Latest KFF Health News Stories
New data from the WHO and the Belgian Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Deaths and released at the U.N. climate conference show the number of people dying in climate-related disasters has decreased, but that economic losses from natural disasters are growing, Reuters AlertNet reports.
Increased Funds Lead To ‘Significant Progress’ In Global Malaria Fight, WHO Report Says
WHO’s World Malaria Report 2009, released on Tuesday, found “increased funding is starting to pay off in the battle against malaria but prevention and treatment must be increased to try to halt the killer disease, Reuters reports. According to the Associated Press, there were more than 240 million cases of malaria and an estimated 863,000 people, mostly in Africa, died of the disease in 2008.
UNITAID To Launch Patent Pool For HIV/AIDS Drugs By Mid-2010
The international drug procurement agency UNITAID on Monday unveiled plans to create a patent pool for HIV/AIDS medications to help increase access to generic versions of newer drugs at lower prices for low- and middle-income countries, Agence France-Presse reports. The patent pool “will create a common space for patent holders to license their technology in exchange for royalties” and is “scheduled to begin operating in mid-2010,” AFP reports (12/14).
White House Report Says Health Reform Will Cut Cost Growth
The New York Times reports that a White House report on health care legislation has found that the Senate reform bill would slow health care spending in America by 1 percent per year.
U.S. Questions California’s CHIP Program; Milwaukee Schools Face Rising Retiree Health Care Costs
News outlets report on California’s children’s health program, health care costs for Milwaukee’s schools and indigent care in Minnesota.
News Outlets Check The Facts And Explain Health Care Reform
News outlets report on health care reform myths and cost-savings particulars.
Wild Poliovirus Reaches More African Countries In 2009, WHO Official Says
Cases of polio have been reported in some African countries that have eradicated the disease, Luis Gomes Sambo, the WHO’s Africa regional director, said Monday at the opening of a child immunisation conference in Zimbabwe, Agence France-Presse reports (12/14).
A Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Questions Raised On Health Bills’ Affordability, Cost Savings
Lawmakers are hoping for savings
VA Struggles To Provide Better Care For Increasing Numbers Of Younger, Female Veterans
New patients using Veterans Affairs health services are more likely to be younger and women.
Obama to Meet With Lawmakers To Urgently Push Health Reform Bill
President Barack Obama will meet with Senate Democrats at the White House today and tell them that this is the “last chance to pass comprehensive health care reform.”
Contentious Party Politics Consume Health Care Debate
News outlets report on the party politics of the health care debate.
Democrats Say Victorious Lieberman Flip-Flopped On Medicare Buy-In
Democrats are considering the role of Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who won a concession on a proposed Medicare buy-in, as the march to 60 votes on health care reform looks less certain.
After Tense Meeting, Dems Likely To Ditch Medicare Buy-In Plan In Health Bill
Top Senate Democrats were prepared Monday night to sacrifice proposals to expand Medicare in a bid to win over moderates and amass the 60 votes needed to pass their health legislation, according to news reports.
Prescription Drug Import Amendment Divides Senate Democrats
The Senate is battling over a proposed amendment that would allow prescription drugs to be imported from other countries where prices are lower.
Kidney Drug Plan Divides Transplant And Dialysis Supporters
Congressional proposal to help pay for transplant patients’ drugs raises fears that funding for dialysis patients may be cut.
First Edition: December 15, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the proposed Medicare buy-in is likely to be dropped from the Senate Democrats’ health bill.
The 10 Most Expensive Diseases
Forbes reports on a list of the 10 most expensive diseases.
White House: Health Reform Would Curb Cost Growth
The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers’ report finds health reform would slow the growth of health costs in the United States.
Obama Calls Senate Democrats To White House For Tuesday Health Care Meeting
The President is expected to press for action. All 60 members of the Democratic caucus are invited.
