Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Costs: Employer-Sponsored Insurance Premiums Rise 41%
A new report presents state-by-state analysis of insurance premiums, other studies examine prescription drug use patterns and costs.
First Edition: December 2, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the debt panel’s plan would boost costs for seniors on Medicare; how parts of the GOP are making clear their positions regarding health reform “repeal and replace” strategy; and how limited health plans faced Senate critics at a hearing.
“A generation of babies could be born free of AIDS if the international community stepped up efforts to provide universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and social protection, the United Nations said on Tuesday,” Reuters reports. The declaration came on the eve of World AIDS Day, as U.N. leaders released a new report (.pdf), which found “millions of women and children, particularly in poor countries, fall through the cracks of HIV services either due to their gender, social or economic status, location or education,” according to the news service (Kelland, 11/30).
Report Analyzes Global Health Funding Trends, Predicts Lower Funding Growth
A report from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) finds that the recent global economic downturn “hasn’t quelled generous government and private donors from giving record amounts to improve global health,” but the analysis also revealed “that growth in funding is beginning to taper off, cut by more than half between 2008 and 2010,” the Seattle Times’ “The Business of Giving” blog reports (Heim, 11/30).
U.N. Launches Largest Ever Annual Aid Appeal, Asking For $7.4B In 2011
In its annual appeal, the U.N. on Tuesday asked “governments and private donors for a record $7.4 billion next year to provide 50 million people worldwide with food, clothing and other urgent humanitarian aid,” the Associated Press/Washington Post reports (11/30).
USA Today Examines Why Aid For Haiti Goes Unspent
“Ten months after the magnitude-7 earthquake that killed 230,000 people and destroyed at least 60% of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, some relief agencies have not spent the bulk of the donations they raised after the disaster. They say they want to use the rest for the country’s long-term recovery, but they can’t get rolling because roads are torn up, government agencies aren’t functioning, and the economy is at a standstill. Agencies are also working to contain a rapid-spreading cholera outbreak,” USA Today writes in an article examining aid to Haiti since the quake.
Va. Federal Judge Rejects Liberty University’s Challenge To Health Reform Law
The court ruled that the new law falls within congressional authority to regulate interstate trade. It is one of multiple lawsuits challenging the law.
Republicans Fight Over Energy And Commerce Gavel As They Sharpen Congressional Agenda
Republicans are fighting over the gavel to head the Energy and Commerce committee as their agenda’s outline becomes sharper in anticipation of the new session of Congress.
State Officials Weigh In On Health Overhaul Challenge
Since Nov. 16, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida has received 14 friend-of-the-court briefs from state senators, representatives, governors, and attorneys general.
Opinions and editorials from around the country
Medical Groups Weigh In On Health Reform, Pay Freeze
News outlets report on how new treatment models impact care, as well as political developments and positions among medical organizations.
U.S. Retirees Need Hundreds Of Thousands To Pay For Medical Expenses, Report Finds
A new report finds that retirees still need to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for medical expenses.
States address a range of health policy issues.
Tele-ICUs Could Save Money; Health Care IT Companies See Bolstered Support
Remote monitoring could save 350 lives and $122 million per year in Mass., health care group says
Food Safety Bill Passes In Senate
Some say the legislation represents a fundamental shift in the Food and Drug Administration food safety program.
Deficit Panel Delays Vote; Curbing Medicare Spending Part Of Proposal
Over the next ten years, 30 million more seniors will pour into Medicare, which already consumes 12 percent of the federal budget and 20 percent of all health spending.
Supreme Court Considers Overcrowding’s Effect On Medical Care In California’s Prisons
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering an order requiring California prisons to release 40,000 inmates because overcrowding has limited access to health care.
First Edition: December 1, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that a Virginia judge dismissed Liberty University’s challenge to the health care law.
