Latest KFF Health News Stories
Christian Right Largely Opposes Health Care Reform
The Christian right rallies with its campaign against Democrats’ health overhaul plans.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Wednesday’s editorials cover the president’s upcoming speech, Democrats’ problematic dominance, and the return of “death panels.”
Payments To Medicare’s Private Plans At Risk In Democrats’ Reform Proposals
Democrats say the federal subsidies for Medicare Advantage programs are unfair and inefficient while efforts to expand coverage to early retirees draws criticism.
AARP Committed To Health Reform, But Seniors Remain Split
Retirees between 50 and 64, the younger AARP set, stand to benefit from reform while members over 65, who are covered by Medicare, feel reform threatens their health care security.
Contradictions Between Personal And Systemic Health Issues Could Thwart Reform
Health care reform efforts must confront a paradox: Many Americans say the system needs fixing yet are satisfied with their own coverage, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Hospital Executives Weigh Benefits, Risks Of Health Reform
Hospital executives are balancing their hopes that expanded coverage will provide a windfall for facilities burdened by uncompensated care with their fears that government intervention could cut into their revenues.
News Organizations Offer Decoders For Health Debate
Media organizations have presented a variety of health care decoders for President Obama’s much-anticipated speech tonight. Timelines, glossaries and a list of interest groups’ ambitions seek to put the debate in context.
An Examination Of Medicare Cost And Quality Issues
Chronic conditions and readmission to the ER cost the hospital system and Medicare greatly while efforts are underway to save Medicare money by preventing hospital infections and falls.
With Summer Jobs, Med Students Experience Health System Challenges First Hand
During a summer work program, medical students found fault in the medical system they will inherit.
Specifics Emerge On Health Care Reform Packages
The broad outlines of a Democratic-backed bill in the Senate is taking shape.
Study Suggests That Some Illegal Immigrants May Benefit From Reform
Illegal immigrants could get health care coverage if the proposals do not have strict oversight, study finds. But not all undocumented immigrants would seek such help.
First Edition: September 9, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pelosi, Reid Offer Health Bill Optimism After Meeting With Obama
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., met with President Obama at the White House today regarding health reform and other items on the legislative agenda.
Baucus Plan Details Released; Grassley Says Bipartisan Bill ‘Up In The Air’
As details of the framework for Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ proposal emerge, a GOP lead negotiator maintains that the a bipartisan bill is still ‘up in the air.”
Hoyer: ‘Meaningful’ Health Overhaul Legislation Could Pass Without A Public Option
Dropping the public option may be necessary in order to pass a health care bill, according to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
Ross: I Will Oppose Legislation With A Public Plan
Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., a Blue Dog Democrat, told his constituents in a newsletter that he plans to oppose the inclusion of a public insurance plan in broader health reform efforts.
Global AIDS Coordinator Goosby Believes Zimbabwe’s Ailing Health System Can Be Strengthened
Concluding his recent trip to Zimbabwe, the Global AIDS Coordinator for PEPFAR Eric Goosby said the country can rebuild and strengthen its health care delivery systems, the Zimbabwean reports. “I have seen fatigue in health care delivery in the country. A fatigue that that has come out of sustaining the response (to HIV and AIDS) with diminishing resources, but at the same time a feeling of hope and anticipation that they have hit bottom and are now on the return,” Goosby said.
NGOs Call For Increased International Support For Women’s Health
Hundreds of non-governmental organizations from around the world gathered for a three-day conference in Berlin last week, where they emphasized the need for broader international support for improving women’s health worldwide — “15 years after the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, where a similar group set goals to improve the sexual health and rights for women, particularly in the developing world,” the Associated Press reports.
South East Asian Ministers Gather At WHO Regional Meeting
South East Asian health ministers met on Monday in Kathmandu, Nepal, for their 27th meeting during the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for South East Asia, Republica reports. During the four day meeting, health ministers from 11 member countries and other delegates will discuss a range of topics, including: health and climate change, measles, international health personnel recruitment policies, private sector engagement, the South East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund, polio eradication, public health innovation, counterfeit medical products and pandemic influenza preparedness.
