Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Racial Health Disparities Cost $229 Billion From 2003-2006
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland report that racial health disparities cost the U.S. $229 billion between 2003 and 2006.
Some Federal Workers Can’t Afford Health Insurance
Not all employees in the federal workforce can afford insurance.
Experts Debate Merits Of Public Plan And Individual Mandate
Some news outlets take a step back to explain various parts of health care legislation.
Are College Students The ‘Invisible Minority’ In Health Care Debate?
President Barack Obama’s speech at the University of Maryland Thursday highlighted how health care reform may affect young people.
Insurers Defend Practices At House Hearing
Insurance company exectutives defended their decisions about coverage and prices before a House subcommittee Thursday.
Rising Costs To Business, Government and Consumers Inspire, Complicate Health Reform
Every ten years or so, the cost of health care doubles,with it rising from $714 billion in 1990 to $1.4 trillion in 2000 to an expected $2.5 trillion this year. Consumers, businesses and government must split the check.
Labor Department Advocating Rule Exemption To Boost GM Health Care Trust
“The Labor Department said Thursday it was seeking an exemption for General Motors’ new retiree health care plan that would implement the automaker’s move to transfer company securities into the health care trust,” according to the Associated Press.
First Edition: September 18, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Leahy Bill Pushes Antitrust Laws
Leahy bill seeks to subject insurers to antitrust laws.
Obama To Student Audience: Health Reform Is ‘Defining Struggle Of This Generation’
The President spoke to a University of Maryland audience to rally support for health reform. Read the Transcript
Baucus Bill Not Finding Favor Among Democrats Or Republicans
Sen. Max Baucus’ health care reform bill is the target of criticism from all sides.
With Baucus Bill No Longer a Mystery, Party Leaders Contemplate Strategy
Republicans and Democrats are both ezpressing concerns about the bill’s particulars as congressional vote-counters focus on who will ultimately support the measure.
Baucus Bill In At $774 Billion, Would Reduce Deficit By Nearly $50 Billion Over Decade
News outlets examined the costs of Sen. Max Baucus’ health overhaul proposal.
Republican Wish List Has Stark Differences And Surprising Similarities To Democratic Proposals
The Republican leadership lacks a flagship health reform plan, but a variety of ideas and proposals have emerged from rank-and-file members that outline the party’s reform principles.
CNN Says Obama May Be Seeking Backup Plan Even As He Rallies Dems
After a long-anticipated overhaul proposal was unveiled by Sen. Max Baucus Wednesday to a chilly reception, President Barack Obama “quietly” held a meeting with Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Bob Bennett, R-Utah, the cosponsors of an earlier, bipartisan plan.
White House Says Baucus’ ‘Building Block’ Is Not The End Of The Debate
The president’s spokesman, Robert Gibbs, called the plan “an important building block” and “gets us closer to comprehensive health care reform.”
Plans Could Change How Medicare Pays Doctors, Hospitals
Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., has unveiled a plan to reform health care, and pick up the price tag, in part by reconfiguring the way doctors and hospitals are paid for their services.
Debate Focuses On Cost For Coverage Mandates
The Democratic health reform proposals in Congress mandate that people have health insurance and provide government subsidies but debate continues over how much people should pay for their health care.
Many Industry Groups Favor Baucus Plan
A round-up of stories on industry’s mostly positive response to the Baucus bill to overhaul the health care system.
