Latest KFF Health News Stories
Reid: Lawmakers May Not Complete Health Legislation This Year
Senate leadership is suggesting that health reform might not be completed this year.
News Outlets Examine First World Pneumonia Day
To mark the first World Pneumonia Day, Inter Press Service examines how vaccines and other strategies can be used to combat the disease, which kills more children under age 5 each year “than measles, malaria, and AIDS combined, according to the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia.”
Health Affairs Issue Focuses On HIV/AIDS, NTDs
By 2031 developing countries could need an estimated $35 billion to fight HIV/AIDS
U.S. government data released on Monday confirmed that a single dose of the vaccine protects pregnant women from the virus, while children under the age of 10 years need two doses of the vaccine, the Washington Post reports. The findings came the same day that a team of experts tasked with monitoring the national H1N1 vaccine campaign for any adverse side effects met for the first time.
New Health Privacy Regulations Spark Debate
Bipartisan group of congressman argue new rule leaves loopholes.
CBO: House Health Bill Would Lower Some Middle Class Premiums, Raise Costs For Others
The cost of taxes and fees on the rich along with an increasing overall cost of the health bill has many others worried that health care reform will cost too much.
House Democrats Pick Up Some Moderate Votes For Health Bill
Democrats are picking up some centrist votes for the their health care reform bill, though a whip list leak has led to problems counting votes on support for a more moderate public option.
Senate Dems ‘Bristle’ Over CBO Scoring Decisions, Directive To Keep Mum About Health Bill Details
The Congressional Budget Office has few friends on either side of the aisle with lawmakers complaining about its scope, timeline to deliver scores and murky cost estimates.
Business Groups Begin TV Ad Campaign Against House Health Bill
Lobbying and business groups continue to organize and spend millions to shape health care reform.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Today’s selection includes opinions from Sen. Joe Lieberman and NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous.
Louisiana Struggles With Medicaid Shortfall; Texas Governor Criticizes Reform
Newspapers report that Louisiana plans to find alternative funding and cut spending on mental health to help meet Medicaid needs. Meanwhile the Texas governor lashed out at Democratic reform proposals but refuses to rule out accepting possible federal incentives to insure more state residents.
Reid Works To Convince Moderate Dems To Vote For Senate Health Bill
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is in the “awkward position of looking for votes on a major health care reform bill that doesn’t quite exist,” Roll Call reports.
Prayer Treatments Covered In Health Care Reform Bills
The provision has high powered backers in the Senate, but it raises questions about what constitutes healing and the separation of church and state.
Party Leaders Say House GOP Bill To Be Released Soon
Republicans in the House are nearing an unveiling for their health reform plan.
Senate Might See Health Overhaul Vote Slip Into 2010
Democrats will likely see the possibility of passage of health reform slip into next year as differences remain among lawmakers and they wait for a CBO score.
Insurers Pressed About Use Of Premium Money For Non-Medical Expenses
An analysis released in a letter by Sen. Jay Rockefeller suggests that the amount of money insurance companies spend to cover medical claims could be less than the companies claim.
The Uninsured, Putting Off Care, Facing Debt
Several news outlets published stories about uninsured Americans.
Democrats Still Face Roadblocks To Health Reform: Abortion, Immigration
Some Democrats are threatening to block passage of a health care reform bill in the House over the issues of abortion and illegal immigration.
First Edition: November 3, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the timing, politics, costs and contents of pending health overhaul bills, as well as a soon-to-be released GOP alternative.
Zuma Calls For Renewed Effort In Fight Against HIV/AIDS
South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday called for a renewed effort in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS, the Star/Independent Online reports. During a speech to South Africa’s National Council of Provinces, which also addressed the country’s economy, Zuma pointed to what he called “chilling statistics” reflective of the “devastating impact HIV and AIDS” is having on the country (du Plessis, 10/30).
