Latest KFF Health News Stories
Not Enough Med Students Choosing Primary Care, Experts Say
It’s one small piece of health care reform, but it’s a big deal for medical schools and doctor’s offices: forgiving the student loans of doctors who choose primary care,” the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
More People Rely On Alternative Medicine
Consumers increasingly turn to alternative health care, perhaps prompted by lower costs. Some even seek protection against swine flu with homeopathic options.
Federal Officials Consider Testing All Adults In A Community For AIDS
Plan for bold change in strategy to stop the spread of HIV would be tested in Washington, D.C., and the Bronx.
Six Innovations That Could Prove Critical To Reforming The Health Care System
Wall Street Journal identifies changes in health-care delivery that can improve health care in a cost-effective way.
Young People Speak Out Regarding Efforts To Overhaul The Health Care System
Young people, typically one of the biggest pools of uninsured, are sounding off on being required to carry health insurance if lawmakers get their way in health care reform.
H1N1 Overwhelms Hospitals; Sebelius Addresses Flu Vaccine Shortage
News outlets note that swine flu is filling up hospital emergency rooms as HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addresses the vaccine shortage problems.
Senators Draw Lines Around A Handful Of Swing Voters
Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both Republicans, have been in the spotlight this year because of their ability to cross party lines with political impunity.
AARP’s Dual Role In Health Reform
The preeminent lobbying group for retirees has been a strong supporter of health reform, but some critics are noting that it reaps substantial earnings from insurance royalties and could benefit from reform proposals.
Medicare Payment Issues Worry Doctors
The issue of Medicare payments cuts to doctors still looms, causing some physicians to shun Medicare patients and others to push for greater reform.
State Watch: Uninsured Kids In Dallas, Louisiana Medicaid Rates Cut, Massachusetts Feeling Squeezed
Today’s state round-up includes coverage of uninsured children in Dallas, the Massachusetts state budget and a Medicaid rate cut in Louisiana.
Lawmakers Press Obama To ‘Speak Out’ For Health Bills
Liberal legislators feel that their leaders have done their job, and now it’s time for President Obama to step up to the plate.
AFL-CIO To Push Even Harder For Health Reform, May Bend On ‘Cadillac Tax’
On Nov. 5, union members will celebrate a national “Day of Action” by pushing their lawmakers to support health reform that includes a “public option,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Monday.
Economic Adviser Romer Goes To Bat For ‘Cadillac Tax,’ Ways To Control Costs
Lawmakers and administration officials are considering tougher steps to rein in costly entitlement programs and address mounting concerns about soaring deficits.
First Edition: October 27, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations with headlines showcasing a heavy emphasis on news regarding the public insurance option’s newfound momentum.
In House, Support For Long-Term Care Insurance Program Grows
“House health care legislation expected within days is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help seniors and disabled people stay out of nursing homes, senior Democrats say,” The Associated Press reports.
Reid: Public Option With ‘Opt-Out’ Provision Is The ‘Best Way To Move Forward’
At a press conference this afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed his support for a public plan with a provision that would allow states to “opt-out.”
Reid To Announce His Support For Public Plan
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to announce his support for a public option in health care reform legislation at a 3:15 p.m. press conference.
Congressional Hearing Addresses International Violence Against Women Act
VOA News reports on the recent appeals by human rights advocates for the U.S. Congress to pass the International Violence Against Women Act, a bill that would fund “a five-year program to reduce violence in countries where the problem is most serious.” Former Democratic Senator Joe Biden, of Delaware, first introduced the legislation in 2007.
AP Looks At USAID Administrator Vacancy
Although there’s “increasing pressure” on President Obama “to fill his administration’s vacant top foreign-assistance post … no candidate is in sight nine months into his term,” the Associated Press writes in an article exploring the absence of a leader for USAID.
President Obama Declares H1N1 National Emergency
President Barack Obama declared the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak a national emergency, the Wall Street Journal reports. “The declaration, which Mr. Obama signed Friday, authorizes the administration to waive or modify certain federal requirements involving Medicare, Medicaid and health-privacy rules to speed treatment,” the newspaper writes (McKay/Simpson/Whalen, 10/26).
