Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Edition: August 17, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Florida: Medicaid Expansion Would Cover 1.4 Million Uninsured
“Florida officials have calculated that the health care proposals being debated in Congress could extend Medicaid coverage to 1.4 million uninsured residents — and cost state taxpayers $1.6 billion a year,” The Sun Sentinel reports.
Democrats May Be Open To Co-op Compromise
Democrats appear open to a proposal for insurance cooperatives.
Obama Administration Officials Soften Stance On Public Plan
On Sunday morning talk shows, HHS Secreary Kathleen Sebelius and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs indicated that a government-run “public plan” is not a necessity in a health overhaul bill.
In Colorado Town Hall Meeting, Obama Takes Swipes At Insurers, Republicans
President Barack Obama wrapped up his swing through Western states, continuing his anti-insurance, pro-health reform pitch in town hall meetings and his weekly address to the country.
Obama Criticizes Media Coverage, Insurance Companies During Montana Town Hall Meeting
Obama takes his pitch West, and criticizes insurance companies as well as media coverage in his effort to build support for Democratic health overhaul proposals.
Republicans Ratchet Up The Cyber Battle
The Obama White House won’t be the only voice on the web trying to set the record straight regarding reform claims.
Alabama To Allow Inmates With HIV To Participate In Work Release Programs
“The Alabama Department of Corrections has reversed a long-standing policy and will begin allowing HIV-[positive] prisoners to participate in work release programs,” the Birmingham News/Huntsville Times reports.
Santa Barbara County Report Examines Impact Of Area Needle Exchange Program
A needle exchange program implemented by the California-based Pacific Pride Foundation has helped reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne illnesses through injection drug use and also “helps get contaminated needles off the street, and assists clients with accessing HIV testing, substance abuse counseling, and other needed services,” according to a county Public Health Department report.
White House Reform Strategy Includes E-mail Lists, Union Counterattack
President Obama and the White House are preparing e-mail lists and a new strategy to shape the nation’s health care reform debate.
Protesters Continue Levying Recess Wrath On Lawmakers
Protesters again warned their lawmakers
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.
