Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Industry Revenue Up 5.7 Percent, Some Seniors Head South For Care
The U.S. Census released a report Thursday that showed the health care industry’s revenues grew 5.7 percent in 2008 to $1.75 trillion.
A Selection Of Today’s Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials from around the country.
VA Apologizes For Faulty Prostate-Cancer Program In Pa. But Denies Radiation Violations
Veterans Affairs officials revise number of patients affected by Philadelphia hospital program that incorrect radiation doses for six years, asserting that mistakes were less common that originally thought.
Wisconsin Cuts $600 Million From Medicaid Budget, Still Faces Deficit
States struggle to fund Medicaid and CHIP, vying for extra federal money.
Health Overhaul Could Worsen Doctor Shortages
BusinessWeek: “Presuming Congress passes some version of a health-care bill and it is signed into law, some 30 million currently uninsured people will suddenly find themselves with access to doctors. But there may not be enough doctors to see them.”
The Backstories Of Politicians Scrambling On Health Legislation
News reports feature the backstories of lawmakers who may help shape the health overhaul legislation
Roundup Of Health Policy Research And Analyses
Today’s roundup includes papers on Medicaid, Medicare Part D, rural health coverage and dental care.
Labor Leaders Term Senate Health Bill ‘Inadequate’
The leaders of two major labor unions expressed displeasure with the reform measure, but stopped short of withdrawing their support.
Republicans Oppose Military Spending To Delay Health Bill
Senate Republicans attempted last night to block a $626 billion defense bill in hopes that stalling the legislation would delay Democrats’ work on the health overhaul.
Senate Health Bill Relies On Government Regulation To Expand Coverage
This issue is among certain health reform issues now drawing attention from news organizations.
White House Stung By Liberal Health Bill Backlash
Liberal groups are chastising the White House for major compromises on health care legislation.
Senate Leaders In Hot Pursuit Of The Elusive 60th Vote: Ben Nelson
The remaining Democratic holdout on health care reform, “whose primary concern is that abortion funding restrictions in the bill were too lax,” is being lobbied furiously by Democrats and the White House.
Congress Lifts Federal Ban On Needle Exchange Programs
Congress lifts a ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs after two decades of efforts by AIDS activists.
First Edition: December 18, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations include the latest information on the Senate’s possible health reform voting schedule, how those votes may be cast and what the Congressional Budget Office might be saying.
Federal Tech Panel Still Defining Electronic Health Records Terminology
The mid-December deadline for a federal advisory panel to come up with a definition of “meaningful use” of electronic medical records has come and gone.
Sen. Nelson Rejects Abortion Compromise
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., rejects compromise language on abortion in health care reform legislation as the Senate races to finish legislation before the Christmas break.
Union Issues Report Regarding So-Called ‘Cadillac Tax’
The Communications Workers of America offered an analysis that the proposed excise tax “is the opposite of reform.”
Obama Says Government Will Go Bankrupt Without Health Reforms To Rein In Costs
As Obama “plays the outside game,” key staff members advance the health reform effort behind the scenes.
Landrieu And Klobuchar Announce Support For Health Bill
News outlets feature stories on Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., Sen. Paul Kirk, D-Mass., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn.
