Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obama Heads West To Gain Momentum For Reform
President Barack Obama heads west to pitch health reform and observe health delivery system innovation.
Grassley’s Doubts, Coupled With Cost Control Issues, Could Complicate Dems’ Overhaul Efforts
Politico and The Washington Post reporters analyze how recent events could derail Democratic health reform efforts.
New Web Site Seeks More Reliable Comparisons Of Doctors
A new Web site will seek to bring prospective patients information about their doctors,not unlike restaurant or movie reviews.
PEPFAR Partners With BD To Improve Blood Collection Safety In Africa
PEPFAR and the global medical technology company BD announced an iniative Tuesday that will work to improve blood collection safety in clinics and hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa
Today’s Editorials And Opinions
A selection of Friday’s editorials and opinion pieces.
Primary Care Docs Hope Reform Will Address Shortages
Primary care shortages produce significant challenges for the health care system and many family doctors hope reform will include tools to help with shortage. Also in primary care news, “traditional” concepts of masculinity may be a barrier to seeking primary care, and a doctor was fired for slandering junk food.
Lawmakers Reconsider Town Hall Format, Continue To Confront Reform Fervor
Some lawmakers are canceling or holding town hall meetings over the telephone or with selected groups of people to drown out shouting confrontations that have taken place during this August recess.
Palin Defends ‘Death Panel’ Claim; Clinton, Dean, Giuliani, Murkowski Weigh In
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continues to defend her “death panel” claim, which is sparking controversy and reaction from powerful personalities.
Grassley: Senate Will Not Include End Of Life Care Provision, Controversy Continues
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, says a Senate health bill will not include any provision for end-of-life care consultation, as the dispute over the provision continues to swirl.
Five-Day Congress On AIDS In Asia-Pacific Concludes
“The five-day International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) in Bali concluded Thursday with country participants agreeing to strengthen their partnership and hear more voices of the affected communities,” the Jakarta Post reports.
TIME Examines International Fight Against H1N1
TIME examines the international fight against H1N1 (swine) flu, including current efforts to produce an H1N1 vaccine and prepare the northern hemisphere for the expected surge in infections this fall.
Ratio Of Health Lobbyists To Lawmakers Tops 6:1
Bloomberg reports that about 3,300 lobbyists who have lined up to work on the health reform issue.
Medicare Fees, Plans For Independent Board Scrutinized
Details emerge about Medicare payments, including scrutiny of a lab fee and a proposed Medicare panel, while Medicare drug premiums are expected to rise.
Lawmakers Investigate Hospital Purchasing Practices
Health care institutions spend $60 billion a year on medical supplies, but little information is available about how that money is spent because of opaque contracting and negotiating practices. Some senators are investigating.
First Edition: August 14, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Grassley: No End-Of-Life Counseling Provision In Senate Finance Plan
The panel’s ranking Republican said the Finance version of health reform legislation will not include the Medicare provision related to these counseling sessions.
To Respond To Health Reform Myths, Let’s Start ‘A Chain Email Of Our Own,’ Axelrod Says
An email from a top presidential advisor and a new television ad campaign represent increased efforts to counter “misrepresentations” on health care reform.
Various research papers examine issues related to guided care, high-deductible insurance plans and end-of-life medical decisions.
Anger At Town Halls Continues, Sides Trade Barbs
Lawmakers home for August recess ran into still more anger at town halls over the proposed health care overhaul.
