Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Too Many CT Scans; Single Payer Is ‘Best Solution’; WSJ On Wash. State ‘Overregulation’
A seleciton of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Are Newer Prostate Cancer Treatments – Now Gaining Popularity – Worth The Extra Cost?
Reuters explores the related issues raised in a report released this week.
Research Roundup: Successful Medical Homes; Shortage Of HIV Doctors
Today’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, the Institute of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Annals of Family Medicine.
Flexibility Key Word At Senate Hearing On State Exchanges
State officials from different political perspectives expressed interest in establishing health insurance exchanges, and an administration official promised “a wide berth” in how states choose to construct parts of the reform law.
House Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Protect Health Insurance Brokers
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., addresses how brokers are classified under the health law’s medical loss ratio requirement.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about events planned to mark the health law’s first anniversary as well as other developments related to the measure’s implementatioin and the budget issues Congress continues to wrestle.
U.S. Officials Discuss Proposed Foreign Aid Cuts At House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing
Proposed budget cuts could be “absolutely devastating” for American foreign aid programs, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah said at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
Nutrition Experts Gather At WHO Headquarters To Discuss Ways To Fight Malnutrition
As world nutrition experts gather this week at the WHO headquarters to discuss ways to fight global malnutrition, VOA News examines the growing issues of “undernutrition and obesity, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.”
At One-Year Mark, Implications Of Health Law Emerge
Media outlets report on issues related to health law implementation and its one-year anniversary – including the unexpected importance taken on by waivers, the marketplace impact on health insurance brokers and the geography of the health care workforce issues likely to result.
Senate Finance Hearing Marked By Detailed Policy Discussions
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified before the panel where she defended the health law waivers so far granted by the administration and other aspects of the overhaul that have been subject to scrutiny and criticism.
Medicare Officials Signal No Payment Changes On Anemia Drugs
The AP reports that, according to an online memo posted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency will not issue a national rule on this topic.
State Roundup: Ga. Seeks Federal MLR Waiver
A review of health news from across the country.
California’s KQED expores what that state’s hospitals are doing to address medical mistakes and infections.
The Wall Street Journal reports that despite pressure from the government and health plans, the cost of prescription drugs are climbing rapidly.
Blue Shield Of California Withdraws Planned Rate Hike
Part of the reason for the decision may have been the result of political and public pressure, but an unexpected development may have made the retreat easier for the company to accept – it’s paying out less than expected for claims.
Pentagon Health Care Proposal: Vets Pay More
The press to reduce costs of the TriCare program poses a “quandary” for Democrats and Republicans alike.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Politics Surround The Health Overhaul, Grab Headlines
While Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the Senate Finance Committee’s ranking Republican, is taking an increasingly hard line on efforts to undo the health law, supporters of former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney are giving him political cover as other GOP presidential hopefuls step up their attacks on “RomneyCare.” Also, Politico reports that the health law continues to be a boon for the K Street economy.
