Latest KFF Health News Stories
Investing In Medical Innovation Could Have Positive Effect On Health Care Costs
News outlets report that some experts say this investment could help with job creation and American competitiveness in the international marketplace.
A roundup of state news from around the country.
State Health Programs Face Significant Budget Challenges
As states begin the new year, governors and legislatures are examining budget challenges.
Medicaid Payments Under Scrutiny In New York City, On Maryland’s Eastern Shore
New York City is defending its authorization of in-home care for thousands of patients. Meanwhile, in Maryland, investigators disclosed that they had uncovered evidence of fraud at a drug treatment and mental health clinic. In the background, Wisconsin legislators greenlight plans for a sweeping audit of the state’s health program for the poor.
Opinions, analyses and editorials today from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, McClatchy and The New Republic.
First Edition: January 13, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how House GOP leaders are wrestling with how best to retool their health repeal effort and bring the measure forward for a vote.
International Community Must ‘Fulfill Its Pledges’ To Haiti, Pres. Obama Says
President Barack Obama on Tuesday
WHO, Roll Back Malaria Partnership Launch Initiative To Contain Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria
The WHO and Roll Back Malaria partnership (RBM) on Wednesday launched an initiative to “stop a form of drug-resistant malaria from spreading from Southeast Asia to Africa, where millions of lives could be at risk,” Reuters reports. “It would cost about $175 million a year to contain and prevent the global spread of the artemisinin-resistant parasite which first emerged along the Thai-Cambodian border in 2007, the United Nations agency said,” according to the news agency (Nebehay, 1/12).
Washington Post Examines Theories On Climate Change’s Potential Impact On Disease Spread
The Washington Post examines the debate among scientists over the impact climate change might have on the spread of infectious diseases, and the potential for a rise in the number of tropical diseases in the U.S. The article describes how extreme weather conditions, such as flooding and drought
Although Health Repeal Effort Is Currently Quiet, GOP Expected To Renew Push Next Week
News outlets offer analysis and viewpoints regarding how the events in Arizona may have altered the character of the House health law debate, but the chamber will get back to work soon – with the repeal effort still on the to-do list.
Chamber Of Commerce Signals A ‘Low-Key’ Strategy In Support Of Repeal
Meanwhile, the National Taxpayers’ Union detailed plans once the repeal vote is over to focus on certain tax provisions in the new law that the Obama administration may be willing to address.
New Study Finds Safety Net Holding Together — But Future Challenges Are Likely
A Kaiser Family Foundation study offers a detailed take on how states managed to maintain their health programs in face of the additional burdens brought by the recession.
Even as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo attempts to focus on trimming the state’s Medicaid spending, the federal government charges the state with overbilling.
News outlets detail the ongoing back-and-forth as Community Health Systems continues its pursuit of rival hospital group Tenet Healthcare Corp. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe details what may be in store for Caritas’ hospital system.
Roundup: Penn. And Conn. Insurance Issues; Md. Hospital’s Uncompensated Care; Calif. Budget
States in the news include Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Kansas, Alaska and Connecticut.
States Struggle To Adjust To Tightening Purse Strings
News outlets examine how Washington’s budget-cutting mood could lead to program changes – both in the short and long term.
California Insurance Commissioner Asks More Insurers To Delay Rate Hikes
Last week the new insurance chief asked Blue Shield Of Califorina to delay its increase. This week his attention includes Anthem, Aetna and PacifiCare.
Viewpoints: Insurance Rate Increases; High Risk Pools; Mental Health Funding
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
