Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pelosi Says House Will Pass Health Bill; Measure Gains AARP, AMA Backing
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., says she will have enough votes to pass Democratic health care legislation by Saturday.
MSF Calls For Sustained Commitment To Global HIV/AIDS Funding
During a press conference on Thursday, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) warned that the “global economic crisis and calls to commit funds to other health crises” threatened to undermine recent gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Associated Press reports. MSF “says money for other health issues should be given in addition to money for [HIV/]AIDS” (11/5).
Health Officials Address U.S. H1N1 Vaccine Supply
U.S. health officials briefing Congress on Wednesday would not outline a timeframe for when enough H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines would be available to reach all high-risk populations in the country, the Washington Post reports.
Climate Change Is Biggest Global Health Threat To Children, Report Says
According to a report (.pdf) by Save the Children, climate change is the biggest global health threat to children in the 21st century, the Hindu reports.
The Wall Street Journal examines “big pharma’s growing interest in a corner of healthcare
Malaria Experts Discuss Eradication At MIM Conference
In a session at the 5th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Pan-African Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, experts discussed the tools required to eradicate the disease and highlighted insecticide and drug resistance in some parts of the world, Xinhua reports.
Democrats Weigh Impact of Election Results On Health Reform
Republicans won two governorships this week in their quest to regain power, but some Democrats say it won’t affect action on health care reform legislation.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
States Struggle With Immigrants’ Care And Funding Mental Hospitals
News outlets report on a variety of state health issues including immigrants’ challenges when trying to access new care in Massachusetts and a proposal to find funding to keep a mental hospital open in Maryland.
DOJ Investigates Alleged Fraud By Drugmakers; Sanctions On WellCare Lifted
Newspapers focus on alleged fraud in the drug and insurance industries.
Senators Make Health Reform Positions Known
News outlets examined various health-reform-related activities in the Senate.
Study Reiterates That U.S. Health Quality Trails Spending Compared With Other Countries
“Despite spending more than twice as much as other developed countries, the United States still lags behind in terms of access and quality, an international survey said Wednesday,” Agence France-Presse reports.
Lack Of Evidence A Problem For Policymakers, Doctors And Patients
One category of medical mysteries that stumps expert doctors and policymakers alike falls under the heading: What works? News reports on two new studies
New FDA Program Targets Drug Dosage Errors
Federal Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg announced a new “Safe Use” program for drugs on Wednesday.
Consumers In Search Of Saving Money Should Reconsider Prescription Drug Choices
Despite pharmaceutical companies’ ad campaigns, cheaper drug alternatives are available and effective for many conditions.
Democrats Must Clear Remaining Hurdles On Path To Health Vote
As House Democrats move towards a weekend vote, they must resolve a series of outstanding issues, such as taxes and immigration.
Doctors Scrutinize Defensive Medicine, Surgeons Oppose Senate Reform Bill
The feud between doctors and lawyers over defensive medicine makes it difficult to determine how much the practice is contributing to health care costs.
GOP Lawmakers Seek To Explore Health Reform’s Impact On FEHBP
Republican lawmakers are seeking assurances regarding how the FEHBP will fare under pending health reform proposals.
CBO: GOP Health Bill Would Cut Deficit Somewhat, Do Little To Expand Coverage
A Congressional Budget Office report on the Republican version of the House health care bill would reduce the deficit but leave about 17 percent of Americans uninsured.
