Latest KFF Health News Stories
Governors Take Hard Look At Medicaid Dollars, Programs
Various state executives aim to address issues within their states’ Medicaid programs.
States confront a variety of health policy issues.
First Edition: January 4, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the House GOP set the date for the vote to repeal the health law.
Lancet Editorial Highlights Similarities Between Current Health Challenges, Those From 1911
“After a century of progress, the issues that medicine must tackle in the coming year aren’t that different from the ones that faced doctors at the start of 1911, according to the observations” published Jan. 1 in a Lancet editorial, LiveScience reports (Parry, 12/30).
Newsweek Reports On Growth Of Safety Net Programs In Developing Countries
“[A] recent study by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization identified 72 different ‘social pension’ plans around the world dedicated to the elderly, the ill, or the down and out,” Newsweek writes in an article exploring the growth in welfare programs around the world. “Most countries on the [WHO/ILO] list are developing nations once considered too destitute to help their poor and that, until recently, had little or no welfare coverage at all. … While fighting inequality and helping the neediest has long been on the docket of Third World leaders, most previous attempts have been sabotaged by inefficiency, corruption, and stagnant or dysfunctional economies,” the magazine writes. “Now roaring economies in Asia, Latin America, and even Africa, coupled with better-functioning governments and sound fiscal stewardship, have stretched the policy horizons for many nations that once lived from one crisis to the next,” according to Newsweek.
“President Barack Obama is quietly but strategically stepping up his outreach to Africa, using this year to increase his engagement with a continent that is personally meaningful to him and important to U.S. interests,” the Associated Press writes in a story looking at how the Obama administration might engage with African countries in the upcoming year.
“With philanthropists funneling billions of dollars into biomedical research and traditional drug discovery efforts producing fewer and fewer therapies, the line between for-profit and nonprofit life science companies is beginning to blur as both sides of the divide look for new options,” The Scientist magazine writes in an article that examines the rise in collaborations between nonprofit pharmaceutical companies and for-profit groups. “More and more for-profit enterprises are experimenting with nonprofit models, while nonprofit organizations look to incorporate for-profit business practices to stay afloat.”
New House GOP Leaders Plan Early Vote On Health Law Repeal
As the GOP takes control of the House and gains new muscle in the Senate, the Republican to-do list in the House is clear.
Looking Ahead: What Health System Changes To Expect In 2011
News outlets are offering forward-looking reports on what to expect in 2011 as the implementation of the health law proceeds.
Kaiser Health News offers opinions from the Chicago Sun-Times, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constition and other news outlets.
States confront a variety of health policy issues and challenges.
Obama Signs Law To Help 9/11 Workers
While on vacation in Hawaii, President Obama signed into law legislation to cover the medical care costs of 9/11 rescue workers.
Senator Eyes Plan To Ease Prescription Drug Shortages
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., plans to introduce legislation in the new Congress to address a shortage of some cancer drugs and other meds.
LA Times: Exploring The Fairness Of Wellness Incentives
Many large employers offer health insurance premium discounts if their employees take such steps as quittin smoking.
First Edition: January 3, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including forward looking reports about the health law’s possible impact in 2011 as well as early plans for the new Congress.
GOP Vows House Will Vote On Repeal Of Health Law Before State Of The Union
Rep. Fred Upton, who will head the House Energy and Commerce Committee, says Republicans’ priority is reversing health law passed by Democrats last year.
New Year Triggers Several Key Provisions Of Health Law
News outlets examine how consumers will be affected by changes that go into effect today.
Insurers Report That More Small Businesses Are Offering Health Benefits
The Los Angeles Times reports: “Major insurers around the country are reporting that a growing number of small businesses are signing up to give their workers health benefits. … An important selling point has been a tax credit that the nation’s new healthcare law provides to companies with fewer than 25 employees and moderate-to-low pay scales to help offset the cost of providing benefits.”
GOP Prepares To Battle Possible Obama Efforts To Make Health Changes Through Regulation
The Hill reports that House Republican leaders will use budgetary strategies and other efforts to fight regulatory action by the administration. Meanwhile, the New York Times highlights a new strategy in the court fight on the health law.
