Latest KFF Health News Stories
Some Physicians Revamp Their Own Payment Systems In Favor Of Retainers
A number of physicians minimize insurance-based coverage and offer round-the-clock service for a retainer.
Medicare Part D Premiums To Rise Slightly
Medicare Part D drug premiums are expected to increase slightly while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services details which states have the highest rates of prescription drug use.
Medical Fraud Creates Unknown Amount Of Waste
Lawmakers seek a reduction in the amount of money lost each year to medical fraud. Meanwhile, two Miami doctors are convicted of Medicare fraud.
Delay In Appointing Medicare Chief Baffles Lawmakers
President Obama has called Medicare and Medicaid costs ‘”the biggest threat’ to the nation’s fiscal future. But to the puzzlement of Congress and health care experts around the country, Mr. Obama has not named anyone to lead the agency that runs the two giant programs,” The New York Times reports.
COBRA Rolls Double As Subsidy Makes Coverage More Affordable To Laid-Off Workers
A subsidy created by the federal stimulus package which covers 65 percent of COBRA premiums for laid-off workers has doubled the number of families enrolled in the program.
First Edition: August 18, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Florida: Confusion Surrounds Cost Of Medicaid Expansions Included In Reform Proposals
Health News Florida reports on a flap over how much the proposed expansion of Medicaid would cost the state of Florida.
Obama Pledges Reform Won’t Change Veterans’ Health Care
During his speech today to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Phoenix, Ariz., President Barack Obama expressed his commitment to increased spending on VA health care.
Program Offers Computerized Informed Consent For HIV Testing At New York City Hospital, Others
CBSNews.com examines how some states, including New York, have not implemented CDC’s routine, voluntary HIV testing guidelines in health care settings and still practice “what’s known as ‘informed consent,’ which means health care professionals must explain the test and get the patient’s signature.”
Editorial Addresses Needle Exchange Limitations In House Legislation Amendment
“An amendment attached to House legislation would continue the ban [on funding needle exchanges] by barring federally financed needle exchange programs from operating within 1,000 feet of where children gather
Alabama Department of Corrections’ “decision to stop barring inmates with HIV from work-release programs is an indication of how far society, not just the department, has come in understanding the virus and understanding AIDS, the disease it can cause,” a Montgomery Advertiser editorial states.
VA To Begin Offering Routine, Voluntary HIV Tests At Medical Centers
Following the recommendations of the CDC, the Veterans Affairs Department today will begin “offering routine HIV tests to veterans who receive medical care,” the Associated Press/Washington Post reports. “Under the new policy, veterans must verbally consent to the test. They can also decline it,” the article states.
AP Examines Use Of Oral Polio Vaccine In Nigeria, Risk Of Virus Mutation
The Associated Press examines how the oral polio vaccine, “made from a live polio virus – albeit weakened,” is contributing to the spread of the disease in Nigeria. While vaccinated children can pass the virus on to non-immunized children through waste in the water supply, which gives them some protection against polio, “in rare instances, as the virus passes through unimmunized children, it can mutate into a strain dangerous enough to ignite new outbreaks, particularly if immunization rates in the rest of the population are low,” according to the news service.
The White House Backs Away From Public Option
Obama administration officials are signaling their willingness to compromise on a public plan option in any health reform proposal.
Health Care Ads Dominate Airwaves
Interest groups and political parties continue to ramp up their advertising campaigns on health care.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
A selection of Monday’s editorials and opinions.
Signs Of Racism Occur In The Midst Of Health Care Reform Debate
NPR and Georgia Public Broadcasting report that Georgia congressman David Scott is facing signs of racism and heated passions within the health care reform debate.
Health Overhaul Explainers And Answers
News outlets provide explainers and answers to clarify major issues in health care reform.
Needle-Free Measles Vaccine Expected To Enter Clinical Trials In India Next Year
“A new needle-free measles vaccine with the potential to save thousands of children’s lives” is set to enter clinical trials in India next year, “where measles kills almost 200,000” infants and children annually, the Press Association reports.
