Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: January 15, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including coverage of the agreement reached by the White House, Democratic leaders and Unions regarding the “Cadillac” tax.
Officials Debate Whether States Or Feds Should Run Health Insurance Marketplaces
Kaiser Health News reports on the fight over whether states or the federal government should run a proposed health insurance marketplace and the “outcome has big implications for consumers.”
Mass. Special Election Could Shape Fate Of Health Reform
In the race to replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat, Republican Scott Brown is campaigning to be the “41st vote” against the health overhaul bill–the number needed by Republicans to halt the bill in the Senate.
Democrats Appear To Reach Deal On ‘Cadillac’ Tax
News reports suggest Democratic leaders have reached a deal to include an excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans to pay for their health care overhaul.
Unveiling Of Soybean Genome Could Help Boost Crop Yields In Future
“Scientists on Wednesday unveiled the genome of the soybean, saying it was an achievement that should deepen understanding of one of the world’s most important crops, help to boost yields and defend the plant against pests,” Agence France-Presse reports.
State Watch: Walgreen Medicaid Prescription Threat, Conn. Insurance Claims
Kaiser Health News presents a roundup of state and local news.
Aid Begins Flowing Into Haiti, Up To 3M May Be Affected
“Aid started flowing into Haiti Wednesday in the wake of the earthquake that slammed the impoverished nation late Tuesday afternoon,” CNN reports. “One of two [U.S] military cargo planes carrying a 30-man assessment team arrived at Port-au-Prince airport Wednesday evening to assess Haiti’s needs.” The article outlines aid groups’ strategy for coordinating efforts and also lists countries’ contributions to relief efforts (1/14).
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials.
Atlantic Examines Drug-Resistant TB Control Worldwide
The Atlantic examines the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis around the world, with a look at the situation in South Africa. “[T]he resurgence of tuberculosis is not limited to South Africa. India and China have the largest numbers of tuberculosis cases, and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been found in nearly every country, with XDR [extensively drug resistant]-TB in at least 57 countries,” according to the article.
Dispute Erupts Between Reid And Lieberman Around ‘Double-Cross’ Quote
In a New York Times magazine preview, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is quoted as saying he was ‘double-crossed’ by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., on the health bill.
State Budgets In Straits As Health Programs Sap Resources
States are grappling with budget crises and lost revenues that have affected health programs.
Health Personalities: Nelson, Landrieu, Melancon, Regina Benjamin
News coverage today include profiles of various personalities in the national health picture.
Infections In Pennsylvania Hospitals Lower Than National Average, Errors Also Down In Minn.
But in the 213 Pennsylvania hospitals studied, 13,771 hospital-acquired infections were reported between July to December 2008.
Obama Pushing Dems For Health Compromise In Marathon Session
Senior House Democrats and President Obama negotiated for more than 8 hours Wednesday to hash out health agreement.
FTC Wants To Ban ‘Pay-To-Delay’ Settlements Related To Generic Drugs
The Federal Trade Commission is hoping to ban the practice in which drug companies pay their generic counterparts to delay the release of generic alternatives to popular pharmaceuticals.
Health Overhaul Might Relieve ‘Job Lock’ Phenomenon
MarketWatch reports that people “may feel emboldened to start businesses or change jobs because they’ll no longer fear having to go without health insurance” if a health care reform bill passes.
States Threaten Lawsuit Over Nebraska’s Medicaid Deal In Senate Health Bill
Several news outlets report on a possible lawsuit against Sen. Ben Nelson’s Medicaid compromise for Nebraska.
Proposed Tax Expansions Could Help Pay For Health Reform
News outlets report on a expanding a Medicare payroll tax and the tax on high-cost ‘Cadillc’ plans.
