Latest KFF Health News Stories
House Staffers Mull Strategies To Speed Health Bill Passage
Meanwhile, the Senate’s official date to return to work in 2010 is Jan. 19.
New York Cuts Drug Reimbursements, States Trim Tobacco Prevention Funding
New York pharmacies struggle with cuts in reimbursements while states trim funding for tobacco prevention programs.
Despite Recession, Some States Boosting Insurance Coverage
Twenty-six states made it easier for low-income children, parents or pregnant women to get health coverage, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. (KHN is a program of the foundation.)
Reid Says ‘Broad Agreement’ On Public Option, Senators Await Details
Coverage of the Senate’s “broad agreement” on creating a national health insurance plan continues, with Democratic leaders insisting the compromise leaves their “public option” intact while remaining mum on the details.
Study Finds One Third Of American Adults Serves As A Caregiver
The time and effort given by caregivers can add up to an unpaid job.
Fact Check On McConnell’s Statement On Medicare Advantage
NPR fact-checks a statement by Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell about the Medicare Advantage program.
Polls Show Stable Attitudes On Public Option, Abortion
Two new polls have detail on how Americans feel about health reform and abortion.
Senate Rejects Abortion Amendment, Sparking More Challenges
Tuesday’s defeat of an amendment to further restrict the use of federal dollars to cover abortions may present a problem for Majority Leader Harry Reid.
White House Announces $600 Million For Community Health Centers, Medical Records
The additional funds, coming from the stimulus plan, will create new jobs in construction and health care and help provide care for more than 500,000 additional patients in underserved communities, according to the White House.
President Barack Obama announces $600M to build and enhance community health centers and medical records.
Misuse Of Blood Thinners In Dialysis Patients Reported
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association documents frequent medication errors after heart treatment.
Medicare To Pay For HIV Testing
CMS announced that Medicare will begin covering screening tests for the AIDS virus.
Cleveland’s University Hospitals Adding 550 Jobs
The region’s second largest hospital system has seen patient load grow, even in tough economic times.
Expanding Medicare Draws Industry Ire, Tepid Support From Advocates, House Dem
The change is meant to help people 55 to 64 by giving them a chance to buy into the program, but lobbyists for insurers, doctors and hospitals say it would give their clients a raw deal.
Reid: ‘Broad Agreement’ Reached By Senate Democrats On Health Bill
News outlets are reporting that a group of Democratic Senators has reached a consensus that includes a resolution about the controversial public option, though Majority Leader Harry Reid did not give details.
Nelson Abortion Amendment Fails, Senate Dems Trying For Public Option Compromise
Late this afternoon, the Senate rejected the Nelson-Hatch amendment to tighten restrictions on abortion funds. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers continued to try to find common ground on the public option in the Senate health bill.
House Democrats Criticize Recent Increases In Brand-Name Drug Prices
These health care costs were among the topics discussed today at a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing.
FIFA Uses Soccer To Teach African Youth About HIV/AIDS, Other Issues
Ahead of next year’s World Cup of soccer tournament, FIFA on Saturday in Khayelitsha, South Africa, opened the first of an anticipated 20 centers in Africa aimed at educating the youth about HIV/AIDS and other social issues through the sport, the Associated Press reports (Jacobson, 12/5).
Reuters Examines Quest For New TB Drugs, Vaccines
Reuters examines the search for new tuberculosis medicines and vaccines. “Although TB has plagued humankind for thousands of years, there is only one vaccine,” which isn’t very effective and doesn’t protect adults. “With the exception of rifabutin, there has been no new drug for TB for more than 40 years,” the news service writes.
