Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Democrats Move Health Bill With Controversial, Complicated Strategy
House Democrats have started the clock to a landmark vote on health reform that would instate sweeping changes to America’s health care system after initial committee approval cleared the way for the bill’s consideration.
Democrats Making Final Push For Health Reform Votes
President Obama Monday joined his Democratic congressional allies in shoring up party support for sweeping changes to America’s health system.
‘Quiet Corruption’ Impedes African Development, World Bank Report Says
What the World Bank has dubbed “quiet corruption” in it’s Africa Development Indicators 2010 report (.pdf) could be as significant a threat to the continent’s development “as the graft scandals that frequently dominate newspaper headlines,” Bloomberg/BusinessWeek reports (McGregor/Seria, 3/15).
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a sampling of opinions and editorials from around the U.S.
Haiti Rebuilding Effort Could Cost $11.5B Over 3 Years, Assessment Says
A “thorough analysis prepared by the Haiti government, together with the United Nations and other international organizations” estimates it will take $11.5 billion over the next three years to repair damage to Haiti after a major earthquake struck in January, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Intergovernmental Committee Meeting Focuses On E. Africa Food Security
Experts meeting at the 14th Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, which kicked off on Sunday, are focusing on food security in East Africa, where FAO says 20 million people are vulnerable, the New Times/allAfrica.com reports. The U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) sub-regional office, East Africa, also says the region is the most affected by food insecurity on the continent, according to the publication.
The advocacy group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) recently warned that free-trade negotiations between the EU and India could limit access to “affordable generic drugs” for people in India and the rest of the developing world, Reuters reports. “Back in 2005 India granted patents on medicines to respect international trade rules and MSF said a new free-trade agreement now under negotiation would tighten these rules,” the news service writes. The EU said it has not requested that India stop producing low-cost generic drugs.
Governors, facing major deficits caused by the recession, express frustration at being left out of final negotiations on health overhaul legislation.
Health Reform Could Boost Number Of Young Adults Buying Insurance
The Wall Street Journal reports that health reform is giving insurers a chance to bring an influx of “healthy and profitable” young customers into their base.
A Los Angeles jury rules that an insurer should cover the cost of an out-of-state liver transplant. In Massachusetts, newly released documents show that insurers often make dramatically different reimbursements.
Reports Gauge The Possible Fallout Of Health Care Failure For Democrats
If the health overhaul fails to clear Congress, there may be lasting implications for Democratic lawmakers and President Barack Obama.
Study Suggests Doctors Overlook Effects Of Implanted Heart Defibrillators In Dying Patients
Some reports suggest that heart defibrillators implanted in a patient’s chest may disrupt a quiet death.
Obama Makes Overhaul Pitch In Ohio
With a possible deciding vote on health care overhaul legislation nearing, President Obama traveled Monday to Ohio to make a last-minute plea for political “courage” to pass the legislation.
Former GOP Leader Armey Predicts Health Bill Will Pass
Another vocal opponent, Sen. Jim DeMit, R-S.C., also says he is less confident the measure can be stopped.
Catholic Bishops Oppose Health Bill, While Other Catholic Groups Offer Support
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops made a statement Monday against the Senate health care bill, the bill the House is expected to vote on this week.
Study: Jump In Number Of California’s Uninsured
About one in four Californians younger than age 65 is uninsured, according to a new report from UCLA.
Correction To Daily Report, Mar. 15
In the March 15 Morning Edition, “Economists, Dems Differ On Who’s To Blame For Insurers’ Rate Hikes,” KHN omitted a word in a summary of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage.
National, State Efforts Seek To Reduce Medical Errors
Efforts are underway to improve hospital quality and cut down on medical errors.
Health Ad Campaigns Emerge In Last Days Of Debate
As Congress approaches a possible finale to its year-long health debate, advertisements that attempt to influence the results have flooded airwaves.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about continuing efforts by President Obama and Democratic leaders to shore up votes in support of health reform.
