Latest KFF Health News Stories
Chamber Of Commerce Unleashes New Health Reform Ads; Other Stakeholders Express Strong Opinions
Business groups, religious leaders, health care administrators and progressives are voicing strong opinions as the congressional push toward health care reform moves forward.
Development To Be ‘Central Pillar’ Of U.S. Foreign Policy, Clinton Says
In a speech on Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that it is time to “elevate development as a central pillar of all that we do in our foreign policy,” United Press International reports (1/6). According to Reuters, “U.S. security depends on a new approach to international aid, so Washington must consult more and dictate less as it dispenses billions of dollars in assistance, … Clinton said.”
Iowa Eyes Improving Program For Uninsured Adults; Minn. And Okla. Confront Health Spending Cuts
Iowa legislators consider changes in program so that poor could get care at nearby facilities rather than traveling to University of Iowa hospitals.
Difficult To Decipher: Tracking The Funding Sources For Some Health Care Interest Groups
“Many of the Washington interest groups that are seeking to shape final health-care legislation in the coming weeks operate with opaque financing, often receiving hidden support from insurers, drugmakers or unions,” The Washington Post reports.
Uninsured Patients Struggle To Access Health Care As Hospitals End Programs
Several news outlets report on the difficulties uninsured patients are having accessing health care.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials from around the nation.
Physicians Can Receive Federal Incentives For Switching To Electronic Medical Records
Payments, which will begin next year, are funded by the federal stimulus bill passed in 2009.
Senate Retirements Focus Democrats On Election Prospects And Health Bill Impact
The two candidates in the race to replace Sen. Edward M. Kennedy are focusing on the health care reform bill to highlight their differences, Politico reports.
Nelson’s Medicaid Deal Comes Under Attack
A deal secured by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., to ensure that the federal government will pay for all of a proposed Medicaid expansion in his state is drawing fire from nearly all sides.
Democrats Closing In On Health Bill Agreement
Lawmakers are close to making a final deal on merging the two health care reform bills in Congress after meeting with President Obama for the second day in a row.
Obama Reportedly Backs ‘Cadillac Tax’ In Final Health Bill
President Barack Obama is reportedly urging Congress to include a “Cadillac Tax” in the final health bill.
Health Care Reform Bill Could Penalize Married Couples
“Some married couples would pay thousands of dollars more for the same health insurance coverage as unmarried people living together,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Few People Sue British National Health System
An examination of the British health care system shows that while there is some dissatisfaction, there are few malpractice suits against the system.
Analysis: Medicare Part D Has Lessons For Health Reform
The Wall Street Journal has an analysis of Medicare Part D and what lessons it might provide for health reform.
First Edition: January 7, 2010
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, with many stories detailing the continuing efforts to blend together the House- and Senate-passed health reform bills and the key issues in play.
House Democrats Develop Wish List For Final Reform Package, Return To The White House
High among the emerging priorities are national health exchanges and an end to insurance companies’ antitrust exemption.
Senate: Democratic Retirements Raise Questions About Political Support For Health Reform
Experts say the retirements of Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., are not likely to have a direct impact on the final push for health legislation, but do underscore the political challenges that are emerging.
Rural Health Care Advocates Struggle For Attention In Texas
Meanwhile, a new public safety policy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy is drawing attention and criticism from some civil rights groups.
