Daily Report

Californians Who Lose Jobs Find Health Care Safety Net Badly Frayed

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:11:44 GMT

Since the economic crisis, the state has cut back on services for people who would have been covered by Medi-Cal, the insurance program for the poor.

Political Cartoon: 'Protest'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:13:39 GMT

KHN's daily installment of health policy humor.

With Clock Ticking Toward Saturday, House Leaders Continue Push For Health Reform Votes

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

In anticipation of Saturday's health bill vote, House Democrats are counting votes — and trying to alleviate members' concerns.

Issues Related To Illegal Immigrants Could Threaten Health Bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:47:03 GMT

Some Hispanic lawmakers could vote against the House health care reform bill because of provisions that would not allow illegal immigrants to purchase health insurance in proposed exchanges.

Tea Party Steeps On Capitol Hill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:26 GMT

Tea party protesters flocked to the Capitol steps Thursday in an effort to rally opposition to the health reform bill, which the House is expected to vote on Saturday. Protesters chanted, "Kill this bill."

Obama To Meet With House Democrats Saturday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:40:55 GMT

President Obama will meet Saturday with House Democrats before they vote on health care reform legislation.

Dems Tout AMA, AARP Endorsements Of House Health Bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:04:23 GMT

AARP and the American Medical Association have endorsed the House health bill.

House Health Bill: Texas Lawmakers Seek To Protect Hospitals, Hawaii Gets An Exemption

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:56:36 GMT

Hawaii would be exempt from reform provisions. Texas lawmakers hope to ease restrictions on doctor-owned hospitals.

CHIP Provision In Health Bill Triggers Concern

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:53:00 GMT

In the House bill, how children fare under health reform may depend on where they live.

Senate Democrats' Leaders Face Challenges, Plot Strategy On Health Reform Bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:59:55 GMT

Democratic Senate leaders are working to gather votes from members of their own party, which is proving to be no easy task.

Dingell Plays Powerful And Historical Health Care Role

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:01:30 GMT

Rep. John Dingell has played a pivotal role in health care history including the establishment of Medicare.

Bill To Extend COBRA Subsidies Introduced In Senate

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:49:00 GMT

Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Robert P. Casey, D-Penn., offered legislation Thursday to extend federal subsidies to help unemployed workers and their families pay for COBRA health coverage.

New York Times Looks At Doctors' Crucial Role In Reshaping U.S. Health System

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:59:00 GMT

Doctors and hospital payment systems remain at the center of health care reform debate as news outlets examine the benefits of abandoning a fee-for-service hospital system.

CVS Investigated By FTC Over Business Practices

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:04:45 GMT

Some groups had requested the government investigation because of fears that CVS's acquisition of a pharmacy benefits business had led to higher prices and forced consumers to CVS drugstores.

Insurance Companies Make The Best Of A Very Bad Year

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:03:00 GMT

The economic recession, the threat of swine flu and pending health reform legislation has all darkened the financial outlook for insurance companies, but it didn't snuff out their third-quarter profits.

Swine Flu Vaccine Distribution To New York Companies Causes Uproar

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:13:02 GMT

The distribution of swine flu vaccines to private companies in New York has caused an uproar as people complain that children and health care workers should receive top priority.

San Francisco Map Of HIV Viral Loads Shows Where Care Lags

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:44:54 GMT

Researchers mapped the viral loads of people infected with HIV in San Francisco and found that AIDS treatment lags in certain neighborhoods.

Health Policy Research Roundup

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:05:09 GMT

The Research Roundup today includes studies on Medicaid costs, ACOs, children's health and Medicare.

Student Health Plans In Massachusetts Blasted By Report

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:15:43 GMT

"Insurance companies rack up much higher profits on health coverage sold to nearly 100,000 Massachusetts college students than on plans available to the general public, according to long-awaited data released late yesterday by the state," The Boston Globe reports.

Today's Selection Of Opinions And Editorials

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:14:59 GMT

Kaiser Health News presents a selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.