Latest KFF Health News Stories
Roundup Of Health Policy Research And Analyses
Today’s roundup includes papers on Medicaid, Medicare Part D, rural health coverage and dental care.
Labor Leaders Term Senate Health Bill ‘Inadequate’
The leaders of two major labor unions expressed displeasure with the reform measure, but stopped short of withdrawing their support.
Republicans Oppose Military Spending To Delay Health Bill
Senate Republicans attempted last night to block a $626 billion defense bill in hopes that stalling the legislation would delay Democrats’ work on the health overhaul.
Senate Health Bill Relies On Government Regulation To Expand Coverage
This issue is among certain health reform issues now drawing attention from news organizations.
White House Stung By Liberal Health Bill Backlash
Liberal groups are chastising the White House for major compromises on health care legislation.
Senate Leaders In Hot Pursuit Of The Elusive 60th Vote: Ben Nelson
The remaining Democratic holdout on health care reform, “whose primary concern is that abortion funding restrictions in the bill were too lax,” is being lobbied furiously by Democrats and the White House.
Congress Lifts Federal Ban On Needle Exchange Programs
Congress lifts a ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs after two decades of efforts by AIDS activists.
First Edition: December 18, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations include the latest information on the Senate’s possible health reform voting schedule, how those votes may be cast and what the Congressional Budget Office might be saying.
Federal Tech Panel Still Defining Electronic Health Records Terminology
The mid-December deadline for a federal advisory panel to come up with a definition of “meaningful use” of electronic medical records has come and gone.
Sen. Nelson Rejects Abortion Compromise
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., rejects compromise language on abortion in health care reform legislation as the Senate races to finish legislation before the Christmas break.
Union Issues Report Regarding So-Called ‘Cadillac Tax’
The Communications Workers of America offered an analysis that the proposed excise tax “is the opposite of reform.”
Obama Says Government Will Go Bankrupt Without Health Reforms To Rein In Costs
As Obama “plays the outside game,” key staff members advance the health reform effort behind the scenes.
Landrieu And Klobuchar Announce Support For Health Bill
News outlets feature stories on Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., Sen. Paul Kirk, D-Mass., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn.
Medicaid Woes Lead To A Creative Solution In Utah, Cuts In Kansas
A round-up of state and local news.
USAID Administrator Nominee To Meet With Sen. Coburn
“In what’s seen as one of the few remaining steps before he could come up for a Senate confirmation vote, USAID chief nominee Rajiv Shah is due to meet with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)” on Thursday, Politico’s Laura Rozen reports on her blog.
A Selection Of Today’s Opinions And Editorials
A sampling of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Report Estimates How Many Would Gain Coverage Under Senate Health Bill
A new study by the advocacy group Families USA estimates the number of people in each state that would gain coverage with health insurance reform legislation.
USDA Joins Global Alliance To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Increase Food Security
The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) said on Wednesday it has joined the Global Research Alliance, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase access to food worldwide, Reuters reports. “The USDA will increase its spending on agricultural climate change mitigation research by $90 million to more than $130 million during the next four years,” the news service writes.
During the Forum of the African AIDS Vaccine Program (AAVP) in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday, Alan Bernstein, the director of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, discussed ongoing efforts to launch an experimental HIV vaccine trial
Obama Signs $447B Omnibus Spending Bill
“President Barack Obama signed a $447 billion omnibus spending bill into law Wednesday, assuring that federal agencies will be able to operate through the remainder of fiscal 2010,” Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal reports. The bill provides appropriations for the State Department and several other agencies.
