Latest KFF Health News Stories
Without COBRA Subsidy, Unemployed Face Dramatically Higher Insurance Payments
As the program phases out, unemployed Americans must shoulder the entire cost of COBRA insurance themselves.
‘Budget Reconciliation’ Still Part Of Health Bill Strategy Discussions
The Hill reports that “Democratic leaders continue to hang the threat” that they will use the budget reconciliation process to pass a health care bill with a simple majority in the Senate.
First Edition: December 1, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports on the Senate’s kick-off of its health overhaul debate and the details of a new Congressional Budget Office report.
Spotlight Turns To Patients Who Frequently Use Costly ER Services
Health policy experts examine the high costs incurred by these “frequent fliers.”
Senate Health Debate Begins, Reid Warns Of Weekend Work
The Senate began considering sweeping health legislation this afternoon, with Republicans and Democrats offering one amendment each.
The Vice President asks the question, “Who do you trust?” when it comes to the nation’s health overhaul. It’s part of an administration effort this week to go on the offensive regarding health reform messaging.
News Organizations Report On The CBO’s Latest Report
A new CBO report indicates that, by 2016, the Senate health bill would increase insurance premiums by at least 10 percent for people who independently buy coverage, but subsidies would reduce the actual costs for about half of that group.
News Outlets Examine Cholera In Zimbabwe, Kenya
TIME examines growing concerns about increasing risks of a cholera outbreak among the people of Zimbabwe, after an outbreak last year claimed “close to 5,000 lives in the country of 12 million.”
AP Examines Implementation Of China’s Plan To Rebuild Health System
The Associated Press tracks the progress in rebuilding the health system in China, eight months after the government launched a three-year $124-billion investment in the country’s health care.
WHO Issues New HIV/AIDS Treatment Guidelines
The WHO on Monday issued new recommendations that patients living with HIV/AIDS begin receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs) earlier than current HIV treatment advice suggests, the Associated Press reports.
A series of studies, published in a recent special issue of the journal Lancet, finds that policies aimed at addressing climate change could also improve the health of people worldwide, the Associated Press reports.
Commonwealth Leaders’ Meeting Concludes; Includes Discussion About Health
Leaders issued a statement covering a variety of topics, including health, after a three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting concluded Sunday in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Xinhua reports.
British First Lady Highlights Maternal Mortality Worldwide
Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and head of the Maternal Mortality Campaign, highlighted global maternal mortality at the Royal College of Midwives annual conference on Friday, the U.K. Press Association reports.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials from around the country include opinions on the public option, long-term care and rumors about veterans’ care.
Senate Health Reform Players Prepare Policy Positions
Senators are poised to begin debate regarding health care reform.
South Florida Medicare Fraud Offers Lesson For National Health Care Reform
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that leaders in Washington are looking to South Florida for “lessons on how to stem Medicare fraud to help pay for a health care overhaul.”
Details Of The Policies Inside The Senate’s Health Overhaul Bill
Hot-button provisions in the Senate Health Bill have gotten a lot of attention, while some interesting details have gone with little notice.
Medical Identity Theft Is On The Rise
People increasingly use the coverage of friends, relatives or strangers to get care during the recession. Some fraud involves paying medical workers for patients’ information, according to the Wall Street Journal.
