Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pending Legislation Increases States’ Role In Health Reform
States play an important role in health care reform, but some wonder if Congress is giving states too much power.
As House Begins New Push For Reform, Taxes on ‘Cadillac’ Plans Trigger Democrats’ Opposition
Many House Democrats Tuesday sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi telling the Senate Finance Committee not to tax expensive health insurance plans.
More Than 2M Infants, Women Die From Childbirth Annually, Study Says
Each year, more than 2 million infants and women around the world die from childbirth-related complications, according to a study released Tuesday at the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics world congress in Cape Town, South Africa, the Associated Press reports. The study is published in the October issue of the federation’s journal.
Senate Finance Health Reform Bill Still Facing Challenges From Committee Democrats
Chairman Max Baucus may not even get all the Democratic votes on the Senate Finance committee due to some tax provisions of the bill.
Out-Of-Beltway Republicans Answer Obama’s Call
The Obama administration can add California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to his “Republican chorus” of health care supporters, an ensemble that could help provide political cover to senators wavering on the overhaul bill.
States Speak Up: Medicaid Spending Among Top Issues
Today’s state news reports look to Washington. Medicaid expansions could squeeze state’s budgets and some local lawmakers are taking their concerns to counterparts in Congress. At the same time, they hope to carve out room for states to find their own solutions.
WHO Emphasizes H1N1 Vaccine Safety
The WHO on Tuesday continued to express confidence in the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine as few mild adverse effects have been reported by patients participating in China’s vaccine campaign, the Associated Press reports. Out of the 39,000 people in China who received the H1N1 vaccine, four reported experiencing side effects such as muscle cramps and headache, according to WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl (Higgins, 10/6).
Congress May Address Health Coverage Discrimination Against Women, Domestic Violence Victims
The health bills pending in Congress may end the practice of basing insurance rates on gender and denying coverage based on a history of domestic abuse.
States Deal With Hospital Fees, Medical Industry Concerns And Levies On Physician Payments
Recent state developments include a pending tax on hospitals in California, resistance to health system change in the Missouri medical community and a proposed tax on physician fees in Michigan.
Swine Flu May Levy Higher Toll On Minorities
A September report suggests one third early deaths in children from the novel flu were among Hispanics and over half of all U.S. child victims through August were minorities.
Today’s Editorials And Opinions
Readings from the opinion pages.
Dutch Provide Lessons On Health Reform, While Europe’s Highest Court Rules For Drug Maker
Health care overhaul in the Netherlands offers competition and universal coverage. Also, Europe’s highest court sides with drug companies over pricing matter.
Workplace Wellness Programs: Good For Health Costs?
Some companies offer discounts to healthy employees, but patient advocates fear such wellness programs could be unfair.
Sebelius Defends Policy On Insurers’ Politically Oriented Letters
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius defends memo telling insurers to stop sending letters to seniors about Medicare Advantage and health reform legislation.
Medicare Fraud, Once A White-Collar Crime, Now Attracts Mafia, Violence
Attracted by fast, easy money and relatively short prison sentences, Mafia members and violent criminals increasingly turn to Medicare fraud.
Doctors, Hospitals Lag On EMR But Use Props – New And Old – To Close Gap
Though few hospitals now use electronic medical records, doctors making the transition may have some back-up at certain facilities, including ‘scribes’ and iPhones.
First Edition: October 7, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Baucus Says Bill Score Could Come Wednesday
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus said Tuesday that the CBO could release its score of the Finance Committee bill Wednesday.
