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Cities and metropolitan areas may benefit from affordable healthcare reform

"We stand on the threshold of history. Real, affordable healthcare reform will have a far-reaching impact on our nation and especially on those who live in our cities and great metropolitan areas.

7 Nov 2009

Obama goes back on his 2008 pledge, endorses healthcare bill raising taxes on families making less than $250,000 per year

By formally endorsing the House healthcare bill today, President Barack Obama effectively announced that the central promise of his 2008 campaign was a lie.

7 Nov 2009

Health policy research roundup

Health Affairs: Enrollment Is Driving Medicaid Costs—But Two Targets Can Yield Savings - "Although Medicaid spending has grown faster than the rate of increase in national health spending, much of this is explained by increased enrollment," write the authors of this paper, who present data showing that "[p]er enrollee, Medicaid spending actually compares favorably to increases in medical care prices and gross domestic product."

7 Nov 2009

Senate Democrats' leaders face challenges, plot strategy on health reform bill

The Wall Street Journal reports on Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who says she generally supports the health overhaul efforts, but would like to see more items like higher federal Medicaid payments for her state, increased coverage for foster children and more help for teaching hospitals in Louisiana before she commits to voting for the bill — all while insisting Democrats lower the cost of the bill."

6 Nov 2009

Tea party steeps on Capitol Hill

The Washington Post reports: "Newly emboldened after Republican victories in Tuesday's elections, 'tea party' protesters and other demonstrators from across the country converged on the Capitol's West Lawn to wave flags, ring cowbells and deliver a blunt message to lawmakers: 'Kill this bill!'"

6 Nov 2009

House health bill has controversial CHIP provision

The $894 billion health reform bill working its way toward a House vote this week would repeal the Children's Health Insurance Program, shifting some low-income kids into Medicaid and others into private plans that would both cost more and guarantee fewer benefits," The Washington Independent reports.

6 Nov 2009

Issues related to illegal immigrants could threaten health bill

The Hill reports that the "illegal immigration issue is emerging as the biggest threat to passing healthcare reform in the House." Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are upset with a last-minute threat to "bolster the House bill's immigration restrictions to match those included in the Senate Finance bill."

6 Nov 2009

House health bill: Texas lawmakers seek to protect hospitals, Hawaii gets an exemption

Employers in Hawaii are required to pay 98.5 percent of the health insurance costs of full-time workers, an arrangement that has earned the state an exemption from the employer mandate in health reform bill being considered by the House of Representatives, the Associated Press reports.

6 Nov 2009

AARP urge Idaho's U.S. Representatives to support health care reform legislation

As the debate over health care reform reaches a fevered pitch and the House readies to vote on critical health care reform legislation in the coming days - AARP is calling on Idaho's U.S. Representatives to support the bill. The AARP-backed Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which will close the Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole" and tackle soaring insurance premiums, serves to help hundreds of thousands of Idahoans.

6 Nov 2009

Dingell plays powerful and historical health care role

NPR examines the historical role that Rep. John Dingell has played in health care policy, including the establishment of Medicare: "When people think of health care and Congress, often the first name that springs to mind is the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

6 Nov 2009

First Edition: October 6, 2009

Today's headlines highlight activity on different fronts -- with House Democrats scrambling to hold together fragile support for tomorrow's health bill vote while Republican lawmakers and other health reform opponents intensify their attack.

6 Nov 2009

Benefits enrollments work most efficiently when looked at holistically

Benefits enrollments work most efficiently when looked at holistically instead of as a one-time activity, according to a new white paper released by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.

6 Nov 2009

USAction urges House to pass comprehensive health care reform legislation

The Affordable Health Care for America Act will make health care more affordable for consumers, hold insurance companies accountable and increase access to health care for millions of Americans.

6 Nov 2009

Free health clinic in New Orleans for uninsured residents of Louisiana

Uninsured residents of Louisiana who want to attend a free health clinic in New Orleans on Saturday, Nov. 14, should call 877-233-5159 toll-free as soon as possible to schedule appointments.

6 Nov 2009

States struggle with immigrants' care and funding mental hospitals

News outlets report on a variety of health issues at the state level including immigrants' challenges when trying to access new care in Massachusetts and a proposal by employees to cut some services but keep open a mental hospital in Maryland.

6 Nov 2009

Bodhi Body selects public relations firm and marketing agency Zion & Zion

Bodhi Body is a new way to look at healthcare. Through the incorporation of integrated medical and wellness services ranging from IV therapy to yoga and naturopathic medicine, Bodhi Body improves quality of life. In an effort to launch the brand and facility with maximum impact and to rapidly recruit clients, the company has engaged top Phoenix public relations firm and marketing agency Zion & Zion.

6 Nov 2009

Patients should bring up financial concerns with their doctors in view of high health insurance costs

As health insurers require people to base more treatment decisions on out-of-pocket costs, physicians should learn to talk to patients about money, according to researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

6 Nov 2009

GOP lawmakers seek to explore health reform's impact on FEHBP

Government Executive.com: "Sixteen Republican representatives wrote to Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., to demand that he schedule hearings on reform proposals' potential impact on the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program."

5 Nov 2009

AMA announces support for concurrent passage of health system reform bills

The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced support for concurrent passage of H.R. 3962 and H.R. 3961, U.S. House of Representatives health system reform bills.

5 Nov 2009

AARP, key retirees' lobby, to endorse Democrats' health bill

AARP, the influential retirees' lobby, is expected to endorse House Democrats' plan to overhaul the health system today, the Associated Press reports, citing unnamed officials. "Backing the 10-year, $1.2 trillion House bill is a tricky move for AARP.

5 Nov 2009