Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Starts Today
Medicare open enrollment kicks off today and brings changes such as a reduction in the number of Medicare Advantage plans.
Large Tobacco Companies Fight Tougher Restrictions Around The Globe
The New York Times reports, “As sales to developing nations become ever more important to giant tobacco companies, they are stepping up efforts around the world to fight tough restrictions on the marketing of cigarettes.”
As VA Touts Quality Of System, Study Shows No Difference In Mortality Rate
VA care is a “hot topic” in Congress and among advocates.
Physician-Owned Hospitals Gear Up To Fight Health Law Restrictions
News outlets report on the hospital market.
HHS Seeking To Publish New Health Insurance Data
HHS wants to publish more detailed health insurance plan data on http://www.healthcare.gov.
Employees Will See Changes In 2011 Health Benefits
A number of provisions in the health care overhaul will take effect in 2011, including a notable change in flexible spending account reimbursements.
Employees’ Perks For Healthy Behavior Will Increase Next Year
Employers plan to further reward employees for healthy behavior – such as quitting smoking or losing weight – with lower insurance premiums or cash prizes, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Mobile Phones Aid In Health Firm’s Promotion
A Washington, D.C.,-based firm has pioneered targeted public service announcements via mobile phones, and nine months after its experiment began, officials say it was a success.
Medicare Cuts Looming For Doctors; Debt Panel’s Health Suggestions Questioned
News outlets examine health provider reactions to the federal commission’s debt reduction proposal.
Texas Republicans Talk Tough About Dropping Medicaid; Other States Consider Steep Cuts
As the Medicaid program continues to consume more of states’ budgets each year, Republican lawmakers and the just-reelected GOP governor, Rick Perry, have an idea: Opting-out of the program altogether.
First Edition: November 15, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report that Republicans are spoiling for a health care fight in the new Congress.
Senators, Economists, Health Groups To Submit Briefs In States’ Suit Against Reform Law
A Florida judge agreed to let Republicans critical of the health overhaul, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Rep. John Boehner, and 35 economists supporting the changes in health care submit arguments in the suit brought by 20 states seeking to overturn the law.
Baucus To Offer Bill To Amend Business Provision In Health Law
Senate Finance Committee chairman says he will seek to get rid of part of the law that was highly criticized by small businesses. It requires them to report any purchases over $600 to the IRS as part of an effort to collect taxes owed the government and help raise money for health overhaul.
In advance of World Pneumonia Day, the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) on Thursday released a report card (.pdf) showing that pneumonia prevention and intervention targets are not being met in the 15 countries where three-quarters of deaths in children under age 5 from the disease occur each year, IRIN reports (11/11).
U.N. Agencies, Rotary International Launch Mass Polio Immunization Campaign In Central Africa
The WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International on Thursday announced they will kick off a “mass polio immunization campaign in three Central African nations” on Friday “in response to a polio outbreak suspected in more than 100 deaths and deemed ‘unusual’ because it targets adults more than children,” that was first confirmed in the Republic of Congo on Nov. 4, the Associated Press reports.
Report Documents Increase In R&D Projects On Developing World Diseases
“Drugmakers are now working on over 100 R&D projects designed to tackle diseases of the developing world and almost 80% of them are being carried out with non-industry partners,” according to a report (.pdf) released on Wednesday by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), Pharma Times reports.
New York Times Examines Aid Effort Challenges For Slow-Moving Disasters With A Focus On Pakistan
The New York Times examines the international aid response to the recent floods in Pakistan and takes a closer look at aid challenges that arise for what the article calls “slow-moving disasters.”
G20 Leaders Endorse Business-Focused Economic Development Plan As Seoul Summit Closes
The G20 summit in Seoul, South Korea, ended Friday with leaders issuing a communique (.pdf) that endorsed the multi-year Seoul Development Consensus for Shared Growth, Xinhua reports (11/12). The plan seeks to boost development by taking a “business-focused approach” in the developing world, the Globe and Mail reports (Curry et al., 11/12). According to the Korea Herald, “[t]he Seoul Consensus identifies nine key pillars where we believe actions are necessary to resolve the most significant bottlenecks to inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth in developing countries, low income countries in particular,” the leaders said (11/12).
Reproductive Health Forum In Ghana Addresses Unsafe Abortions In Africa
The issue of unsafe abortion and its role in women’s health was the focus of a four-day conference this week in Accra, Ghana, involving health experts, policymakers and health workers from across Africa, Ghana News Agency reports. According to the news service, the conference agenda was to include: “a review of regional and national progress in addressing unsafe abortion, lessons from research and experience that could improve safe abortion care, post abortion care and related reproductive health care, such as preventing unwanted pregnancy, discussion of an agenda for action for the African region and ways to improve collaboration among governments, NGOs and other stakeholders” (11/9).
