Latest KFF Health News Stories
U.S. Food Aid Policy To Be More Flexible, Clinton, Vilsack Say
“The Obama administration wants more flexibility in how it allocates food aid dollars to complement its new strategy to help small farmers in poor countries boost their food production,” according to a conference call Friday with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Reuters reports.
World Medical Association Adopts Climate Change, Task Shifting Resolutions
At its general assembly in New Delhi, India, the World Medical Association (WMA), “a conglomerate of medical associations around the world,” approved a plan that aims “to minimise the risk of increased malnutrition deaths, diseases and injuries due to climate change,” IANS/Thaindian News reports (10/17).
New Poll Finds Most Americans Back Public Option In Health Reform
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds most Americans now support a public plan for health insurance, a change from the summer.
Senate Health Bill Negotiators Discussing, Debating Versions Of Public Option
As Majority Leader Harry Reid and other negotiators consider if a public plan should be included in his merged health care reform bill, Senator Max Baucus doubts that a public option can get 60 votes in the Senate.
GOP Message: Democratic Health Reforms Are Bad For America
Maintaining a message war against Democrats is the plan of attack for Republicans who are characterizing Democratic plans to change the health care system as bad for the country.
With Mid-Term Elections Fast Approaching, Pelosi Appeals To Loyalties As Coffers Fill Up
Democrats are using the health care reform debate to instill unity in their caucus.
Missouri Group Accuses Humana Of Using Scare Tactics
After administration officials retreat on an order to silence insurers, activists in Missouri accuse Humana of using scare tactics aimed at seniors.
Rural Doctors, Administrators Push For Health Reform To Include Safeguards Against Rx Drug Abuse
An increase in prescription drug fraud has caused doctors and hospital administrators to call for stronger safeguards against abuse of drugs in legislation.
Study: Working During Retirement Is Good For Your Health
A new study suggests that working full-time or part-time during retirement may be beneficial to your health, The New York Times reports.
Massachusetts Seeks To Cut Increase In Small Business Health Care Costs
Today’s state news covers access to care issues in Florida and California, a new proposal to review premiums charged to small businesses, and the potential flaws of Ohio’s nursing home payment plan.
A Selection Of Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Opinions and editorials from around the country.
White House Rallies Support For Health Care Bills; Relationship With Chamber Of Commerce Sours
The White House is ramping up its push to shape the health bills pending in Congress.
Swine Flu Treatments, Safety Issues Prompt Health Workers To Speak Out
In anticipation of new swine flu cases, medical workers are looking for new ways to help their patients – and protect themselves.
The Medical Homes Model Is Spreading
So-called medical homes offer stark contrast to hurried doctors visits, long waits and rushed physicians, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Some Medicare Recipients Will See Jump In Premium Costs Next Year
“The basic Medicare premium will shoot up next year by 15 percent, to $110.50 a month, federal officials said Monday,” The New York Times reports.
Health Care Reform Leads To Mergers
Health care reform may have caused some unrest in the health care industry but it has also led to strong deal-making and mergers.
Employers May Not Restore Benefits To Pre-Recession Levels
Employer-provided benefits may not be restored to pre-recession levels, reflecting a change in the employer-worker relationship.
First Edition: October 20, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including results of a new poll finding increased support for a public insurance plan in health reform and reports that Senate leaders are debating in closed door meetings the various versions of this approach that might still draw enough votes to gain passage.
Baucus: Public Insurance Option ‘Alive’ In Senate Negotiations
Finance Chairman Max Baucus told reporters that the public option is still on the table in the Senate’s efforts to meld versions of health overhaul legislation approved by two separate Senate committees.
Progressive Group Launches Ad Urging Sen. Reid To Include Public Option In Reform Legislation
A new health reform ad targets Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
