Kaiser Health News - Public Health

Bishops, GOP Candidates Push Back Against Obama's Contraception Compromise

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:24:50 GMT

News outlets reported on the buzz generated by President Barack Obama's announcement yesterday of a compromise on the administration's requirement that most health plans provide birth control access for free.

Obama Announces Shift In Contraception Rule

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

KHN tracked the related news coverage.

New Contraceptive Rule Has Precedents In Federal, State Law

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:17:34 GMT

NPR reports that not much has changed in the new regulation other than requiring coverage for contraceptives at no cost, while CNN reports on the escalating "rhetorical war" in Washington.

Examining Komen's History With Planned Parenthood; Rep. Blackburn Wants Expanded Planned Parenthood Investigation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:14:00 GMT

ProPublica examines Komen's shifting history with Planned Parenthood. In other news, Planned Parenthood's services for men are examined and a Republican congresswoman is asking for a larger investigation of the organization.

Some Senate Democrats Split From White House On Contraception Rule

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:07:00 GMT

West Virginia's Joe Manchin introduced a bill to block the new rule on contraception coverage, while many other senators say they would like to see a compromise between the administration and opponents of the rule.

Catholics Choosing Sides In Contraception Battle As Bishops Lead Fight Against Administration

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:03:00 GMT

The conflict has American Catholics choosing sides. Catholics, who are often swing voters in presidential elections, narrowly support the White House position in polls.

State Legislatures Face Tough Decisions On Long-Term Care, Abortion Rules, Pain Prescriptions, Coordinated Care

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:01:03 GMT

News from state legislatures in Washington state, Oregon, Kansas, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Leavitt Says Exchanges Are Here To Stay

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:58:58 GMT

As efforts to implement the health law move forward, Politico Pro talks to Michael Leavitt about state exchanges, and KHN examines the administration's strategy for prevention funding.

State Roundup: Fraud Crackdowns, Searching For More Doctors, Immigrant Health Care

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:44:34 GMT

A selection of stories from Texas, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, Georgia and Connecticut

First Edition: February 10, 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:20:07 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations examine the congressional stalemate on the tax package that includes a Medicare pay fix for doctors and the latest developments in the controversy over new regulations that would require religious organizations offering health insurance to workers to include free contraceptives.

Group Seeks To Reopen Case Over Access to Plan B

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:24:00 GMT

Women's advocacy group seeks wider access to contraceptive, while study reports lowest teen pregnancy rate in decades.

New Program Aims To Reduce Early Elective Deliveries

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:10:42 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the "Strong Start" initiative on Wednesday.

Komen's Brinker Apologizes For 'How We Mishandled This Situation'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:04:40 GMT

In a letter to Washington Post columnist Sally Quinn, the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure writes, "I made some mistakes."

Some High-Profile Catholic Democrats Are Criticizing HHS Rule

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:57:00 GMT

Sens. Robert Casey and Joe Manchin, Rep. John Larson and Obama adviser Tim Kaine are breaking with the White House on the contraception controversy.

White House Scrambles For Compromise On Birth Control Rule

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:53:00 GMT

Officials say Obama remains committed to the HHS regulation, amid indications they are exploring ways to get around religious groups' complaints.

Congressional Republicans Vow To Overturn Contraception Rule

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:49:58 GMT

Speaker John Boehner was among those who promised Wednesday to get rid of the administration's regulation that would require religious employers, such as hospitals, charities and universities, to cover free birth control for employees.

Viewpoints: Many Weigh In On Contraception Controversy; NEJM On Essential Benefits

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:47:52 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care policy from around the country.

Longer Looks: Former Komen VP's New 'Bona Fides'; Alzheimer's Definition Changing?; Palin On Her Special Needs Child

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:43:00 GMT

Every week, reporter Jessica Marcy selects interesting reading from around the Web.

Survey Finds Doctors Not Always Honest With Patients

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:23:00 GMT

Most physicians paint overly optimistic prognoses for their patients, and many have withheld information concerning their medical mistakes and financial relationships with drug companies and device manufacturers, according to a national survey published in Health Affairs.

Obama Aides Seek To Calm Storm Over Contraceptive Rule

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Administration suggests there may be ways to meet religious groups' concerns but insists that the president is committed to the policy. Sen. Mitch McConnell suggests Congress may change the rule if the administration doesn't.