Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tough Economy Adds Stress To Hospitals; Community Health Centers Help Fill Gaps
Many hospitals suffer from the effects of the struggling economy. Meanwhile, community health center increasingly provide more care and help fill in health care gaps.
Drug Company CEOs Under Pressure
News outlets feature profiles and opinions of the CEOs of some of the largest American drug manufacturers.
First Edition: February 3, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that House Democrats have a plan for their next health reform move.
Compromise On Health Care Is Difficult, But Failure To Pass Bill Means Youth May Ditch Dems
Compromise is difficult on insurance regulatory reforms, but not passing reform could lead many young voters to stay home in the 2010 elections.
Pelosi: Insurance Antitrust Bill Next Week, Dems Continue Health Reform Planning
News outlets covered the mixed signals on Capitol Hill on the prospects for Democratic health legislation.
In New Hampshire, Obama Promises Not To Quit On Health Care Overhaul
President Obama said the government needs to fix the health insurance system, which, he added, often works better for the insurance industry than it does for Americans.
Obama’s FY 2011 Budget Gives Global Health Funding Boost
President Barack Obama’s FY 2011 budget request for global health totals $9.6 billion and includes funding for global health activities within the State Department, USAID and HHS, the Wall Street Journal reports. “That compares with $8.8 billion enacted for fiscal 2010,” according to the newspaper (McKay, 2/1).
African Leaders Discuss Ways To Achieve Universal Malaria Control Measures Deadline
The challenges associated with protecting the people of Africa from malaria took center stage Monday during the second day of the African Union (AU) Summit, the New Times/allAfrica.com reports (2/2).
PATH To Pay FDA $480,000 To Speed Creation Of Pneumococcal Vaccine For Developing World
The FDA on Monday said it’s entering into a collaboration with the nonprofit group PATH “to speed creation of a pneumococcal vaccine for children in developing nations,” United Press International reports (2/1).
U.S. Government To Reimburse American Hospitals That Treat Airlifted Haitian Patients
“The federal government announced on Monday that it would reimburse American hospitals who treat Haitian earthquake victims with life-threatening injuries, making it possible for more hospitals in states outside Florida to consider taking those patients,” the New York Times reports.
Obama’s Budget Includes A Tempered Vision Of Health Reform
Democrats’ health overhaul efforts are stalled in Congress, but President Obama’s 2011 budget offers a “modest” back-up plan.
Current Health Reform Efforts Echo Past Struggles As Chances Are Weighed
Analysts, considering past experiences and present situation, evaluate options for President Obama and a Democratic Congress to enact health reform.
Today’s Op-Eds: Obama’s Budget, Gingrich On Bipartisanship, Physician Clinics
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials.
Investigation: Washington State Moves Medicaid Nursing Home Patients To Adult Family Homes
The Seattle Times probes Washington’s practice of relocating Medicaid patients from nursing homes to adult family homes, which saves millions of dollars but frequently results in sub-standard care for the sickest and poorest residents.
Another COBRA Subsidy Extension Included In Obama’s Budget Plan
The latest extension would apply to workers laid off from March 1, 2010, through the end of the year. Those on COBRA now would not be affected.
Local Programs For Medical Homes, Free Care May Offer Blueprint For Larger Changes
Some clinics and insurers are setting up local programs that use facets of now stalled health care overhaul to control costs and provide better care for patients.
Some States Restart Health Reforms While Others Push Back
As national health care reform stumbles, some states are restarting their health care push, while others are cutting back special health programs.
Ohio Changes Medicaid Drug Program, N.C. Weighs Cuts In Medicaid Personal Care Services
Overall, budget pressures continue to cause states to struggle with Medicaid funding as well as other efforts to provide insurance coverage to low-income residents.
Abstinence-Only Program Shows Success In Reducing Teen Sex
Sixth and seventh graders enrolled in an experimental abstinence-only program report less sexual activity than other students.
