Latest KFF Health News Stories
Washington D.C., Launches Five-Year, HIV Testing, Awareness Campaign
Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and the district Department of Health Director Pierre Vigilance on Friday announced that they are “launching a new campaign to increase HIV testing in the district,” News8.net reports.
Lawmakers Sound Off On Health Care Reform
Lawmakers from around the United States are sounding off on health care reform from all sides and all points of view of the political spectrum as the health care reform debate again heats up.
‘Public Plan’ Divides Democrats On Health Bills
The Democrats’ split over inclusion of a government-run public plan could be making the chances of overhaul America’s health care system less likely.
Globe And Mail Examines HIV/AIDS Rate In India
The Globe and Mail writes that “[w]hen India announced in 2007 that it had 2.3 million people living with HIV, rather than the 5.7 million reported the year before, the government first attributed much of the change to better data collection. Many in the AIDS field were skeptical.”
Democrats Appeal For Health Legislation To Honor Kennedy
Democrats called Sunday for civil debate on health care reform among lawmakers as a way of honoring Sen. Edward Kennedy and Democrats align themselves for Democratic primary seat to replace Kennedy.
Gates Foundation Task Force Visits Flooded Indian State
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently sent an eight member task force, led by the foundation’s country head Ashok Alexander, to the Indian state of Bihar, which has experienced significant flooding in many districts, PTI/Hindu reports (8/30).
Obama Returns From Vacation Facing Tough Health Overhaul Odds, But Has Some Strengths
“President Obama still has stronger prospects for achieving his health policy goals than surface impressions of the Congressional recess indicate,” the New York Times reports.
Gates Foundation Appoints New HIV Program Head
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently announced that Stefano Bertozzi will head up its HIV programs starting August 31, the Puget Sound Business Journal reports.
Poll Finds More Confidence About Paying For Health Care; Young Adults Most Supportive Of Reform
A new Reuters poll finds growing confidence in Americans’ ability to pay for their health care costs.
Explainers And Fact Checks On Health Reform Bills
Various news organizations offer explainers and fact checks on health reform legislation.
House Bill Would Strengthen Federal Comparative Effectiveness Programs
“To supporters, the move is a no-brainer way to try to increase the efficiency of the bloated US healthcare system,” the Christian Science Monitor reports. “But opponents see it as something that Washington in time might use to restrict patient access to risky, unproven, or expensive treatments.”
Burger Chain Invests In Health Care Insurance, Sees Gains
A burger chain pays more for employees’ health care insurance and, in turn, has reaped significant gains.
Drug Stores Consider How Reform Efforts May Affect Drug Stores
If reform passes, CVS expects profits to remain steady while benefit managers worry about other drug stores’ plans to go around them and negotiate directly on price.
State Wrap: Mental Illness In Arizona, Stimulus “Windfall” In Texas, Medicaid Expansion In Nebraska
Local newspapers report on health care issues including mental health in Arizona, the stimulus “windfall” in Texas and a family health insurance plan in Nebraska.
Today’s Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of Monday’s editorials and opinions from around the United States.
Federal Authorities Investigate Connecticut Hospital
Federal authorities are conducting a thorough investigation of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Care Center in Connecticut.
Hospital Executives Worry About Reform Uncertainties
Hospital executives worry about uncertainties in reform.
Officials Flesh Out New Grant Program To Help States, Doctors With Health IT
Two weeks ago, the Obama administration offered nearly $1.2 billion in stimulus-funded grants to set up state-run health information exchanges, and create 70 “health IT regional extension center” to help physicians adapt to the digital era, a term officials defined in greater detail during a conference call.
Obama’s Aging Czar Calls Issue ‘A Unifying Topic’
Kathy Greenley, the Administration’s “aging czar,” oversees a budget of $1.5 billion and tens of thousands of organizations that receive federal funds for providing senior services.
