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House Republicans, disputatious Democrats discuss health reform bills

The Hill reports that "three dozen" House Republicans were invited, for the first time since the health reform debate started, to talk with top-level Democrats: "'The bottom line is, [Democrats are] going to do what they are going to do. I guess they just don't want to look like they didn't (sit down); it's more of a dog and pony show,' Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) told The Hill as he walked out of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) meeting with Sebelius."

9 Oct 2009

Public plan debated as health proposals come closer to floor votes, unions pressure lawmakers

Unions and some lawmakers are continuing their efforts to have a government-run public plan included in health reform legislation.

9 Oct 2009

Obama, health care regain ground in public opinion polls

President Obama's approval rating climbed to 56 percent in the latest Associated Press-GfK poll, up from an August trough of 50 percent; disapproval dropped from 49 percent to 39 percent, Politico reports. Obama's handling of issues improved on every measure, including a 48 percent rating for health care, except the war in Afghanistan.

9 Oct 2009

North Carolina to penalize smokers, the obese; states face Medicaid cliff

State news Thursday explores Medicaid cuts, highlighting a new North Carolina policy for state employees — they pay more if they're heavy or smoke — and examines San Francisco's unusual city health program for the uninsured.

9 Oct 2009

Senate bill vote Tuesday, Reid says

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said today that the Senate Finance Committee will vote on its proposed health reform bill Tuesday. A release from the Finance Committee says the committee will meet at 10 a.m. that day.

9 Oct 2009

Industry executives say health reform won't be lasting cure

Doctors and drug company executives say current reform legislation doesn't do enough to fix the problem of rising costs in the U.S. health care system or encourage healthier lifestyles.

9 Oct 2009

CHI announces its agenda for the 2009 California Healthcare Policy Forum

CHI-California Healthcare Institute today announced its agenda and newly confirmed speakers for the 2009 California Healthcare Policy Forum to be held Nov. 5, at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco Hotel, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

9 Oct 2009

Harborside Healthcare to pay $1.375M to resolve kickback allegations

Harborside Healthcare and HHC Nutrition Services will pay the United States $1.375 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the company received kickbacks and assistance under the guise of a sham durable medical equipment (DME) provider, the Justice Department announced today.

9 Oct 2009

CBO: Over 10 years, finance health reform bill will cost $829 billion but reduce deficit

The Congressional Budget Office yesterday released its updated cost estimates for the health bill being considered by the Senate Finance Committee.

9 Oct 2009

Coburn opposes Medicare Part B premiums freeze, Mccain calls drug pact 'unsavory'

Health care news is emerging from the Senate besides the Finance Committee bill.

9 Oct 2009

Children's Hospital Boston conference explores innovative ways to transform the national Health IT system

As government, industry and academic leaders work to transform the nation's health information system, there is increasing interest in the notion of a national health information network in which consumers can actively engage, and which can provide the foundation for an "iPhone-like" ecosystem of applications to compete on price and value.

9 Oct 2009

Also in Global Health News: Uganda malaria efforts; child mortality in Vietnam; refugee health; U.S. aid to Somalia; HIV in South Africa

The Guardian examines efforts to reduce malaria in Katine, Uganda, through the distribution of insecticide-treated nets to high-risk groups. Though the article details a reduction in the number of malaria cases in the region, additional nets are needed to cover the entire population. Also, health experts warn additional strategies, such as indoor residual spraying and increased access to drugs are needed to defeat malaria (Kavuma, 10/8).

9 Oct 2009

Today's editorials and opinions

As Congress debates the costs of reforming our health-care system, it should consider one significant collateral cost of not acting: maintaining the world's highest rate of incarceration (Tracy Velazquez, 10/7).

9 Oct 2009

HMO stocks slump on CBO health care reform score

Reuters reports that HMO stocks are slipping lower today, in the aftermath of the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Senate Finance Committee health care reform bill.

9 Oct 2009

Children's access to health care poses significant health problem despite of health insurance coverage

Despite high rates of health insurance coverage among children in the District of Columbia, children's access to health care is inadequate and poses a significant health problem for the city's young residents, particularly those who are publicly insured, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

9 Oct 2009

CIGNA and Prohealth Physicians to implement an enhanced care coordination program

CIGNA and ProHealth Physicians, Inc., have expanded their longstanding relationship by implementing an enhanced care coordination program that includes pay-for-performance provisions and many of the features of a patient-centered medical home program. This is the first program of its kind in Connecticut.

9 Oct 2009

Children on Medicaid still face difficulty getting dental care

Many children still don't get Medicaid dental care, state officials told the Government Accountability Office. The Associated Press reports:

9 Oct 2009

NAMM to provide Humana members with convenient access to quality care

North American Medical Management California, Inc. (NAMM) and Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today a long-term agreement enabling Humana’s Medicare Advantage health maintenance organization (HMO) members to receive medical care through PrimeCare Medical Network, Inc. (PrimeCare), an affiliate of NAMM and operating in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

9 Oct 2009

Americans cut back on health care, Consumers Union finds

Americans have cut back on health care to try to save money during the past year, a new poll by Consumers Union finds. To do so, they have stalled on doctors' visits, passed on medical tests and taken expired medication. McClatchy reports.

9 Oct 2009

CBO score a score for Baucus, but others balk

The Congressional Budget Office's score was mostly good news for Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus as he works to gain approval for his health bill and move it to the Senate floor.

9 Oct 2009

Healthcare News

House Republicans, disputatious Democrats discuss health reform bills

Public plan debated as health proposals come closer to floor votes, unions pressure lawmakers

Obama, health care regain ground in public opinion polls

North Carolina to penalize smokers, the obese; states face Medicaid cliff

Senate bill vote Tuesday, Reid says

Industry executives say health reform won't be lasting cure

CHI announces its agenda for the 2009 California Healthcare Policy Forum

Harborside Healthcare to pay $1.375M to resolve kickback allegations

CBO: Over 10 years, finance health reform bill will cost $829 billion but reduce deficit

Coburn opposes Medicare Part B premiums freeze, Mccain calls drug pact 'unsavory'

Children's Hospital Boston conference explores innovative ways to transform the national Health IT system

Also in Global Health News: Uganda malaria efforts; child mortality in Vietnam; refugee health; U.S. aid to Somalia; HIV in South Africa

Today's editorials and opinions

HMO stocks slump on CBO health care reform score

Children's access to health care poses significant health problem despite of health insurance coverage

CIGNA and Prohealth Physicians to implement an enhanced care coordination program

Children on Medicaid still face difficulty getting dental care

NAMM to provide Humana members with convenient access to quality care

Americans cut back on health care, Consumers Union finds

CBO score a score for Baucus, but others balk

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