Latest KFF Health News Stories
PlusNews Examines Cases Of Hospital-Acquired HIV In Africa
PlusNews examines several recent reports that highlight how unsanitary hospital procedures can create an environment conducive to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday “said greenhouse gases are a danger to public health and welfare in a decision that could eventually lead to new emissions regulations,” the Wall Street Journal reports (Ball/Forelle/Talley, 12/7).
Lieberman Draws Increasing Ire From Democrats, Reid Criticized For GOP/Slavery Comments
News organizations are honing in on key players in the health reform debate, especially Sens. Lieberman, Vitter and Reid.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Liberals May Trade Public Option For Expansion Of Medicare, Medicaid
In exchange for accepting a proposed compromise on a public option in the health bill , liberal Democratic Senators are hoping to win expansions of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Public Option ‘Compromise’ May Rest On Private Insurers
Senators continued working towards a compromise on the public plan Monday, which could include the same type of negotiation that the government has with private insurance companies for federal employees.
Personal Stories Highlight How Reform Will Affect Some Individuals
News outlets are examining the stories of individual consumers to explain how health care legislation may affect the lives and health of people around the nation.
Drug Reimportation Emerges Again In Health Debate
The Hill and other news organizations report that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid “has agreed to allow Sen. Byron Dorgan to bring an amendment that would allow the importation of cheaper prescription drugs from abroad despite the fact that it could blow up a truce between the White House, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).”
Senate Vote On Abortion Amendment Could Occur Today
The controversial amendment, sponsored by Sens. Ben Nelson and Orrin Hatch, is the same as the restrictive Stupak amendment in the House bill.
Consumer Reports Details The Screening Tests That May Be Unnecessary
Meanwhile, a report by national cancer and health groups finds cancer cases and death rates are generally down.
Utah Project Seeks to Reduce ‘Overuse Of Health Care’
In other state news, Kansas plans Medicaid cuts.
Senate Staff Raise Idea Of Taxing Indoor Tanning Salons
Roll Call reports that a tax on indoor tanning services may be considered as another revenue raiser for health care reform.
New Report: CBO Underestimates Savings From Health Bills But Economists Worry Savings Aren’t Enough
“Previous analyses have underestimated the potential cost-saving effects of the House and Senate health reform bill, according to a new report co-authored by the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the Commonwealth Fund,” Modern Healthcare reports.
FDA Probes Excessive Radiation Dose Cases
Investigation reportedly focuses on CT brain scans used to diagnose strokes and was triggered by reports that patients were losing their hair or skin was discolored.
Medicare Seeks To Cut Hospital Readmissions With ‘Care Transitions’ Project
A push has began to cut hospital readmissions by getting patients quicker follow-up doctor visits and lessening medication confusion.
Health IT: W.Va. Savings Forecast; Federal Official Foresees Private-Sector Dominance
West Virginia could save $1.1 billion in health spending if only the health system would switch to electronic records and do a better job centralizing patient care, according to a new report by the West Virginia Health Care Authority, a governmental group.
An Unexpected Ally For Health Reform: The Restaurant Industry
“While many small businesses are fighting to block passage of health care reform, restaurant owners have decided to work for something they can support,” Politico reports.
First Edition: December 8, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including the latest developments on pending amendments and regarding Democrats’ ongoing efforts to find common ground on the public insurance option.
Reid’s Slavery, Suffrage Comparison Draws A Sharp Retort From GOP
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., compared the Republicans’ efforts to thwart the Democrats’ health overhaul to past campaigns to obstruct progress on slavery, women’s suffrage and civil rights, triggering a sharp reaction from the GOP.
Utah Pilot Project Seeks To Reduce Health Care Spending
A pilot project in Utah seeks to reduce overuse of health care, which is partially related to the fee-for-service model.
