Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about ongoing congressional talks about the budget impasse and policy issues related to the health law.
U.N., Aid Groups Highlight Mass Exodus From Violence In Cote d’Ivoire
Up to one million people in Cote d’Ivoire have fled escalating violence in the city of Abidjan, Melissa Fleming, a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said at a news briefing in Geneva on Friday, Reuters reports.
Economist Articles Examine Agriculture, Nutrition Issues
In an article examining the relationship between health and agriculture, the Economist writes that while agricultural growth is “no magic solution” to helping people gain access to nutritious foods, “[f]arming ought to be especially good for nutrition.” The magazine notes, “In theory a rise in farm output should boost nutrition by more than a comparable rise in general economic well-being, measured by GDP. In practice it is another story,” as various countries’ records show. “Malawi, Bangladesh and Vietnam all increased agricultural value-added by roughly $100 a head from 1990 to 2007, and cut malnutrition by 15-20 percentage points. Egypt, Guatemala and India pushed up agricultural value-added more
In light of the situation in Japan “where an earthquake and tsunami crippled an aging atomic power station,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday said international nuclear safety standards should be reassessed, Reuters reports.
Leaders from “five anti-hunger organizations on Monday will lead open-ended fasts to protest proposed cuts to domestic and international food programs contained in the House-passed six-month spending bill,” The Hill’s “On The Money” blog reports.
Reports Of H1N1 Outbreaks In Venezeula, Mexico Prompt Quick Preventive Action By Health Authorities
Health officials in Venezuela announced on Friday the number of confirmed H1N1 (swine flu) cases in the country has grown to more than 200, the Associated Press/Seattle Times reports (3/25).
Mini-Med Plans, ACOs Among Health Law Hot Topics
News outlets are reporting on health law policy issues, ranging from how mini-med plans are living on as a result of waivers to what might become of the regs for accountable care organizations.
As Next Govt. Shutdown Looms, Parties Still At Odds On Spending Cuts
Although some reports of progress have emerged from closed-door negotiations, Democrats and Republicans appear to still be at odds regarding whether the current year funding bill should move beyond a “narrow slice of discretionary programs” to include some health programs – including Medicare.
State Roundup: States ‘Scrambling’ On Medicaid Budget
A roundup of news from various states around the country.
Hospital Pricing, Mergers Grab Headlines
In Texas, reports indicate that costs vary widely by hospital. Meanwhile, merger talks begin in Connecticut.
How Is The Health Care Safety Net Faring?
News outlets examine the safety net from varying vantage points to see how it is holding up in advance of the health law’s coverage expansions and during difficult economic times.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Exploring The Donor Kidney Market
The LA Times offers the pros and cons of some of the solutions often debated as a means to address the supply of these donor organs.
Nurse Staffing Levels, Safety Net Status Both Factors In Patient Outcomes
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Mirror reports on hospitals’ efforts to reduce readmissions. And, in other news, new research has found that patients are less likely to fill prescriptions when doctors specify brand names instead of allowing generic substitutions.
House Subcommittee To Investigate AARP ‘Financial Conflicts’
House GOP lawmakers are scrutinizing how the AARP’s interests may have played into the positions the organization took during the health debate.
Rising Medicare Premiums Threaten To Wipe Out Social Security COLA
The Associated Press reports on how the costs of Medicare could erase this year’s projected slight Social Security cost-of-living increase.
Poll: Proposed Planned Parenthood Funding Cuts Deepen Gender Gap
Meanwhile, in a second story, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski says the funding fight is far from over.
Differing Reports On How Businesses, Health Law Are Interacting
Reuters reports that Health and Human Services data show the business community is a big winner as a result of the measure’s early retiree program. But The Fiscal Times notes that some “corporate giants” are at odds with the overhaul.
