rainfall amount may be able to predict cholera outbreaks in some areas, according to a study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Agence France-Presse reports (5/31).
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
People With Individual Health Coverage Have Highest Cancer Costs
Reuters reports that people who buy insurance on their own, rather than through an employer, pay the most out-of-pocket for the care they receive.
State Roundup: Colo. Gov. Vetoes Cost Sharing Bill For Children’s Health Plan
News outlets report on state developments on health policy.
Texas, Calif. Grapple With Medicaid Challenges
News outlets look at Medicaid issues in two of the largest states.
Lawmakers Continue Medicare Plan Posturing
While some Republican lawmakers defend their votes in support of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget blueprint that includes a revamp of Medicare, some Democrats make clear their intent to protect the program.
Medicare Payment Proposal For Medical Imaging Triggers Opposition
Two House members, one Democrat and one Republican, are voicing opposition to plans to curb medical imaging tests paid for by Medicare.
Disappointment Abounds Regarding ACO Regs
In this pair of articles, Modern Healthcare reports on the American Hospital Association’s criticism of the antitrust approach included in the accountable care organization regulations recently released by the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as on the negative reaction expressed by a Cleveland Clinic executive.
Rule Would Let Patients Find Out Who’s Looked At Their Health Records
The regulation, issued Tuesday, would allow patients to request a report that documents who has accessed and viewed their protected health information. And, in other news, research shows that electronic health records have become an important public health research tool. In becoming so, however, EMRs raise ethical questions.
Procedural Questions Could Slow Health Law Challenges
Questions – including whether the law’s opponents can even bring lawsuits to block its implementation – could delay rulings and slow the course of these challenges in reaching the Supreme Court.
House Votes Down Symbolic Effort To Raise Debt Ceiling
In what was viewed as a largely symbolic vote, the House rejected an effort to increase the nation’s borrowing ability. Congressional Republicans viewed the step as a means to advance arguments that any effort to increase the debt ceiling should be accompanied by spending cuts and program revisions – including changes to Medicare.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a move yesterday by the Department of Health and Human Services to reduce prices on health plans for people with pre-existing conditions.
HHS Seeks To Draw More People With Medical Problems Into Health Plans
News outlets examine the newest effort by the government to make changes to the plans, which are a bridge until provisions of the new health law take effect.
Media Examine Funding For HIV/AIDS As Disease Turns 30
“As the war on AIDS heads into its fourth decade, the need for funds is spiralling relentlessly higher, prompting a quest for new resources from consumer levies to contributions from developing giants,” Agence France-Presse/France 24 reports (5/30).
