First Edition: August 11, 2009
Today's headlines reflect an August congressional recess reality that continues to involve the health care reform debate, is sometimes virtual and definitely raucus.
For Major Health Industry Players, Reform's Positives Outweigh Negatives
As the legislation takes shape, it appears much of the anxiety was misplaced. Most of the major health care players, including hospitals, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies, are likely to benefit some handsomely over the long term (Kaiser Health News).
White House Adapts To New Playbook In Health Care Debate
The White House on Monday started a new Web site to fight questionable but potentially damaging charges that President Obama's proposed overhaul of the nation's health care system would inevitably lead to "socialized medicine," "rationed care" and even forced euthanasia for the elderly (The New York Times).
In Healthcare Debate, 'Reality' Is In Dispute
President Obama and his allies in the healthcare debate began moving more forcefully Monday to rebut what they said was "misinformation" spread by opponents of the legislation and to spotlight the disruptive nature of protests at town halls held by lawmakers (Los Angeles Times).
Obama Pitching Health Care Plan To The Insured
President Barack Obama is switching his message on his overhaul of the nation's health care system, readying a fresh pitch designed for those who already have insurance (The Associated Press).
Obama Heads To Town-Hall Meetings
President Barack Obama will spend the week trying to convince Americans with health insurance that legislation in Congress would benefit them, holding three town-hall meetings, a venue where Democrats have faced loud complaints (The Wall Street Journal).
Lawmakers Try To Tone Down Health Care Town Halls
The disturbances come at a critical time as lawmakers - mostly Democrats - return home for the August recess and host the meetings to boost support to overhaul the nation's costly health care system (The Associated Press).
Democrats Fight Back On Healthcare, Town Halls
After a week on the defensive, Democrats on Monday stepped up their response to what they consider to be a contrived harassment campaign against their healthcare plan (The Hill).
Health Care Forums Could Get Fiery
Volunteers who helped launch Barack Obama to the White House showed up Monday to support Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin in public meetings, but hundreds of opponents of health care proposals in Congress are expected at Sen. Charles Grassley's community meetings in west-central Iowa on Wednesday (Des Moines Register).
Debate Heats Up On Healthcare For Illegal Immigrants
To cover the needs of an estimated 6.8 million uninsured illegal immigrants, some advocates have proposed broadening the healthcare overhaul legislation now before Congress. But fierce opposition has kept the idea off the table (Los Angeles Times).
Does Canada's Health Care System Need Fixing?
Amid the debate about reforming heath care in the United States, it's tough to turn on your television these days without hearing a political ad condemning the Canadian health care system. The ads are provocative, but just how accurately do they portray Canada's system? (NPR).
School Nurses In Short Supply
If swine flu reappears in schools this fall, it'll probably be a school nurse who first discovers it. But nationwide, the ratio of nurses to students falls short of the federally recommended standard, raising concerns that the shortage could undermine efforts to catch and control what could be a deadly flu season (USA Today).
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