Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s roundup of research and analysis explores studies on care for low-income patients in New Orleans, why the rise is bioresearch funds is declining, new physician guidelines for dealing with caregivers, and aspects of the health overhaul debate.
Nevada Governor Considers Dropping Out Of Medicaid
State governors and other lawmakers continue to worry that an expansion of Medicaid could put their budgets in crisis.
Democrats Endure Political Anxieties As Health Talks Continue
President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats are closing in on the deals necessary to finalize their sweeping health overhaul package.
Obama Signals Interest In Reducing The Protections For Biologic Drugs
Lobbyists for generic biologic drugmakers are fighting to undercut a provision that would protect brand-name pharmaceutical companies from lower-cost, generic competition over new products for 12 years.
Obama Rallies House Democrats During Caucus Retreat
President Barack Obama promised to wage “a great campaign” in support of health reform, and he praised lawmakers who made “tough choices” with possible electoral consequences during the House Democrats’ annual retreat Thursday on Capitol Hill.
GOP Governors Say Health ‘Deals’ Are Being Cut Without Their Input
“Twenty Republican governors and governors-elect are accusing the White House of providing too little transparency on health care, causing worry that ‘deals’ are being cut without their input,” Politico reports.
First Edition: January 15, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the agreement reached by the White House, Democratic leaders and Unions regarding the “Cadillac” tax.
Officials Debate Whether States Or Feds Should Run Health Insurance Marketplaces
Kaiser Health News reports on the fight over whether states or the federal government should run a proposed health insurance marketplace and the “outcome has big implications for consumers.”
Mass. Special Election Could Shape Fate Of Health Reform
In the race to replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat, Republican Scott Brown is campaigning to be the “41st vote” against the health overhaul bill–the number needed by Republicans to halt the bill in the Senate.
Democrats Appear To Reach Deal On ‘Cadillac’ Tax
News reports suggest Democratic leaders have reached a deal to include an excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans to pay for their health care overhaul.
Unveiling Of Soybean Genome Could Help Boost Crop Yields In Future
“Scientists on Wednesday unveiled the genome of the soybean, saying it was an achievement that should deepen understanding of one of the world’s most important crops, help to boost yields and defend the plant against pests,” Agence France-Presse reports.
State Watch: Walgreen Medicaid Prescription Threat, Conn. Insurance Claims
Kaiser Health News presents a roundup of state and local news.
Aid Begins Flowing Into Haiti, Up To 3M May Be Affected
“Aid started flowing into Haiti Wednesday in the wake of the earthquake that slammed the impoverished nation late Tuesday afternoon,” CNN reports. “One of two [U.S] military cargo planes carrying a 30-man assessment team arrived at Port-au-Prince airport Wednesday evening to assess Haiti’s needs.” The article outlines aid groups’ strategy for coordinating efforts and also lists countries’ contributions to relief efforts (1/14).
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials.
Atlantic Examines Drug-Resistant TB Control Worldwide
The Atlantic examines the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis around the world, with a look at the situation in South Africa. “[T]he resurgence of tuberculosis is not limited to South Africa. India and China have the largest numbers of tuberculosis cases, and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been found in nearly every country, with XDR [extensively drug resistant]-TB in at least 57 countries,” according to the article.
Dispute Erupts Between Reid And Lieberman Around ‘Double-Cross’ Quote
In a New York Times magazine preview, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is quoted as saying he was ‘double-crossed’ by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., on the health bill.
State Budgets In Straits As Health Programs Sap Resources
States are grappling with budget crises and lost revenues that have affected health programs.
Health Personalities: Nelson, Landrieu, Melancon, Regina Benjamin
News coverage today include profiles of various personalities in the national health picture.
