Latest KFF Health News Stories
Planned Parenthood Spends $400,000 On First-Quarter Lobbying
Roll Call reports the nonprofit’s spending tripled this year as it fought efforts to cut its federal funding.
Collins, Orszag Criticize Ryan Plan; Santorum Rues Medicare Prescription Benefit Vote
As former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum contemplates a bid for the GOP presidential nomination, he expresses regret over his vote for the unfunded Medicare prescription drug bill. Sen. Collins says she’ll oppose Ryan plan, while Peter Orszag says it would increase overall health care costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations include reports of lawmakers being questioned about their views on plans to change Medicare and new ad campaigns on the issue.
Parties Sparring Over Medicare As Sen. Coburn Says Entitlements Must Be Part Of Deficit Effort
News outlets are covering the increasing politicization of Medicare. Meanwhile, former Sen. Rick Santorum says prescription drug benefit plan was “a mistake” and Sen. Susan Collins vows to vote against the Ryan plan.
Avian Flu Remains Endemic In Six Countries, Could Take At Least A Decade To Eradicate, FAO Says
It will take at least 10 years to eradicate the H5N1 (bird flu) virus from poultry in the six countries where it is endemic, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in a report (.pdf) released on Thursday, Agence France-Presse reports (4/21).
U.N. Secretary-General Calls For Scale Up Of Global Malaria Efforts Ahead Of World Malaria Day
Global malaria control efforts must be significantly scaled up if the world is to reach the goal of reducing malaria deaths to almost zero by 2015, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message on Thursday ahead of World Malaria Day, which is officially observed on Monday, the U.N. News Centre writes.
WHO is urging countries in Europe to join together to help control the measles outbreak that has grown to more than 6,500 cases in 33 countries and the potential for worsening outbreaks “in the days ahead as people travel during the Easter holidays,” U.N. News Centre reports (4/21).
U.S. global health programs did relatively well in terms of funding in the FY11 budget, but global health policy experts participating in a panel discussion on Wednesday at the Kaiser Family Foundation acknowledged that challenges remain as Congress begins debate on the FY12 budget.
Politics Swirl Around Plans For Medicare’s Future, The Deficit
At home in their districts, Republicans are taking positions – and heat – on the Ryan budget plan, which would make significant changes to the Medicare program. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama is taking his message on the road.
Now Campaigning, Obama To Ask Voters To Give Health Law A Chance
Meanwhile, The Hill reports that health lobbying has dropped off compared to the level a year ago when Congress was in the midst of the health reform debate.
Study Suggests Flaw In Methods Used To Measure Racial Health Disparities
The findings, which appeared in the journal Demography, came out just weeks after the Department of Health and Human Services released a national strategy to reduce racial and ethnic differences in care.
Giffords’ Office: Close Gap In Traumatic Brain-Injury Care
Staff members for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, R-Ariz., have become key advocates in a campaign to ensure that the health law guarantees high levels of care for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries.
Today’s opinions, editorials and satire come from The New York Times, Kaiser Health News, Minneapolis Star Tribune and the Onion.
State News: Calif. Report Faults Screening Of In-Home Care Providers
Today’s news includes reports from Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Kansas, Michigan and Oregon.
Federal Judge In N.J. Dismisses Health Overhaul Challenge
According to press reports, U.S. District Judge Freda Wolfson ruled that Nicholas Purpura and Donald R. Laster Jr., who filed their lawsuit without a lawyer, lack legal standing to challenge the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Screening For Home Health Care Is Subject Of New Medicare Rules
Minnesota Public Radio reports that as a result of the health law, more oversight will be applied to home health services.
Research Roundup: New Hips, Medicare & Hospital Stays; Medicaid Update
Today’s studies come from JAMA, George Washignton University, RCHN Community Health Foundation, RAND, Health Affairs, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Kaiser Family Foundation, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and the Alliance For Health Reform.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about political reactions to the Democratic and Republican deficit proposals as well as plans for Medicare.
