Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ways And Means Committee Passes Reform Bill, Prepares For Fight
The House Ways and Means Committee passed the House version of a health care reform bill early this morning, approving as much as a 5.4 percent surtax on the wealthy to pay for it and readying for a fight, Bloomberg reports.
Senators Squabbling Over Health Bills
While Senate Democrats are still hoping for a bipartisan health overhaul bill, differences between the health and finance committee approaches to reform are causing delays.
CBO: Health Reform Bills Bend Cost Curve In Wrong Direction
“Congress’s chief budget analyst delivered a devastating assessment yesterday of the health-care proposals drafted by congressional Democrats,” the Washington Post and other news sources report.
The Obama Administration Ramps Up Push For Health Care Reform
The Obama administration ramps up efforts to promote health care reform and reacts to a sobering announcement by the Congressional Budget Office about the scoring of a health care bill.
Family Doctors: An Endangered Breed
“As more medical students shun primary care for higher-paid specialties, experts warn of a severe imbalance that could cripple the nation’s health care system,” CNN Money reports.
California Cuts Back On Kids Insurance While New Hampshire Expands
California cuts back on health insurance for children while New Hampshire expands state insurance to young adults.
AMA Backs House Reform Bill, Other Groups, Businesses Eye Reform Positions
The American Medical Association told House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel that it backs the House health overhaul bill.
New Ad: ‘Harry And Louise’ Now Back Health Reform
Harry and Louise, the fictional couple in an advertisement which helped sink health reform in the 1990s, are back in a new pro-reform ad.
Mental Health Issues Among Veterans Increase Dramatically
A new study finds more veterans being diagnosed with mental health issues.
A Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News presents a selection of the nation’s editorials and opinions.
Battles Loom Over Possible Funding Cuts For MRIs
Battles loom over possible funding cuts for MRIs amid health care reform efforts.
Md. County’s Model Health Program For The Uninsured Faces Some Obstacles
One Maryland county’s tiny new health care program could be a model for providing care nationwide, NPR says.
Analysis: How Will $155 Billion Deal With White House Really Affect Hospitals?
When hospitals agreed to accept a $155 billion pay cut from the federal government to help Washington raise money for reform efforts earlier this month, many were surprised. But The Economist says hospitals have a lot to gain.
Mass. Panel Recommends Scrapping Doctors, Hospitals Payment System
A Massachusetts panel wants the state to scrap the current system for paying for health care, in which each service or visit generates a separate fee, instead paying a yearly lump sum for each patient.
Today’s early-morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Health Care Reform At a Glance: Rural America
The American Chronicle reports that The House health reform bill maintains Congress
With Pressure Building, Baucus, Reid Weigh In On Timeline
Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., said Thursday it was possible that his committee could have a bipartisan deal by the end of the day.
Under questioning by members of the Senate Budget Committee, CBO director Douglas Elmendorf said bills crafted by House leaders and the Senate health committee do not propose the changes necessary to reduce the trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount.
Federal Grant Awarded To Austin, Texas HIV/AIDS Organization Targeting Former Inmates
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded AIDS Services of Austin a five-year, $1.6 million grant to fund a program targeting black residents who were recently incarcerated, the Austin Business Journal reports.
Amarillo, Texas To Use State Grant For HIV Surveillance Activities
The Amarillo, Texas City Commission on Tuesday received a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, of which $51,636 will be used for HIV surveillance activities across the Texas Panhandle Region, NewsChannel10.com reports.
