Latest KFF Health News Stories
Advocates Help Improve Care And Outcomes For American Indian Patients
MPR reports on how this population, which struggles with health disparities, benefits from these designated advocates.
News about health care and health insurance from around the country.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
FDA Proposes Plan To Speed Medical Device Reviews
The approach, which would focus on first-of-a-kind devices with the potential to make a significant difference for patients, could cut in half the current amount of time spent reviewing most new devices.
For Lawmakers, First-Person Experiences Impact Health Policy Decisions
The New York Times reports on how a lawmaker, who is also a physician involved in a medical liability lawsuit that started before he was elected to Congress, is now a sponsor of malpractice legislation. Meanwhile, new House members who declined federal insurance coverage are facing the pitfalls of the insurance market.
Pop Culture Providing Explanations, New Perspectives On Health Law
An MIT economist is using the graphic novel format to “help make the pitch” for the health overhaul while a one-woman show, now being presented on a national tour, explores “the human side” of the continuing health debate.
House Republicans Push Anti-Abortion Bills
Two bills have been introduced in the House but Senate Democrats vow to stop their progress if they clear the lower chamber.
First Edition: February 9, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about GOP plans to defund the health law and stepped up Capitol Hill activity surrounding the abortion issue.
Obama Will Send Congress ‘Tough Choices’ Budget, White House Budget Director Says
“President Barack Obama will send Congress a ‘tough choices’ budget next week that would cut some of his own programs in the environment, community development and services for the poor to rein in the deficit,” Jacob Lew, the White House budget director, wrote recently in a New York Times opinion piece, Bloomberg reports.
U.N. Officials Call For Renewed Effort To Stop Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
U.N. officials on Sunday called for countries to renew their commitment to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice which endangers the lives of women and girls, Inter Press Service reports (Deen, 2/7).
FAO Issues Alerts On Flood Damage In Southern Africa, Drought In China
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday issued an alert warning that “floods and heavy rains have significantly damaged whole areas of agricultural land across southern Africa and that the livelihood and food security of farmers and their families are at risk,” the Associated Press reports (2/7).
Politics Swirl Around Health Law Provisions
With the 2012 elections in sight, some Democrats are searching for ways to roll back the individual mandate while others have hired a strategist to defend the overhaul. And the GOP’s first real spending bill doesn’t seem to put force behind their pledge to defund the health law.
GOP Govs Seek Flexibility In Insurance Exchanges
In a sharply worded letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the governors ask for six specific changes that would give states more control over the health law’s exchange markets.
Berwick Pledges Unprecedented National Patient Safety Effort
CQ HealthBeat reports on the CMS administrator’s remarks.
Essential Benefits, Child-Only Policies Among Health Overhaul Issues Gaining Attention
News outlets report on developments related to the implementation of these health law provisions.
Governors Face Painful Budget Choices
Health care programs are among those being slashed with many news organizations focusing on Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s plans for Medicaid.
Sebelius Signals Readiness To Tweak Long-Term Care Insurance Program
The goal will be to ensure the program’s fiscal sustainability into the future – a frequent criticism from GOP critics who hope to repeal the program.
Battle Lines Clear As House Republicans Hold Two Hearings This Week On Abortion Legislation
For the GOP, the issue requires a delicate balance between its conservative base and independent voters while two junior Democrats take hardline positions against the Republican plans.
Roundup: Fraying Safety Nets; Calif. Mental Health Clinics; Texas Obesity Costs Rising
A roundup of state news from around the country.
