Latest KFF Health News Stories
U.S. Health Spending Slows In ’08
A new government report shows that the growth in U.S. health spending grew 4.4 percent in 2008 to $2.3 trillion, the slowest annual rate of increase since federal tracking efforts began in 1960.
Congress Likely To Skip Formal Conference Committee Negotiations Regarding Health Reform
Democrats are planning to bypass formal conference committee negotiations to expedite the process of getting a health care reform bill to President Obama more quickly.
VA Postpones Copayment Increase For Vets’ Meds
A planned $1 increase in the copayment the VA charges for medications to treat non-service-related conditions has been delayed for six months.
Rural Americans Often Struggle To Access Care
Access to care remains a major burden for Americans in rural areas because of a shortage of trauma facilities and doctors while depressed adults often go without treatment.
An Audit Of Obama’s Performance On His Health Care Campaign Promises
The National Journal assessed President Barack Obama’s progress on his health care campaign promises and gave him a score of 47.
COBRA Extension Helps Unemployed Workers This Year
Another COBRA extension helps unemployed workers without insurance.
Medicare Begins To Reimburse For HIV Screening
Medicare begins new federal policy covering HIV screening for seniors.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
State Lawmakers Vow To Fight Variations In Health Overhaul’s Costs For Medicaid Expansions
Newspapers report on the controversy about variations in state costs for a Medicaid expansion created by health reform legislation.
Ford Transfers Health Care Liabilities To Union Trust
Ford has finished transferring its union health care liabilities to the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust after a settlement agreement.
Health Bills Include Proposals For New Physician Payment System
NPR explains the proposed changes to the physician payment system.
First Edition: January 5, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about Democratic plans to advance the health bill process and the latest on the nation’s health spending.
Hospitals In Different Regions React To Medicaid Cuts
For Indiana hospitals, Medicaid rates have long lagged behind other types of payers
San Diego’s PACE Program Lowering Cost For Seniors Who Want To Retain Independence
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that an elderly care program is allowing senior citizens to retain their independence by providing medical care and home assistance through a nonprofit.
Montana High Court Allows Physician-Assisted Suicide
Montana has become the third state to allow physician-assisted suicides while Kansas experiences changes to its children’s insurance program.
New York Times Examines U.S. H1N1 Reponse
As the number of H1N1 (swine flu) cases in the U.S. continues to wane, the New York Times reflects on how federal officials handled the pandemic and other contributing factors. “The outbreak highlighted many national weaknesses: old, slow vaccine technology; too much reliance on foreign vaccine factories; some major hospitals pushed to their limits by a relatively mild epidemic,” the newspaper writes.
NPR Examines Future Of U.S. Global AIDS Strategy
NPR’s “All Things Considered” examines the Obama administration’s global HIV/AIDS policy. “Instead of relying on one program, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief or PEPFAR, [U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Eric] Goosby says the U.S. has a new five-year strategy that would help low and middle income countries build their own health care systems that incorporate international health programs,” according to NPR.
Independent Examines Diseases That Jump From Animals To Humans
The Independent examines the expansion of human diseases that originated in animals. “At least 45 diseases that have passed from animals to humans have been reported to U.N. agencies in the last two decades, with the number expected to escalate in the coming years,” the Independent writes.
Delays And Denials Of Disability Claims At VA Frustrate Veterans
CBS News’ 60 Minutes reports on delays and wrongful denials of disability claims by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
