Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Selection Of Today’s Opinions And Editorials
A selection opinions and editorials from around the country.
Two New Studies Test Conventional Wisdom About Physician Behavior
Two new studies test classic assumptions about doctor behavior, including whether fatigue, stress and even full moons impede their work. Meanwhile, separate reports examine would-be physicians’ behavior far from the exam room or operating table.
Vice President Biden: More Regulation For Insurers Will Protect Consumers, Lower Costs
Vice President Biden weighed in on health reform at a meeting of state insurance commissioners Tuesday, saying tighter regulation on insurance companies must protect consumers and slow the rise in costs.
Some States Praise Language To Change Medicare Pay Formula
Some states see benefit in changes to the Medicare pay formula.
Insurers, GOP React To Criticism Of Letters To Seniors
Insurers and Republicans react to the Obama administration’s criticism of letters about health care reform from insurance companies, including Humana, to seniors.
Some Medicare Benefit Cuts, Increasng Premiums Could Create ‘Political Nightmare’
Budget chief Doug Elmendorf contradicts the president’s repeated claim that seniors wouldn’t see their Medicare benefits cut under health care reform.
Who Are The Uninsured And Where Do They Live?
USA Today profiles five uninsured Americans.
White House advisers believe the strategy of blanketing the airwaves with President Obama’s live speeches has been an effective one in gaining a foothold in the health care debate.
Trial Lawyers Push Back On Medical Malpractice Reform
The American Association for Justice is launching a new ad campaign to combat tort reform.
Comparing U.S. Health Insurance To Other Developed Nations: Some Surprises
Newspaper reports on the health systems find they are all unique.
First Edition: September 23, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Finance Senators Debate A Range of Issues Including Timing, Transparency
The Finance Committee resumed its mark-up of a proposal authored by its chairman, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., on Wednesday, with much of the debate gravitating to amendments concerning speed, timing and transparency. Republicans sought to delay the vote, while Democrats argued for a compromise that would bring the committee’s deliberations to a swifter conclusion.
Baucus: Several Changes To Make Health Bill Affordable For Middle Class
Senator Baucus has announced changes to his mark-up of health care legislation.
Snowe: Baucus Bill Is ‘Solid Starting Point’ But Process Should Slow Down
During a mark-up of the Senate Finance Committee health bill today, Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-M.E., called the plan a ‘solid starting point’ but advocated for slowing down the legislative process.
Chan Calls For Additional H1N1 Vaccines For Poor Countries During WHO Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting
During the WHO Asia-Pacific regional meeting Monday, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan discussed the organization’s efforts to ensure that poor nations have access to H1N1 vaccines, VOA News reports (Bayron, 9/21). ABC Radio Australia reports Chan is seeking “three billion doses of swine flu vaccine to be made available worldwide, especially in developing countries where it still poses a serious risk” (9/22).
UNAIDS, NGOs Partner To Eliminate Mother-To-Child Transmission Of HIV In Africa
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe in New York on Monday signed a partnership agreement with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pledging to work towards eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Africa, Agence France-Presse reports. Presidents Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda attended the signing ceremony.
Rwandan President Outlines ‘Improved’ U.S.-Africa Relationship In Opinion Piece
To begin an “improved” U.S.-Africa relationship “of shared ideas, vision and investments that increase … mutual prosperities” both the U.S. and Africa “must accept urgent and substantial changes in the nature of our bond,” Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, writes in a Washington Post opinion piece.
Government Orders Additional H1N1 Vaccine
The Department of Health and Human Services has ordered more swine flu vaccine, bringing the eventual total to 251 million doses. And, clinical trials show a single-dose of the vaccine can protect children ages 10-17.
British Prime Minister To Unveil $1B Effort To Improve Health Systems In Developing Countries
During the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Wednesday is scheduled to announce that Britain is teaming up with Norway, the Netherlands and Australia to invest $1 billion to strengthen the health systems in developing countries, the Financial Times/NineMSN reports.
