Latest KFF Health News Stories
Joan Clos, the newly elected executive director of the U.N. Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT), on Tuesday urged the international community to focus on improving the lives of slum dwellers worldwide and take steps to reduce the expansion of slum areas, Xinhua/People’s Daily Online reports.
Officials Discuss HIV/AIDS In Caribbean During PANCAP Meeting
“Despite the gains associated with antiretroviral treatments (ART) over the last decade, HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of death among young and middle-aged adults in the Caribbean, warns a new U.N. report” that was released during the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) that concluded on Tuesday, Inter Press Service reports (Richards, 11/3).
WellPoint, Aetna Report Higher 3rd Quarter Profits
Insurers WellPoint and Aetna are reporting higher profits in the third quarter, which they attribute in part to reduced health care costs.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced contracts for competitive bidding under a controversial new process while doctors worry about Medicare payment cuts.
Opinions and editorials from around the country.
Military Leaders Look For Way To Cut Health Care Costs
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is looking for ways to cut back health care costs in the nation’s military care, “an area that members of Congress have so far been reluctant to tackle,” Politico reports.
How Much Did Health Care Votes Cause Democratic Defeats?
News outlets report continue to explore whether Democrats’ votes on health care were a decisive reason for election-night losses.
Report: FDA Conflict-Of-Interest Rules Too Restrictive
How cozy can a physician be with a drug company before the relationship is deemed a conflict of interest?
AT&T Expands Stake In Health IT
AT&T is launching a new division to target the $34 billion health IT industry; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services wants to streamline electronic health data exchange
First Edition: November 4, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories that explore the questions, answers and widespread speculation regarding the next steps for health reform.
GOP Leaders Say Health Law Repeal Is A Top Priority; Obama Hopes To Find ‘Common Ground’
The day after taking control of the House of Representatives and scoring other sweeping electoral wins, Republican leaders make clear that the recently enacted health reform measure will be a target.
Republicans Look To Use Majority For Health Overhaul Repeal, Plan Vote
Republicans waking up as the majority in the House are planning to quickly flex their muscles to try to repeal the Democratic health law – but even some GOP leaders acknowledge it is unlikely they can get rid of the law right away.
The GOP Scores Big Wins In Mid-Term Elections
Opposition to health care reform plays a role in shaping midterm election results and helps Republicans to capture control of the House of Representatives and expand their voice in the Senate.
Today’s Op-Eds: What The GOP Can Do With ‘ObamaCare’ And More About The Doctor Shortage
Opinions and editorials from around the country.
States address a range of health policy issues.
GOP Claims Statehouse Victories That Could Set Back Health Law Implementation
Newly elected GOP governors are strongly opposed to health care law; Arizona and Oklahoma voters approve amendment against the individual mandate while Colorado rejects a similar measure; and no legalized marijuana for Californians.
Doctor Payment Rates Cut Again Under New Medicare Rules
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services posted final Medicare payment rules Tuesday that include a cut in physician reimbursement rates.
Florida Charity Helps People Afford Drug Co-Pays
Orlando Sentinel/The Washington Post reports on the Assistance Fund, “a national charity that covers pricey prescription-drug costs for those who have insurance but can’t afford their co-pay.”
Economy Saps Hospital’s Earnings As Patients Avoid Treatment
The slow economy is finally infiltrating the hospital sector, too.
Insurers Post Strong Earnings, But Investors Wary Of Health Law Rules
Insurers reported high earnings Wednesday, but investors remain worried about the possible effects of health overhaul-related regulations.
