Health Reform News and Research

RSS

Obama's turn to retake lead on health reform nears

President Obama's turn to step to the lead regarding the shape of health reform legislation is quickly approaching.

1 Oct 2009

First edition: September 30, 2009

A look at today's headlines offers evidence that just about everyone is talking about yesterday's Senate Finance Committee blow to the public option and if -- and how -- the concept will survive.

30 Sep 2009

States nervous, anxious for health reform in face of rising costs

Governors express nervousness about about Congress' pending health reform proposals. In Green Bay, residents watched costs rise, again, this year according to a new survey, and in Hawaii, most state workers saw soaring premiums, while teachers got off the hook by means of an innovative alternative insurance plan. In Massachusetts, 60 doctors accepted speaking fees from a drug giant.

30 Sep 2009

Democrats ready to battle amongst themselves over public plan

Democrats are set to spar — among themselves — on inclusion of a government-run public option for health insurance coverage during Finance Committee action today.

30 Sep 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

It is the Republicans' right to choose this course of hard-line opposition. But, just as surely, Democrats are the majority party in Congress. And we have a responsibility to lead (Sen. Tom Harkin, 9/29).

30 Sep 2009

New poll shows 59% Massachusetts residents support state's health reform legislation

A new poll by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Boston Globe finds 59% of Massachusetts residents who are aware of the state's health reform legislation, which was enacted in 2006, support it. A little more than one in four oppose it (28%), and 13% are not sure. The level of public support for the law has declined somewhat in the last year, from 69% saying they support the law in 2008 to 59% in the current poll.

30 Sep 2009

California's failed health reform attempts offer useful lessons

California's failed attempt at remaking the state's health care system provides useful lessons for participants in the current federal health care debate.

29 Sep 2009

State Republicans attack health reform bill

Republican state officials are escalating their opposition to elements of the proposed health care overhaul.

29 Sep 2009

Company gives officials, lawmakers a preview of how health 'exchanges' work

Officials and lawmakers got a preview of what a health reform plan may look like by examining how health exchanges will operate if implemented.

28 Sep 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

Taxing high-cost insurance plans to fund health care reform is a bad idea. In fact, it could threaten the medical insurance plans of middle-class workers who obtain coverage from their employers (Gerald W. McEntee, 9/28).

28 Sep 2009

Administration officials court key lawmakers on health care

Administration officials are increasingly courting key stakeholders on health care. The New York Times reports: "After months of cutting deals and stroking drug makers, hospitals and doctors, the president's aides are laying the groundwork for a final round of Congressional arm-twisting. ... One Democrat who consults frequently with the White House said that a main goal of the administration has been to prevent any Democrat from publicly declaring opposition to the measure."

28 Sep 2009

First edition: September 28, 2009

A look at today's headlines reveals that specific issues regarding the health overhaul effort continue to get significant attention and trigger debate.

28 Sep 2009

Fresh from G-20, Obama renews health care push

President Barack Obama on Saturday resumed his push to overhaul the health care system, telling a Congressional Black Caucus conference that there comes a time when 'the cup of endurance runs over.

28 Sep 2009

NCPA commends U.S. Senate Finance Committee's approval of the Cantwell amendment

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) today commended the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for approving by unanimous, voice vote an amendment by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to lower health care costs through common-sense disclosure requirements for any pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) participating in the health insurance exchanges envisioned in Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-MT) America’s Healthy Future Act.

26 Sep 2009

Biden emerges as health care messenger

The vice president took the stage Wednesday for the administration's health reform campaign with a talk with seniors at Leisure World in suburban Maryland. The Associated Press reports: "Vice President Joe Biden sought to reassure nervous seniors Wednesday that they won't see cuts in their Medicare benefits if the nation's health care system is revamped. ...

26 Sep 2009

At Finance Committee, fireworks surround efforts to add drug discount, eliminate individual mandate

The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday defeated an amendment that sought to squeeze more money out of pharmaceutical companies to help pay for the costs of changing the health care system. The panel's vote was a victory for President Obama and Finance Chairman Max Baucus.

25 Sep 2009

Business, once an ally, now stands against Republicans on health reform

The Wall Street Journal reports that big business, a longtime ally of Republicans in the health care reform fight, is feeling distance from the party over soaring costs and their bottom lines.

25 Sep 2009

Health coverage, quality depend heavily on geography

An analysis of Census date finds that health care quality and coverage is closely connected to geography.

25 Sep 2009

On quality of care, U.S. is not always best

The Washington Post interviewed Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., about other developed nations' health care systems: "We won't adopt the German system or French system or anything of the like. But I think we can get clues on the fundamental differences of various systems," he said. Conrad added that the system that has "largely been adopted in France, Germany, Japan, Belgium and Switzerland, is not government-run.

25 Sep 2009