Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democrats Hone August Health Care Message, Republicans Plan Counter-Offensive
Democrats have agreed upon the message to relay to constituents during the August recess: The health insurance industry is the ‘bad guy.’
White House Retools Message As GOP Opposition, Public Opinion Push Back
“[T]he White House team is retooling its message and strategy, hoping a more modest approach will reinvigorate Obama’s signature domestic policy initiative and give him a first-year victory for Democrats to carry into the 2010 midterm elections,” the Washington Post reports.
Senate Dems In The Hot Seat On Health Overhaul
In the final week of debate before the Senate recess, the Finance Committee continues talks on bipartisan legislation, but Senate Republicans and Democrats alike are ramping up their health care rhetoric and considering more drastic options.
Health Care Industry Increases Lobbying Spending
Drug companies “boosted their lobbying in Washington during the three months ended June 30 amid a flurry of congressional action on health care,” while overall, “Washington’s lobbying business continued to slump as the economy pinched budgets at some big companies and trade associations,” The Wall Street Journal reports.
Divisions Over Future Medicare Spending Surface In House
“A week-old agreement among House Democrats to smooth out disparities in the way Medicare reimburses rural and urban health providers is in danger of crumbling, as disputes erupted Friday over what actually was agreed to,” The Wall Street Journal reports.
Number Of Uninsured California Kids May Double
A new deal to balance California’s budget may have serious repercussions for the health of the state’s children, while other states also grapple with budget challenges.
Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Kaiser Health News offers a selection of opinions and editorials from around the nation.
House Panel Passes Protection For Drug Makers
The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed an amendment to their broad health reform bill giving drug makers 12 years of exclusive rights to market new biologic drugs, “a setback” to the administration and consumer advocates who hoped to make generic drugs more widely available.
California’s Struggle With Insurance Exchanges Offers Lesson For National Reform
California’s experience with insurance exchanges could prove a valuable lesson for the nation’s flirtation with such pools for covering large numbers of people, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Doctor Shortage and Disparities After Reform Examined, Nurses Prepare For Changing Role
A former Clinton administration official said last week that there aren’t enough doctors in America to handle the increase in patients if health reform covers more uninsured, NPR reports.
Insurance Insiders Give Views On Health Reform
Washington state’s insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler, a former Democratic member of Congress, and UnitedHealthcare Wisonsin’s CEO, Wendy Arnone, share their views on the health overhaul efforts in Washington.
Comp. Effectiveness Promises Better, Cheaper Health Care But Critics Link It To Rationing
A report released last week by two federal health agencies says the government will spend economic stimulus funding to compare both the clinical effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of various treatments, a position that could incite conservatives who already say the research could be used to ration care.
Lawmakers, Officials Distort The Facts To Support Or Oppose Health Overhaul
“Confusing claims and outright distortions have animated the national debate over changes in the health care system,” the Associated Press reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Dems Talk Compromise, GOP Prepares For Battle On Health Overhaul
Coverage on Sunday included talk of some possible compromise but also the ramping up of rhetoric as the August congressional recess begins.
Truth, Lies and ‘Talking Points’ In The Health Care Debate
As the health care debate has heated up, political parties are shaping their messages to influence the outcome. And, some politicians and advocacy groups are distorting or lying about what is in the legislation.
House Energy And Commerce Committee Approves Massive Health Overhaul
After weeks of negotiations and compromises, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved a health reform bill, 31-28. The vote clears the way for a September floor vote and both parties are geared up to debate the measure throughout the August recess.
House Democrats Reach Accord Over Health Reform Deal; Energy And Commerce Panel Continues Mark-Up
Details of the agreement that cleared the way are emerging. Meanwhile, the panel is continuing its consideration of amendments.
Veterans Object To House Bill, Call For Recognition, Preservation Of VA Programs
“Six high-profile veterans groups are raising objections to the House healthcare reform bill, warning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that it could jeopardize the care of millions of veterans,” the Hill reports.
Dodd Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Expected Back By Sept.
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., has been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, a Connecticut Democratic Party spokeswoman told CQ Politics.
