Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights stories from major news organizations, including reports on the progress of the health reconciliation bill, threats against Democrats because of their votes on the new health overhaul law and questions about a highly touted reform.
GOP Forces Reconciliation Bill Back To The House For Another Vote
Senate parliamentarian upholds Republican challenge to at least two provisions. Democrats say the changes are inconsequential and hope to have final approval before the weekend.
Democrats Expect To End Health Reconciliation Bill Debate Early
Senate Democratic leaders are trying to end debate on a health reform bill that “fixes” a health reform law early to get started on voting on amendments. Meanwhile, Sens. Lieberman and Webb announce they will support the bill.
Obama Signs Executive Order Affirming Ban On Federal Funding For Abortion
In a private ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama signed an executive order reaffirming that no federal money may be used to fund abortions. Only a small group of lawmakers were invited.
UNAIDS Executive Director Calls For ‘Serious Attention To TB’ On World TB Day
In a statement marking World Tuberculosis Day, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe “warned Wednesday that double infections of HIV and TB could become the next new epidemic,” the Associated Press reports. Sidibe said, “I’m calling for serious attention to TB, and serious attention to TB-HIV co-infection” (Corder, 3/24).
Religious Leaders Vow To Fight HIV/AIDS Stigma, Discrimination
A two-day gathering in The Hague of religious leaders to discuss the role people of faith can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS concluded Tuesday with a pledge to prevent discrimination against those living with the disease, the Associated Press reports.
The GAVI Alliance on Tuesday formally announced that drugmakers GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer had signed off on a “10-year deal
Senate Starts Debate Clock On Contentious Health Reform Reconciliation Bill
The Senate Tuesday began debate that Democrats hope to bring to a quick close on a health care reform reconciliation bill that “fixes” parts of a health reform law President Obama signed Tuesday.
GOP Plans Post-Health Reform Strategy
Republicans are planning a bevy of responses outside the legislative process to raise the ire of Americans uneasy with a new law that fundamentally changes how many Americans get their health care.
Today’s OpEds: On Compromise, Disparities And Legal Challenges To Health Law
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials.
Industry Continues To Give Thumbs Up To Overhaul
Health policy experts say doctors, hospitals, insurers and drug firms are all winners under the health overhaul plan President Barack Obama signed Wednesday.
In addition, California lawmakers seek to make health insurance companies justify premium increases.
Looking Back: Moments That Shifted Health Reform Conversation
News outlets look back at the major points in the health care reform debate that changed the conversation and blew the wind toward reform’s passage.
Supporters, Opponents Plan New P.R. Blitz
The health overhaul legislation is now law
States Begin Legal Challenge To New Health Law But Experts Raise Doubts About Their Chances
As about a dozen states file their lawsuits against the health overhaul legislation, experts say they could be in for an uphill battle.
DEA Crackdown On Nursing Home Drugs Comes Under Congressional Scrutiny
Patient advocates suggest policy has “left seriously ill patients crying for relief,” The New York Times report. But DEA says it is merely enforcing law requiring pharmacies to wait for signed prescriptions before issuing drugs.
An Interview With NIH Director Francis Collins
The Washington Post spoke with Francis S. Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, about the health care bill, the human genome project and several other topics.
Controversy Brews On Coverage Provisions For Congressional Members, Staff
A provision in the health care bill that will make members of Congress and their staff enroll in a new health insurance exchange or plan created under the law is causing controversy on the Hill.
