Daily Report

Tax Increases, Medicare Cuts Expected In Obama Budget

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:03:00 GMT

President Obama releases his budget plan today, which is already getting its share of Republican detractors.

Bishops, Congressional Republicans Vow To Fight New Contraception Plan

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:49:00 GMT

Meanwhile, insurers react cautiously to Friday's announcement, with the America's Health Insurance Plans trade association expressing concern about the precedent set by the new policy, and Aetna saying more time is needed to study the impact.

Mich. Attorney General To Sue Adminstration On Birth Control Rule

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:03:00 GMT

While officials at some religious-based hospitals and universities expressed support for the compromise enunciated by President Obama last week, other religious and governmental leaders remained unsatisfied, according to media reports from around the country.

Lawmakers Facing Showdown On Payroll Tax, Medicare Bill

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:58:30 GMT

Talks between Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus and House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp over the weekend failed to find a compromise on a bill that would extend the payroll tax cut and avoid a Medicare rate cut for doctors.

Examining Romney's 'Shift' On Birth Control Mandate, Other Campaign News

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:10:00 GMT

Mitt Romney's conservative credentials on birth control are examined through the lens of a Massachusetts state law similar to the birth control mandate President Obama has proposed. In other campaign news, Rick Santorum continues his "Romneycare" assault, and The Associated Press analyzes how Obama's birth control compromises affects the campaign.

N.Y. Times Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Say Taxes Will Exceed Benefits

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:01:00 GMT

Two stories examine Americans' views of government benefits and safety net programs.

Shortage Of Primary Care Doctors Raises Concerns

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:27:45 GMT

As the administration moves toward implementation of the health law, officials are seeking to bolster the number of primary care doctors. Also, hospitals are concerned about a possible measurement that would grade their efforts on patient safety.

Administration Brief Defends Medicaid Expansion

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:11:57 GMT

The health law's expansion of Medicaid coverage is one of the issues the Supreme Court will weigh this spring.

Supply of Childhood Leukemia Drug Nearly Exhausted

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:01:04 GMT

A medicine to treat children's leukemia is in such short supply that hospitals may run out within weeks; meanwhile, families of people with Alzheimer's disease are clamoring to use a skin-cancer drug after a promising study in mice.

Knee Replacements Double In 10 Years, Study Says

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:26 GMT

Advances in technology and surgical improvements have increased demand for the procedure.

GAO Finds Big Disparities In Prices Of Some Medical Devices

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:24 GMT

News outlets examine a variety of health workplace issues, including a GAO report on medical device prices and efforts to get health workers vaccinated for the flu.

States' Medicaid Spending On Target; Feds Deny Further Fla. Medicaid Privatization

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:05:15 GMT

A survey says most state Medicaid budgets are on budget through a series of program changes. In the meantime, CMS has denied a Florida proposal to expand Medicaid privatization there.

Hospitals: N.Y. Times Finds Aggressive Debt Collection Despite Charity Care Rules

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:02:20 GMT

News about the hospital industry from New York, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia and California.

State Roundup: Health Law Implementation in Alaska, Calif., Mental Health Funding Challenges

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:51:00 GMT

A selection of health care stories from Florida, California, Iowa, Alaska, Washington state and Texas.

Viewpoints: Rationing Health Care, Jindal And Hospitals, Romney Vs. Past

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:56:41 GMT

A selection of opinions and editorials from around the U.S.

The U.S. Debates The Contraception Rule

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:54:36 GMT

A selection of opinions and editorials on the controversy surrounding the administration's regulation mandating insurance coverage for women of birth control.