Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
IOM Issues Review Of National Vaccine Strategy, Recommends Improving Global Vaccine Access
To strengthen the U.S.’ national vaccine strategy, the country “needs to establish a permanent group that advises the government on vaccine safety and spend more money to address safety concerns about vaccines,” according to a report released Friday by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Reuters reports.
Microbicide Does Not Reduce Women’s Risk Of HIV Infection, Study Shows
Pro 2000, a vaginal microbicide gel designed to reduce women’s risk of HIV infection, showed “no evidence that it reduces the risk of HIV infection,” according to the results of a series of clinical trials in Africa, Britain’s Medical Research Council (MRC) said on Monday, Reuters reports.
Senate Approves Appropriations Package, Obama Expected To Sign
After the Senate approved a House-passed spending package worth almost $450 billion on Sunday, the legislation, which “includes annual foreign aid packages,” will go to President Barack Obama, Agence France-Presse reports. Obama is expected to sign the legislation (12/13).
Long-Term Care Proposal Triggers Cost, Sustainability Concerns
Embedded in the health care overhaul legislation is a long-term care program called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, or Class Act, but critics say it could create fiscal problems for the government.
IOM Issues Review Of National Vaccine Strategy
The Institute of Medicine recommended that the government establish a permanent group to offer advice on vaccine safety and related issues.
New Reports Highlight Health Care Costs
A series of new studies on health care costs reveal interesting findings.
Fine Print Raises Alarms Over Health Bill
News reports forecast how some provisions in reform legislation could distract Democrats from trying to pass the bill by the year’s end.
News outlets report on Medicaid dental payments in Utah, student insurance in Florida, Illinois budget woes and emergency rooms in Massachusetts.
Medicare Buy-In Plan’s Cost May Deter Centrist Lawmakers, Potential Customers
Some Democrats’ idea to open Medicare to certain people aged 55 and older raises the question of whether premiums would be affordable enough.
Senate Holdouts Threatening ’09 Health Care Reform Bill Passage
Debate continues regarding cost, the role of government in reform and a proposed Medicare expansion in the Senate health bill.
