Latest KFF Health News Stories
Clinton, Obama Open CGI; Safe Water, Opportunities For African Women Commitments Announced
During opening remarks of the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting in New York, former President Bill Clinton said, “[W]e have more attending this meeting than ever before,” Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal reports. “Despite record attendance and commitments made, Clinton addressed the reduction in global wealth upfront, urging leaders who have not yet identified which causes to support to instead support multi-year pledges already under way that have been restructured due to lack of funding,” according to the news service. After Clinton, President Barack Obama addressed the summit, “[f]ollowing” a theme that encouraged meeting participants to take action (Banjo, 9/22).
Analyzing The Baucus Bill: Individual Mandate, Tax Provisions
One of the biggest points of contention in Senate Finance Committee’s consideration of Max Baucus’ health bill is the “individual mandate” requirement.
Senators Take To Trenches For Finance Committee Health Bill Mark Up
Battle lines on health care reform are being drawn over issues of costs, the role of insurers and what may happen to Medicare in the Senate Finance Committee.
Republicans Criticize Democrat’s Direction, Finance Committee Timing
Democrats and Republicans are exchanging attacks on the health reform bill in the Senate Finance Committee during the panel’s health bill mark up.
States Extend, Create New Programs For Vulnerable; In Texas, Home Health A Problem
States are providing prescription drug help and routine medical care to low-income people. In California, the governor has broken a veto threat to make sure poort children keep their insurance. But, in Texas, home health agencies are exposed as a money pit for Medicare dollars.
Marchers, Celebrities Sound Off On Health Care Reform
As health reform legislation comes closer to becoming reality, marchers and celebrities are also sounding off on proposals.
Pelosi, House Dems Finding Compromise On Health Bills Difficult
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to include a public option in the final House health care legislation could inflame moderates.
Some Imaging Centers, Drug Makers May Be Driving Up Costs
Some doctors may be helping the imaging and drug industries drive up costs by encouraging more costly care, such as unnecessary imaging procedures and prescribing brand-name drugs when generics would do.
A Selection Of Today’s Opinions And Editorials
A selection opinions and editorials from around the country.
Two New Studies Test Conventional Wisdom About Physician Behavior
Two new studies test classic assumptions about doctor behavior, including whether fatigue, stress and even full moons impede their work. Meanwhile, separate reports examine would-be physicians’ behavior far from the exam room or operating table.
Vice President Biden: More Regulation For Insurers Will Protect Consumers, Lower Costs
Vice President Biden weighed in on health reform at a meeting of state insurance commissioners Tuesday, saying tighter regulation on insurance companies must protect consumers and slow the rise in costs.
Some States Praise Language To Change Medicare Pay Formula
Some states see benefit in changes to the Medicare pay formula.
Insurers, GOP React To Criticism Of Letters To Seniors
Insurers and Republicans react to the Obama administration’s criticism of letters about health care reform from insurance companies, including Humana, to seniors.
Some Medicare Benefit Cuts, Increasng Premiums Could Create ‘Political Nightmare’
Budget chief Doug Elmendorf contradicts the president’s repeated claim that seniors wouldn’t see their Medicare benefits cut under health care reform.
Who Are The Uninsured And Where Do They Live?
USA Today profiles five uninsured Americans.
White House advisers believe the strategy of blanketing the airwaves with President Obama’s live speeches has been an effective one in gaining a foothold in the health care debate.
Trial Lawyers Push Back On Medical Malpractice Reform
The American Association for Justice is launching a new ad campaign to combat tort reform.
Comparing U.S. Health Insurance To Other Developed Nations: Some Surprises
Newspaper reports on the health systems find they are all unique.
First Edition: September 23, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Finance Senators Debate A Range of Issues Including Timing, Transparency
The Finance Committee resumed its mark-up of a proposal authored by its chairman, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., on Wednesday, with much of the debate gravitating to amendments concerning speed, timing and transparency. Republicans sought to delay the vote, while Democrats argued for a compromise that would bring the committee’s deliberations to a swifter conclusion.
