Latest KFF Health News Stories
States Advance Abortion Legislation
In Arizona, legislation was signed into law to outlaw sex- or race-based abortions. In Kansas, a “fetal pain” measure has been sent to the governor for his signature.
National Journal Analyzes The 2012 Presidential Field
These experts point to the former governor’s health record as potentially problematic.
State Roundup: Md. Blue Cross Probed; Mass. Nonprofit Hospitals May Be Sold
Today’s news includes reports from Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas and Florida.
Senate Likely To Vote Wednesday On 1099 Provision Repeal
The measure is being offered as an amendment to a small-business bill being considered this week. It could be voted on as soon as Wednesday morning and, if passed, go straight to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Today’s commentaries come from The New York Times, Kaiser Health News, The Weekly Standard, NPR, KQED in California, the Kansas City Star, the Oregonian and the Wall Street Journal.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including recent developments related to the congressional budget impasse, which stems in part from partisan disagreement regarding controversial “policy” riders that impose restrictions on funding for the health law and Planned Parenthood.
Social Unrest In Yemen Impeding Humanitarian Aid Delivery, U.N. Official Says
Almost one-third of Yemen’s 23 million people do not have enough food, and social unrest in the country is making it difficult for aid groups to reach those in need, Valerie Amos, U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said on Monday, Reuters reports.
Report Examines How New Technologies Can Aid In Humanitarian Response To Disasters
A new report examines how new technologies, including digital mapping, can influence emergency relief work and says technology will not be able to fully transform humanitarian aid without “better coordination and communication between digital volunteers and veteran agencies in the relief field, like the United Nations and the Red Cross,” the New York Times reports (Lohr, 3/28).
Study Finds Global Adolescent Death Rates Exceed Rates For Child, Infant Deaths
A study published on Tuesday in the Lancet found that in a reversal of historical trends, “death rates among adolescents are now higher than in children,” Reuters reports.
WHO Director-General Responds To Draft Report On Agency’s Handling Of H1N1 Pandemic
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan on Monday responded to the first results of a probe into the agency’s response to the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic, Agence France-Presse reports. While calling attention to where the external panel committee commended the agency’s actions, Chan also addressed the criticisms and recommendations issued in the draft report (3/28). Her comments came as the review committee held its “fourth and final public session” in Geneva to receive “feedback from countries and organizations on its preliminary report,” CIDRAP News reports (Schnirring, 3/28).
With Clock Ticking, Budget Impasse Continues
As the next deadline for a possible government shutdown approaches, legislative riders, including conservative-backed amendments that would cut off funding for the health law and advance other contentious social issues, remain stumbling blocks.
Health Law Policy Details Continue To Grab Attention, Headlines
Health law costs, accountable care organizations, the individual mandate and even the latest in proceedings surrounding Virginia’s health law challenge are all in today’s news.
Non-Generic Drugs Increase Medicaid Costs
A new study by the American Enterprise Institute found that using brand-name drugs instead of generics may have added as much as $329 million in extra spending in 2009.
Cancer Drug, Drug To Prevent Preterm Births Cause Cost Concerns
News outlets report on the political dilemma involved with Provenge – a cancer drug – as well as the impact that Makena – the medicine that can prevent preterm births – could have on the nation’s high health care costs.
In Calif., Nurses To Take Greater Role In Providing Primary Care
While the LA Times reports that nurses are poised to help meet the requirements of the health law, The Chicago Sun-Times reports that more young doctors are choosing primary care careers.
State Roundup: Fla. Faces Class Action Suit Over Disabled Waiting List
A roundup of news from various states around the country.
Study: Increasing Medicare Age Would Shift Costs
A study released today concluded that employers and younger people would end up paying more for their health insurance if Medicare’s eligibility age were raised. However, the age change would also result in billions of dollars in taxpayer savings.
Hospital Execs Among California’s Highest-Paid Public Employees
Meanwhile, Reuters reports on a common theme in efficiency and cost-cutting among the nation’s top 100 hospitals.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
WSJ: Medicare Records Show Trail Of Troubling Surgeries
The Wall Street Journal continues its examination of Medicare’s claims databases to uncover potentially fraudulent activities. Meanwhile, The Miami Herald reports on one alleged fraud perpetrator who is now awaiting trail.
