Latest KFF Health News Stories
World Bank Needs Better Leadership To Achieve Goals Of Reducing Poverty
With the proper leadership, the World Bank “can play a key role” in fighting “poverty, resource depletion and climate change,” therefore “[t]he global stakes are … very high this spring as the bank’s 187 member countries choose a new president to succeed Robert Zoellick, whose term ends in July,” Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special adviser to the U.N. secretary general on the Millennium Development Goals, writes in a Project Syndicate opinion piece. Achieving its goals to “reduce global poverty and ensure that global development is environmentally sound and socially inclusive … would not only improve the lives of billions of people, but would also forestall violent conflicts that are stoked by poverty, famine, and struggles over scarce resources,” Sachs says.
First Edition: February 27, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a new Politico poll that highlights the deep divide in public opinion that exists regarding the repeal of the health law.
Abortion, Contraception Politics Still On Front Burner As Primaries Loom
Rick Santorum said today that the Obama administration contraceptive policies are putting conservative principles ‘at risk,’ as Democrats feel such policies will ‘work for them.’
Romney Calls For Raising Medicare Age Gradually To 67
The candidate detailed some of his Medicare plan in front of a crowd of about 1200 people on Friday in Michigan.
Study: GOP Candidates’ Plans Would Leader To Larger Deficits
Proposals put forth by Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum would pile up the largest increases in debt, while Mitt Romney’s initial plan, since revised with bigger suggested tax cuts, would increase it by a smaller amount over the next decade.
Seven States File Lawsuit To Block Obama Administration Birth Control Coverage Rule
The states joined with Catholic groups and individuals to file the first major lawsuit challenging these regulations. The suit argues that that the policy violates the constitutional rights to religious freedom.
Va. Considering New Abortion Ultrasound Bill After More Controversial Bill Pulled
Fallout over Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s decision to pull support for a controversial ultrasound abortion bill continues as a similar piece of legislation, which would require a less-invasive ultrasound, winds through that state’s legislature.
A Shifting Model Of Care For Older Patients
The New York Times reports on an emerging approach that allows many elderly patients to stay in their homes and still receive the medical care and social services the usually would get in a nursing home.
State Roundup: Calif. Prison Medical Facilities; New Ore. Rx Dispensing Rules
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Oregon, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts and Colorado.
Administration Releases New Health IT ‘Meaningful Use’ Rules
Officials with the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services published the second stage of “meaningful-use” rules for adoption of electronic medical records Thursday, laying out requirements for better digital communication among doctors and expanded patient access to records, in order for doctors and hospitals to get incentive payments.
Senate Contests Touch On Contraception, Health Reform Issues
Media outlets report on how these issues are being debated in Senate campaigns in Massachusetts and Texas.
Romney Defends Health Care Record On The Campaign Trail
News outlets report on how GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is casting his policies as he moves toward the next round of primary contests on Tuesday. The coverage include analysis, fact-checking from this week’s debate and his efforts to appeal to the tea party.
The Washington Post reports that per patient costs will likely be more than double the initial projections.
Texas Bars Abortion Providers From Medicaid, Endangering Federal Money
Texas is barring abortion providers from the state’s Medicaid program in defiance of the federal government, sparking a showdown that could close the state’s Women’s Health Program.
State Health Insurance Exchanges Moving In Fits And Starts
Vermont, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Texas and California are grappling with various aspects of implementing the health law.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the U.S.
Calif. Medicaid Chief Promises Dental Changes For Kids
California’s state Medicaid chief is promising changes to dental care for kids, and North Carolina rolls out a medical home model for pregnant women.
Research Roundup: Hospital Medication Errors; Key Medicaid Issues In 2014
A selection of briefs, research and analyses from the health policy world.
Woman Barred From House Contraception Hearing Testifies At Dems’ Event
A woman barred by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., last week from testifying at a hearing on contraception and religion starred in a House Democratic hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, saying women are “energized” on the contraception issue.
Medicare’s Fraud-Busting Computer Has Slow Start
The Associated Press reports that since the computer system’s launch last summer it has saved exactly $7,591.
