Daily Report

A Guide: How The Health Bills Might Affect Consumers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:33:00 GMT

The Senate and House health bills differ in important ways. We answer questions consumers might have about the bills.

Plastic Surgeons Cry Foul Over Senate Health Bill's Cosmetic Surgery Tax

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:35:17 GMT

By Phil GalewitzLevies on liposuction, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures would generate billions of dollars to help cover the uninsured.

Political Cartoon: 'Thanksgiving Filibuster'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:05 GMT

KHN's daily installment of health policy humor.

It's Saturday Night For Senate Test Vote On Health Reform

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:06 GMT

Senate Democrats are preparing for debate in a procedural vote that, if successful, would mark a major step forward for the Senate health bill.

Policy Flashpoints Fuel Reform Debate

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:52 GMT

Among the issues still in play in the reform package are immigrant coverage, abortion and the public option.

Tax Provisions In Senate Health Bill Draw Scrutiny

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:05:36 GMT

Several newspapers report on new taxes in the Senate health bill and how they differ from those included in the House version.

'Botax' On Cosmetic Surgery Questioned

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:58:29 GMT

A proposed tax on cosmetic surgery, a so-called "botax," in the Senate health care reform bill is drawing criticism from plastic surgeons.

GOP And Industry Groups Quick To Decry Senate Health Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:14:29 GMT

When Senate Democrats unveiled a bill meant to expand health coverage and restrain spending growth, Republicans didn't like what they saw.

Lawmakers At Health Reform Crossroads

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Sen. Mary Landrieu won an extra $100 million in Medicaid funds for Louisiana, her home state, in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's health care reform bill.

White House And Bishops At Odds Over Abortion

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:54 GMT

"The White House is on a collision course with Catholic bishops in an intractable dispute over abortion that could blow up the fragile political coalition behind President Barack Obama's health care overhaul," the Associated Press reports.

Poll: Majority Of Americans Support Medical Malpractice Reform

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:04 GMT

Independents and Republicans show deep support for limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, and nearly half of all Democrats say they would like to make it harder to sue doctors and hospitals.

Olbermann Ties Free Clinics To Health Reform

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:10:34 GMT

"A nonprofit group's campaign to hold free medical clinics for the uninsured in three states is turning into a not-so-subtle jab at moderate Democrats to support their party's efforts to reform health care," The Associated Press reports.

House Moves To Block Doctors' Medicare Pay Cuts

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:57:53 GMT

The House voted largely on party lines Thursday to permanently put an end to annual cuts in doctors' Medicare payments, which the Congress has temporarily averted from year to year.

Guidelines On Cancer Screenings Spark Debate

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

New guidelines on mammograms and pap smears set off a debate between medical science and medical consumerism.

Spending To Treat Obesity's Health Effects Will Quadruple In Next Decade

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:12:23 GMT

Study predicts that almost half of all U.S. adults will be obese by 2018.

California Issues Strict Rules For Health Professionals With Addiction Problems

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:02 GMT

News outlets examine San Francisco's city-run universal health care plan, the effects of an increased cigarette tax in Florida, an end to police raids in nursing homes in Illinois and efforts to battle medical errors in New Jersey.

Health Policy Research Roundup

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:51:00 GMT

Issue briefs and studies include examinations of abortion policy, Medicaid and CHIP and racial disparities in the health care system.

A Selection Of Today's Opinions And Editorials

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Kaiser Health News presents a selection of Friday's opinions and editorials.