Latest KFF Health News Stories
Exchanges, Waivers Continue To Draw Scrutiny
The New York Times reports on how the health law’s waivers have fueled GOP criticism, offering opponents what they say is “more evidence” of the measure’s flaws. Meanwhile, CQ HealthBeat reports on concerns surrounding the health exchanges.
State Roundup: Kan., Calif. Budget Cuts; Texas NICU Costs; Katrina Trial
Health care news from California, Massachusetts, Kansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Connecticut.
Wisconsin’s Health Policy Battles Signal State-Level Changes
The Washington Post reports on how the state’s recent dust-up illustrates changes that have occurred in other states, too. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Journal Sential reports that state workers might see costlier health benefits.
California Insurers Want Focus On What’s Driving Up Costs
Meanwhile, some health insurers are responding to the health overhaul by looking for new business opportunities.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
NIH Spending At Risk In Budget Battle
Bloomberg reports that, for the National Institutes of Health budget, the past may not be prologue. In 1995, Newt Gingrich, then the speaker of the House, persuaded GOP lawmakers to spare this agency’s funding and to protect research investments.
Supporters Urge Obama To Push For Berwick’s Senate Hearings, Nomination
Modern Healthcare reports on a letter from a number of notable people from the patient-safety community expressing their support for the beleaguered and interim head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Gingrich Predicts Undoing Of Health Law In Early 2013
The actual repeal, according to the former House speaker and possible GOP presidential hopeful, will not take place until after the 2012 election is over. However, he adds that efforts to defund it will continue – and are likely to be successful – before that.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including continuing coverage of the health law’s first anniversary.
On Health Reform Law’s Anniversary: Pros, Cons, Waivers And State Action
News organizations are noting the one-year anniversary of the health law, and covering developments in the states.
Reports Highlight Global State Of TB Epidemic, Concerns Over Drug-Resistant TB
Increasing rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) “are hampering world health programs aimed at tackling TB and threaten to wipe out progress made against the disease, scientists said on Friday,” Reuters reports (Kelland, 3/18).
Senate Passes FY11 Continuing Resolution To Keep Government Funded Through April 8
The Senate passed a continuing resolution on Thursday, which will now be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature, Roll Call reports. “The spending measure, which passed 87-13, would keep the government funded through April 8 and would cut $6 billion in spending” (Dennis, 3/17).
African Delegates Call On Countries To Do More To Prevent Mother-To-Child Transmission Of HIV
Delegates from 15 African countries this week concluded a three-day workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, examining how countries can improve their efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, VOA News reports.
White House Seeks To Boost Health Law’s Support
The Obama administration hopes the one-year anniversary of the health overhaul will offer a fresh opportunity to increase public support for the measure.
House GOP Targets CLASS Act During Subcommittee Hearing
Republicans on the panel took issue with the 2012 start-up funding sought by the Department of Health and Human Services, though the long-term care program is one part of the health law Democrats have made clear they are open to refining. Meanwhile, Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., said he planned to introduce legislation that day – Thursday – to repeal the program.
Medicaid, State Health Programs Face Continued Budget Cuts
Voters in a Pennsylvania poll expressed their opposition to the cuts proposed by the state’s governor. Meanwhile, though, a number of states continue to wrestle with these spending challenges.
Senate OKs Short-Term Budget Bill, Buys Time For Talks About Deeper Cuts
In the background, a number of issues continue to be in play. These include the continuing tensions surrounding efforts by some GOP lawmakers to defund Planned Parenthood and to repeal the health law’s mandatory spending provisions. And, on a related note, issues related to reforming entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid continue to draw attention.
State News: Calif., Ind. Hospitals Cope With Law’s Effects
Health care news from Texas, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana and Minnesota.
