Latest KFF Health News Stories
Report Identifies New HIV Cases In Central Florida; County Official Discusses Findings
An annual report by the Health Council of East Central Florida released on Wednesday found that nearly 800 new cases of HIV were reported in Central Florida in 2008 and blacks and Hispanics remain disproportionately affected, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
California Advocates, Lawmakers Raise Concern Over Governor’s Cuts To HIV/AIDS, Health Care Services
There is growing concern among California HIV/AIDS advocates “that the Golden State will reverse course and see spikes in new HIV cases after Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week further slashed the state Office of AIDS budget in order to deal” with a more than $20 billion deficit, the Bay Area Reporter reports.
Artemisinin Resistance Continues Developing In Western Cambodia, Study Says
Artemisinin, the “basis of the most effective” malaria treatment recommended by the WHO, took nearly twice as long to clear malaria parasites in patients in western Cambodia than it did in patients in northwestern Thailand, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study, which shows the “drugs are losing their power against the disease in Cambodia,” Bloomberg reports.
Federal Advisory Committee Issues Guidelines For H1N1 Vaccine Campaign
During a meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, a “federal advisory committee issued sweeping guidelines
South Africa Launches HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
South Africa’s Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor on Tuesday announced a government-sponsored research initiative that “aims to combat HIV and AIDS through scientific and technological research, the development of new drugs, diagnostic tests and vaccines,” SAPA/IOL reports (7/28).
Expanded Testing Reveals 2000 Percent Increase In Number Of HIV-Positive Indian Children
“Expanded testing across India in the past three years shows a 2,000 percent jump in the number of HIV cases among children, [Ghulam Nabi Azad] the country’s health minister announced Wednesday,” CNN reports.
House Democrats Set To Move Bill After Accord With Blue Dogs, Liberals Objecting
House leaders made a deal with fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats on health reform that could move the bill out of committee as early as today. Some liberals are rebelling, saying that the leadership compromised too much in the negotiations.
Finance Committee Gains Momentum From CBO Report, Dem Pressure… Maybe
Finance Committee negotiators say they are nearer to a bipartisan compromise that has eluded them for weeks.
GOP Version of Reform Bill Offers Tax Credits, Doesn’t Require Coverage
House Republicans Wednesday unveiled a health reform bill that offers tax credits to help people buy insurance and doesn’t include individual or employer coverage mandates.
Obama On The Road Again, Pitching Health Reform To The Middle Class
President Barack Obama on Wednesday took his health reform pitch on the road, with stops in Raleigh, N.C., and Bristol, Va., where he targeted Americans who already have health insurance.
Lobbyists Continue Pressing Their Cases
Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, advocacy groups and others with a stake in health reform continue to lobby in hopes of winning concessions in a health overhaul, or at least surviving the changes unscathed.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
White House: Opponents Misrepresent End-Of-Life Issue In Reform Debate
The White House says opponents of the President’s health care reform effort are misrepresenting parts of the House and Senate legislation including a provision on end-of-life care. Meanwhile, critics say they fear health care reform could lead to excessive government intervention in end-of-life issues.
Insurers Struggle In Downturn As Senators Consider Adding New Tax
“Earnings from the nation’s big health insurers show signs of a new uptick in medical costs related to the recession: As unemployment rises, people who have lost their jobs or are fearful of losing them are rushing to see doctors to get medical tests before their benefits expire,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
Recession-Battered States Cut Funding For Health Services
State budget cuts slash funding for health services from Connecticut to California. Such cuts frustrate providers and cause lawmakers to look for ways to limit harm.
Health Overhaul Ads Intensify Emotional Messages
“The healthcare overhaul fight in Washington is bursting into America’s living rooms, and interests from many bands on the political spectrum are trying to transform an often wonky debate over 1,000-page bills into an emotional pitch that can be captured in 30 seconds,” The Boston Globe reports.
Dozens Arrested In National Medicare Fraud Bust
Dozens were arrested in a major Medicare fraud bust across the country with the bulk of arrests in the Houston area. The recent bust highlights a nationwide problem that Congress tried to address with a bill earlier this year.
Polls Find Public Support For Health Overhaul Losing Steam
Two new polls show support for President Barack Obama’s health care plan slipping over the past month.
