Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Bills Would Maintain COBRA, Offer More Help For Unemployed
Health care bills would maintain benefits for the unemployed from the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Many High Health Costs Remain Mysterious
Health care’s high costs are a main reason lawmakers are taking on health reform, but it’s also a challenge to identify and target the many reasons care is so expensive.
Polls Show Mixed Results For President’s Health Care Reform Efforts
New surveys examine public opinion for the president’s health care proposals.
Democrats Consider ‘Trigger’ Option Instead Of Immediate Public Plan
Democrats consider a proposal that would set a “trigger” for implementing a government healthcare thereby using the public plan only as a backup.
Wisconsin City Was Unwitting Birthplace Of ‘Death Panel’ Myth
The pioneering program at a hospital in La Crosse, Wis., with Medicare reimbursements for end-of-life issues was adopted by health reform proposals–until critics nearly derailed the package with complaints about “death panels.”
Morning Edition: September 4, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Media Examine Debate Over UNESCO International Sex Education Guidelines
The New York Times examines how “[a] set of proposed international sex education guidelines aimed at reducing H.I.V. infections among young people” and unplanned pregnancies, based on “more than 80 studies of sex education,” has received some criticism.
World Should Contribute $23B To Increase Women’s Access To Contraception, UNFPA Says
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday “appealed for the world to contribute more to improve women’s health and access to contraception,” Agence France-Presse reports.
Expectations High For Obama’s ‘Major Address’ To Congress On Health Reform
President Obama will spell out in detail his vision for overhauling health care during an address to Congress Wednesday. The White House defends its previous hands-off strategy, but officials now believe the president’s intervention may be the only way to keep overhaul efforts afloat.
White House ‘Rallies The Faithful’ For Health Overhaul Push
The White House is going beyond the Wednesday speech to take control of the health reform debate, including a road trip to urge passage of legislation.
GOP Points To Polls Showing Less Support For Reform, Dems May Put Tax On Wealthy Back On The Table
The GOP is citing surveys to show their attacks on Democratic health reform proposals are paying off, while Democrats are considering taxing the rich as a way to pay for health reform.
McConnell Criticizes Obama’s Speech Plans, Others Wrangle For Political Position
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said President Obama’s address on health care will not change many minds while while other senators are pushing around for political position ahead of reform’s latest fight.
Medicare Advantage Rates Could Go Up, While Part D ‘Exceeding Expectations’
Seniors on Medicare Advantage plans could see their premiums skyrocket. Meanwhile, Medicare payments for drugs, dialysis and power wheelchairs get a mixed review.
Town Hall Meetings Continue To Trigger Unexpected Events
Two health care events – in Los Angeles and Miami – have been marred by violence this week, including an argument that ended with punches and a dispute that resulted in one man biting off another’s finger.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Thursday’s selection of opinions and editorials.
VA Tries To Keep Up With Surge Of Need
The Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing a surge of treatment requests and disability claims as soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, overwhelming VA clinics.
Groups Unite For Health Care Reform
Despite differences, drug makers and consumer groups unite to push for their version of health care reform.
Lessons For America: Comparing Health Systems Across Europe
Forbes new series of articles and opinion pieces,”Public Vs. Private Health Care,” compares European health care systems.
