Latest KFF Health News Stories
HIV Status Not Grounds For Denying People Professional Licenses, Federal Officials Say
The Department of Justice on Thursday said that it is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act to bar people — such as barbers, masseuses, and home health care aides — from receiving professional licenses or training at occupational schools because they have HIV or AIDS, the AP/Los Angeles Times.
Randomized Controlled Trial Shows Circumcision Does Not Reduce Male-To-Female HIV Transmission
Male circumcision does not reduce the transmission of HIV from men to their female partners, according to a Lancet study conducted in Uganda, Bloomberg reports.
“In a move that caught many public health experts by surprise, the WHO quietly announced Thursday that it would stop tracking swine flu cases and deaths around the world,” the New York Times reports.
U.N. Issues Alert Over Deteriorating Health Situation In Somalia
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an alert on Thursday “seeking donor help” to address the health situation in southern and central Somalia, “which has continued to deteriorate due to latest fighting in [the capital of] Mogadishu,” Xinhua reports.
Randomized Controlled Trial Shows Circumcision Does Not Prevent Male-To-Female HIV Transmission
Male circumcision does not prevent the transmission of HIV from men to their female partners, according to a Lancet study conducted in Uganda, Bloomberg reports.
Food Prices In Developing Countries Remain High, Despite Global Drop
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Thursday said food prices remain high in many developing countries because of reduced harvests, civil conflict and other factors, AP/Google.com reports.
Ways And Means Committee Passes Reform Bill, Prepares For Fight
The House Ways and Means Committee passed the House version of a health care reform bill early this morning, approving as much as a 5.4 percent surtax on the wealthy to pay for it and readying for a fight, Bloomberg reports.
Senators Squabbling Over Health Bills
While Senate Democrats are still hoping for a bipartisan health overhaul bill, differences between the health and finance committee approaches to reform are causing delays.
CBO: Health Reform Bills Bend Cost Curve In Wrong Direction
“Congress’s chief budget analyst delivered a devastating assessment yesterday of the health-care proposals drafted by congressional Democrats,” the Washington Post and other news sources report.
The Obama Administration Ramps Up Push For Health Care Reform
The Obama administration ramps up efforts to promote health care reform and reacts to a sobering announcement by the Congressional Budget Office about the scoring of a health care bill.
Family Doctors: An Endangered Breed
“As more medical students shun primary care for higher-paid specialties, experts warn of a severe imbalance that could cripple the nation’s health care system,” CNN Money reports.
California Cuts Back On Kids Insurance While New Hampshire Expands
California cuts back on health insurance for children while New Hampshire expands state insurance to young adults.
AMA Backs House Reform Bill, Other Groups, Businesses Eye Reform Positions
The American Medical Association told House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel that it backs the House health overhaul bill.
New Ad: ‘Harry And Louise’ Now Back Health Reform
Harry and Louise, the fictional couple in an advertisement which helped sink health reform in the 1990s, are back in a new pro-reform ad.
Mental Health Issues Among Veterans Increase Dramatically
A new study finds more veterans being diagnosed with mental health issues.
A Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of the nation’s editorials and opinions.
Battles Loom Over Possible Funding Cuts For MRIs
Battles loom over possible funding cuts for MRIs amid health care reform efforts.
Md. County’s Model Health Program For The Uninsured Faces Some Obstacles
One Maryland county’s tiny new health care program could be a model for providing care nationwide, NPR says.
Analysis: How Will $155 Billion Deal With White House Really Affect Hospitals?
When hospitals agreed to accept a $155 billion pay cut from the federal government to help Washington raise money for reform efforts earlier this month, many were surprised. But The Economist says hospitals have a lot to gain.
