Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Lady Obama, Sec. Clinton Mark International Women’s Day
First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday by honoring recent gains in addressing global women’s issues while reflecting on the scope of the task of achieving gender equity in the future, the Associated Press reports.
At a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on Tuesday, Ben Affleck, the actor, writer and director, and “other witnesses urged the Obama administration to immediately appoint a special envoy” for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is due for a national election in November, CNN reports (Cohen, 3/8).
Feds Gives Maine A Break From Insurance Premium Rules
Maine was granted leeway – the first such waiver given by the federal government – with the health law provision known as the medical-loss ratio because of concerns it would destabilize the state’s insurance market.
Dem Leaders Acknowledge Senate Support For Berwick Falls Short
But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief says he remains entirely focused on the job at hand.
State Budget Cuts Take Toll On Mental Health Services
An analysis by the National Alliance on Mental Illness concluded that 32 states and Washington, D.C., have reduced funding for mental health programs.
Viewpoints: Are Waivers Weakening Health Law?; Ill. ‘Dangerous Docs’; Arizona Transplants
Various opinions and editorials from around the country.
Reid Backs House Version of 1099 Repeal
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., went on record saying he liked the House’s pay-for provision – which has drawn opposition from many Democrats – better than the Senate’s approach.
GOP Pollster Offers Vision For Undoing The Health Law
Pollster Bill McInturff said a campaign strategy that capitalizes on Americans’ tepid support for the overhaul and their ongoing worries about it could be “politically crippling” for Democrats. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee chairman points to a potential chink in Mitt Romney’s armor.
Medicaid And The Health Overhaul’s Goals
Media outlets report on how the health overhaul interacts with Medicaid and whether it will ultimately have a positive or negative impact on states.
Senate Continues To Be Embroiled In Spending Bill Battles
March 18 is the deadline for work to be completed on spending for the current year, otherwise a government shutdown will take place. A Bloomberg poll found many Americans would oppose a shutdown, but also oppose deep cuts in programs such as Medicare and medical research. All the while, politics related to funding for the health law and Planned Parenthood are still heating up.
State Roundup: Legislatures Pressured On Health Cuts, Malpractice Laws
A roundup of news from Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Ohio, New York, Texas, Connecticut and Wisconsin.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the White House appealed a Florida ruling striking down the entire health law.
World Marks 100th International Women’s Day
Marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, U.N. Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet reflected on the progress made on women’s rights issues over the past century while noting the barriers yet to be overcome, the Canadian Press reports. “The last century has seen an unprecedented expansion of women’s legal rights and entitlements,” Bachelet said, noting the progress made in voting rights for women, laws against domestic and sexual violence, and women in the workplace, the news service writes (Lederer, 3/8).
U.S. Providing $30M For Situation In Libya As U.N. Appeals For $160M For Humanitarian Needs
The U.S. will provide an additional $15 million to relief groups helping people who are stuck or fleeing the unrest in Libya, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said on Monday, Sapa-Agence France-Presse/Times LIVE reports (3/8).
Health Law Policy Disputes Central To Congressional Spending Fight
As lawmakers tussle over how much spending should be cut in this year’s budget, these key policy questions related to the health law and other regulatory issues are a flashpoint.
Senate ‘Gang Of Six’ Launches Public Campaign For Deficit Reduction
Their effort focuses on educating the public about the importance of overhauling Medicare and other entitlement programs if the national debt is to be tamed.
Optimism Stems From Humana’s Focus On Medicare Plans – But Don’t Expect A Dividend Soon
Humana’s CEO told Reuters that his company plans to avoid steps like moving into Medicaid markets and outsourcing pharmacy operations.
