Latest KFF Health News Stories
Two Drug-Related Legislative Plans Pose Problems For Stakeholders
The Senate passed a bill yesterday that would allow Americans to purchase drugs online from pharmacies and retailers in Canada, where the products are often less expensive. Meanwhile, the House wants to tax drug advertisements, networks say.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A selection of opinions and editorials.
Many Washington State Hospitals Skimp on Required Charity Care
“As the recession has cost more people their jobs and their health insurance, local hospitals have seen more patients show up with no way to pay,” reports KUOW, a Washington State public radio station.
Medical Staff Cut Down On Hospital-Acquired Infections
Medical staff work to cut down on fatal hospital-acquired infections.
No Shriners Hospitals Closing; Some May Be Outpatient-Only
“All 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children will stay open, but some eventually might become outpatient-only surgery facilities, the system that offers free specialty pediatric care said Thursday,” CNN reports.
Health Insurance Exchanges Gain Attention
Health insurance exchanges form a part of most reform legislation now in Congress.
Experts Urge Revamping of Long-Term Medicare Funding Mechanisms
Experts see major revamp of the long-term Medicare funding mechanisms as a critical part of health reform. Many praise recent deals by drug makers and hospitals to make budget cuts, but say more long-term cost cutting should occur.
U.S. Chamber Outlines Ways To Decrease Medical Costs
“Making use of backstops for healthcare insurance” could help address “soaring medical costs,” the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said during a conference on Friday.
Physician Discusses HIV Testing, ‘Frank’ Conversations With Teenagers
The Baltimore Sun’s blog “Picture of Health” features comments from Allison Agwu, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, who discussed HIV awareness and testing among teenagers.
WFP Appeals For $23M To Help Women, Children In Yemen
The World Food Programme (WFP) issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday for $23 million in “financial support from international donors for food aid to Yemen specifically targeted at women and children,” AFP/Google.com reports.
Obama Cabinet Members Meet Thursday For H1N1 Preparedness Summit
“The White House, months before flu season, will roll out the big guns Thursday for a swine flu preparedness summit, underscoring the importance the Obama administration is placing on the pandemic,” CNN reports.
President Obama To Visit Ghana Friday
IRIN reports that Ghanaians “are mixing high hopes with caution” in anticipation of President Obama’s arrival in the country Friday
Leaders of the world’s five biggest developing economies (G5)
Washington, D.C., Officials Urge ‘Opt-Out’ HIV Testing, Discuss Prevention
City council members and health officials in Washington, D.C., are asking “health care providers to make HIV testing part of routine patient treatment,” the Washington Examiner reports.
Dems Divided As Congressional Health Overhaul Efforts Stall
Senators working feverishly to pass health reform ahead of Congress’ August recess raised doubts Wednesday on whether they will be able to pass reform on schedule, The Boston Globe reports.
Washington State Insurers Impose Double Digit Rate Hikes, Again
“In what is becoming an annual ordeal for policyholders, Regence BlueShield is raising premiums for 135,000 individual health-plan members in Washington [state] by an average 17 percent on Aug. 1,” the Seattle Times reports.
Administration Officials Take Health Reform Reins In Obama’s Absence
White House staff and administration officials are trying to maintain their visibility on health care reform this week with public events and meetings as Obama travels, Roll Call reports.
Payment Reform: A Trend In White House Thinking
White House health reformers have pressed over the last month for payment reforms that would reward doctors and hospitals for spending less and delivering higher quality, rather than simply providing a higher volume of services.
