Latest KFF Health News Stories
Single-Payer Bill Slated For Introduction
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., plans to introduce legislation to establish a single-payer health care system. His measure comes on the heels of a successful push within his state to implement single-payer. This step, however, adds to federal-level interest in allowing states waivers to pursue their own reforms.
Boehner Draws Line In Sand On Debt-Limit Vote
One of his main themes was the need for “honest conversations” about how to control the costs of the Medicare program – a statement some viewed as a signal that the GOP is still committed to restructuring at least some elements of the health insurance program for the elderly.
Medicare, Entitlement Reform Continue To Trigger Political Rifts
The AP reports that, as unlikely as it may seem, the Obama administration and congressional Republicans may share some common ideas regarding Medicare costs. Still, the issue of how to address the programs – and the related proposals – still are causing rifts within the GOP.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including advance reports on today’s appeals court action surrounding challenges to the health law.
International Group Agrees To Create Funding Mechanism To Provide Humanitarian Aid For Libya
Foreign affairs ministers and representatives of international organizations, who met in Rome for the second meeting of the Libya Contact Group, “agreed to create a new funding mechanism to support humanitarian action and reconstruction in Libya,” Devex’s blog “The Development Newswire” reports.
Fourth U.N. Conference On The Least Developed Countries Opens In Istanbul
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday in Istanbul opened the Fourth U.N. Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) “to discuss a new 10-year aid plan to help lift nations out of poverty,” Agence France-Presse reports (5/9).
U.S. Boosts Cote d’Ivoire Commitment; Polio Vaccine Campaign Delayed In Country’s Southern Region
The U.S. has pledged an additional $8.5 million to relief efforts in Cote d’Ivoire after post-election violence led to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people and refugees, Devex reports.
Actress Julia Roberts Joins Alliance For Clean Cookstoves As Global Ambassador
Actress Julia Roberts will serve as a global ambassador for the Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and join Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s effort “to introduce 100 million clean cookstoves around the world by 2020, the State Department said Friday,” Agence France-Presse reports.
Confusion Surrounds Medicare Proposals, Budget Plan Debate
News outlets report on the fits and starts of the ongoing budget deficit talks, including how plans for Medicare’s future are faring and how politics are heating up – both in Washington and in a special congressional election beyond the Beltway.
Appeals Court Set To Hear Arguments Tuesday In Health Law Challenge
Arguments in the two cases, which are the first two challenges to the Obama administration’s health overhaul to advance from the federal to appellate level, mark the beginning in what some say is a race to the Supreme Court.
Viewpoints: Dems’ Medicare Strategy; Health Disparities; Chicago Hospital Dispute
A selection of analyses, opinions and editorials from around the country.
State Roundup: Concerns About State Employee Retirement Boom
News outlets across the country report on developments in health policy.
Massachusetts Patients Face Long Wait Times For Doctor Appointments
A survey conducted by the Massachusetts Medical Society found patients can wait as a long as a month and a half for non-urgent physicians’ appointments.
House Panel Set To Mark Up Medical Malpractice Legislation This Week
Meanwhile, in Oregon, GOP lawmakers may be stepping back from their tort reform push.
Military Health Costs Continue To Climb
With lawmakers’ attention on fiscal concerns and efforts to trim health programs, the AP reports that TRICARE also could face some changes.
Calif. Health Exchange Effort Slows; Sebelius: Health Law Is State Friendly
News outlets report on efforts in some states to meet provisions of the new health law.
Will The GOP Now Set Its Sights On Medicaid?
The Hill reports that as efforts to revamp Medicare have become embroiled in politics, some advocacy organizations are warning that the Medicaid program may now top the GOP’s list as a possible source for health care spending cuts.
Minn. House Approves Abortion Restrictions
Action is part of growing efforts by states to curb the procedures.
