Latest KFF Health News Stories
In GOP Weekend Debates, Health Issues Take A Back Seat
Republican presidential candidates faced each other on Saturday and Sunday. They found rare accord on sending safety net programs, like Medicaid, back to the states. Also, front-runner Mitt Romney got testy about a hypothetical question on contraception.
Abortion Could Be Factor In GOP New Hampshire Debates, Primary
As the Republican candidates plan two debates – tonight and tomorrow morning – news outlets are covering the possible topics.
The Supreme Court, The Individual Mandate, And Eating Your Broccoli
A senior Obama administration official faced a question about the unpopular vegetable in a briefing with reporters.
Justice Department, Lawmakers File SCOTUS Health Suit Briefs
In its brief, the Obama administration defended the constitutionality of the requirement that people buy health insurance.
Wellcome Trust Examines NTD Research, Awareness Efforts
The Wellcome Trust reports on neglected tropical disease (NTD) research and awareness efforts in this feature story, writing, “In the past five years or so, wider attention has begun to fall on these other diseases, thanks largely to a campaign led predominantly by scientists and centered on a new name: ‘neglected tropical diseases,’ or NTDs.” The article includes quotes from “some of the scientists who coined the new phrase to raise awareness of the continuing burden of these diseases, and … Trust-funded researchers whose work is helping to develop better solutions for tackling them” (Regnier, 1/6).
Examining BBC Report On Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
“The BBC has done an extensive (40 minute) report on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation titled ‘Fortress Bill,'” which “is available for [four] more days online and will be rebroadcast on Sunday, Jan. 8,” KPLU 88.5’s “Humanosphere” blog reports. Commenting on the piece, KPLU’s Tom Paulson writes, “Perhaps the BBC report indicates the mainstream media is poised to take a more critical tack examining the nature of philanthropy and global health. … What’s needed is a more open and realistic dialogue about how best to fight inequity and poverty — one that can simultaneously hold the powerful to account while also accepting that some of the super-rich may actually also want to make the world a better place” (1/4).
Report: Hospital Employees Don’t Recognize, Report Most Errors
The New York Times reports that, according to a new federal report, only about one in seven such events are recognized and reported by hospital employees.
Kenyan Government Adopts New HIV Testing Guidelines Following WHO Recall
“The Kenyan government has changed its HIV testing algorithm following the withdrawal of a widely used brand of HIV test [based] on warnings from” the WHO, PlusNews reports. “In November, WHO removed the Standard Diagnostics Bioline HIV 1/2 3.0 Rapid HIV Test Kit from its list of approved rapid test kits with immediate effect … after Bioline failed quality assurance tests,” the news service notes. There is “concern about the impact the recall will have on public confidence in HIV testing, especially as the country pushes for universal access to HIV counseling and testing,” according to the news service (1/5).
Justice To File Brief Today At Supreme Court On Health Suit
The early round of briefs will focus on the core questions related to the individual mandate. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that many insurers have profited from the health law — despite their opposition to it.
Brown Unveils Cuts To In-Home Services, Plans For Medi-Cal Managed Care
Gov. Jerry Brown said the changes in social safety net programs are necessary to cope with a budget deficit.
Detailing The Records, Evolution Of GOP Presidential Primary Candidates
Media outlets report on what Rick Santorum did after he left the Senate and what he would have on his to-do list if elected, the continuing “risks” Mitt Romney faces from the left and the right, and on an ethics group that is directing a challenge at Newt Gingrich.
Hospice Company Accused Of Medicare Fraud
News outlets continue to report on a legal complaint filed this week by the Department of Justice, which alleges that AseraCare bilked Medicare out of millions.
Mass. High Court Says State Can’t Bar Legal Immigrants From Health Program
The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the commonwealth cannot bar legal immigrants from joining a state health insurance program for residents with lower income. The price tag for covering the 37,400 immigrants who stand to gain coverage is $150 million.
News outlets cover local health policy issues around the country.
Dems Hit GOP Lawmakers On Efforts To Repeal Health Law, ‘Privatize’ Medicare
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has gone on the offensive, criticizing Republicans for focusing on health issues instead of job creation. In related action, House Democrats signaled they would support using Medicare and Medicaid savings only as an offset for other health care provisions in a bill to extend expiring tax breaks and jobless benefits.
Medicaid News: Provider Leaves Wash. State; Lawsuits In Calif., Iowa
Regence BlueShield is leaving Washington’s Medicaid market and several news outlets analyze Medi-Cal lawsuits.
Street News Service/IPS Examine Challenges Of Fighting HIV/AIDS In A Senegalese Prison
Street News Service/Inter Press Service examines how Senegal is addressing HIV/AIDS among prisoners in a Dakar maximum-security facility. “Prisons are high-risk environments for the transmission of the disease, due to the prevalence of hard drugs, violence and sexual relations,” the news service writes and discusses how addressing such issues can present challenges in the majority-Muslim country. “There is no mandatory testing in prison, and for those prisoners who, either knowingly or unknowingly, are living with HIV, the stresses of living in prison — including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and poor nutrition — mean their health is even more compromised.”
HHS’ New Rules On Electronic Payments Could Benefit Doctors, Hospitals
NPR reports on how efforts to set uniform standards for electronic claims for health care services could pay off.
Some Employers Move To Ban Smokers
USA Today reports that some workplaces are refusing to hire people who test positive for nicotine use.
Viewpoints: Sebelius On Curbing Health Insurance Costs; Forcing The Mentally Ill Into Treatment
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.
