Top stories
Liberal Senators Press for Expansion of Medicare
The New York Times
Dec. 7, 2009
In return for concessions on their proposal for a new government-run health insurance plan, liberal Democratic senators pushed Monday for expansion of Medicare and Medicaid and more stringent federal regulation of the insurance industry. Related:
Public Option Compromise Takes Shape, Politico
Senate Turns to Medicare, Medicaid, The Wall Street Journal
Watered-down 'public plan' emerges in Senate
The Washington Post
Dec. 8, 2009
They may still call it a "public plan," but private insurers - not the government - would offer coverage under a compromise Democrats are considering to win Senate passage of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.
Senate Turns to Health Bill's Major Obstacles
The Washington Post
Dec. 8, 2009
Seeking to resolve two contentious issues blocking health-care reform in the Senate, lawmakers began consideration Monday of an amendment to restrict abortion coverage, while Democrats closed in on alternatives to the public-insurance option.
Economists Growing More Wary of the Senate Health Bill
Time Magazine
Dec. 7, 2009
A few weeks back, the White House was jubilant when 23 prominent economists sent a letter to President Obama endorsing key elements of the Senate health care bill. Today, nearly all of those same economists and a few others--among this group, Nobel Prize winners, former presidents of the American Economic Association and former directors of the Congressional Budget Office--sent another letter, this one to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Click here to read the letter.
Transparency/Safety
Senator Grassley Seeks Financial Details From Medical Groups
The New York Times
Dec. 7, 2009
Senator Charles E. Grassley has asked the American Medical Association and other major advocacy organizations about sources of income from drug and device makers.
University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Effort Would Cut Antibiotic Use
The Miami Herald
Dec. 8, 2009
University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital team is working to improve patient care and cut costs by making sure oft-overused antibiotics are prescribed only when needed. The program serves as a small example of how such evidence-based medicine can provide good care without increasing healthcare costs.
Groups Try Simple Steps to Avoid Hospital Rebound
AP/Yahoo News
Dec. 8, 2009
A major push is under way around the country to cut rehospitalizations, in part by arming patients with simple steps to keep their recovery on track — like getting past harried receptionists for quicker follow-up doctor visits, and reducing medication confusion.
Symptoms: Infections Lead to More Deaths in I.C.U.
The New York Times
Dec. 7, 2009
Just over half of all patients in intensive care units around the world have infections, and they are more than twice as likely to die in the units as patients who are not infected, a new study has found.
State news
Is 'Opting Out' a Real Option? Would Minnesota 'Opt Out'?
Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Dec. 7, 2009
The idea that Minnesota could 'opt out' of the controversial government insurance program at the center of a proposed national health overhaul has received a push from no less a figure than Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Utah: Pilot Project Aimed at Overuse of Health Care
The Salt Lake Tribune
Dec. 7, 2009
Changing the way your doctors get paid may improve your health care -- and make it cheaper. It's an idea that Utah plans to test in what may be one of the largest health care delivery and payment reform experiments in the country.
Report: W.Va. Could Save Billions a Year With Medicaid Expansion
The Charleston Gazette
Dec. 7, 2009
West Virginia's health-care system could save up to $2.2 billion a year beginning in 2014 with an aggressive expansion of Medicaid and other health reforms, according to an actuarial report presented to state legislators Monday.
Reform efforts
Lieberman Riles Many With Role in Health Debate
The Washington Post
Dec. 7, 2009
Sen. Joseph. I. Lieberman (Conn.) has once again inserted himself into the middle of an inflamed partisan debate, raising questions about his motives, his ego and his fickle allegiance to the Democratic Party.