Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fact Check: Canadian vs. U.S. Systems; AARP Claims
The AP examines claims about a Canadian woman’s health care, while another fact-checking news outlet looks at claims about AARP.
House Democratic Leaders Work To Bridge Divisions In Ranks
Although much of the attention in the health care debate seems be on the Democratic divisions in the Senate, Democrats in the House are also split on what the next steps are.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, proposed an amendment Tuesday night that other Finance Committee senators couldn’t refuse: To force lawkmakers to buy insurance coverage on an “exchange” proposed in the reform bills.
Today’s Opinions and Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of Thursday’s opinions and editorials from across America.
CBO Estimate Left Out Hospital Exemption; Baucus Savings Likely Lower
Cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office did not consider that hospitals would be exempted from a Medicare cost-cutting commission in the Senate Finance bill.
U.N. Security Council Adopts Resolution Condemning Sexual Violence
“The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Wednesday condemning sexual violence in war zones, with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presiding and appealing for global action to end the scourge,” the Associated Press reports.
Pharmacies Sue States They Say Underpaid Them For Prescription Drugs
Drug store groups who say they were underpaid in Medicaid payments for prescription drugs are suing three states.
For Those Confused About Health Reform – A Fresh Wave Of Primers
For those still confused about the various health reform bills
Doctors Can Be Frustrated, Confused By Health Care System
Some doctors feel frustrated by insurance paperwork while many recent medical school graduates say they are confused by the structure of the health care system.
Study: Medicaid Enrollment Surges, Threatening State Budgets
A new survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that Medicaid enrollement is expanding rapidly, putting pressure on struggling state budgets.
EMRs May Help Doctors Spot Or Predict Abuse
As the data stored in electronic medical records grow, the technology may be able to help doctors predict domestic abuse, and other medical conditions a new study in the British Medical Journal finds.
Health Care Reform Bill In Finance Committee Could Be Finalized Friday
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is signaling that a vote on the bill is moving closer, with senators postponing battles until the measure reaches the Senate floor.
Illegal Immigrants Receive Offers To Return Home For Their Health Care
Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital’s offer to send illegal immigrants who can’t afford treatment back to their home countries is raising questions about how to handle health care for that population.
First Edition: October 1, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Finance Committee Continues Health Bill Mark-Up, October Recess Cancelled
The Finance Committee continues working through pending amendments with an eye toward floor consideration, instead of recess, the week of Oct. 12.
New Reports Examine State Health Costs And Medicaid Enrollment
Even as state government officials worry that a health overhaul will compel them to spend more on Medicaid, a new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds that states face rapid cost increases if the health care system is not reformed and the Kaiser Family Foundation says average Medicaid enrollment hit its highest growth rate in six years.
Reports: Climate Change Effects Could Increase Hunger In Developing Countries By 2050
By 2050, climate change could lead to decreased outputs of corn, rice and wheat across the developing world resulting in price increases and hunger, according to an International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) study, Bloomberg reports.
BMJ Examines New Strategy For Universal Healthcare In Asia Pacific
A BMJ News article examines a new WHO strategy, which calls for countries in the Asia Pacific region to “strive for universal access to health care.”
Senate Committee Rejects Public Insurance Option
The Senate Finance Committee voted down Tuesday two amendments to include a public options for health insurance coverage in health care reform.
