Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
From Â鶹ŮÓÅ Health News - Latest Stories:
Â鶹ŮÓÅ Health News Original Stories
What CDC Can Do To Fight Ebola
The Ebola epidemic in Africa and fears of it spreading in the U.S. have turned the nation’s attention to the federal government’s front-line public health agency: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But as with Ebola itself, there is much confusion about the role of the CDC and what it can and cannot do to prevent and contain the spread of disease.
California Nurses’ Union Pulls Ebola Into Contract Talks
The powerful California Nurses Association has put Ebola on the bargaining table in its negotiations for a new contract with Kaiser Permanente.
Summaries Of The News:
Quality
Pentagon Plans 30-Person Team To Tackle Ebola In U.S.
The Department of Defense announced Sunday that it would create a medical team to assist U.S. doctors responding to new Ebola cases, while the government issued more stringent guidelines for protective garb for health care workers treating Ebola patients. In addition, The Wall Street Journal profiles a biologist who has been working since 1997 on an Ebola vaccine that has been proven to block the disease in monkeys.
Administration News
Obama's 'Ebola Czar' Pick Has Washington Know-How, Knows Less About Medicine
The White House announced Friday that Ron Klain, a veteran Washington adviser and Democratic strategist, will coordinate multi-agency strategy.
Capitol Watch
Ebola Worries Renew Push For Surgeon General Pick
More than two dozen House Democrats have called on the Senate to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Obama administration's pick for U.S. Surgeon General, so he could help lead the nation's Ebola response. But Senate support remains shaky because of Murthy's outspoken views on gun violence, which have drawn the wrath of the National Rifle Association.
Administration's Handling Of Ebola Casts Shadow On Dems' Election Hopes
A Politico poll underscores that Ebola is causing real political danger for some Democrats. It's playing big, for instance, in North Carolina's Senate race.
Health Law
Renewal Wrinkles, High Deductibles And Decisions For Employers: Implementation Issues Grab Headlines
News outlets report on a range of health law implementation issues that are causing challenges for consumers, employers and Obamacare advocates.
Utah Supporters Of Medicaid Expansion Hold Rally
About 100 people rallied in Salt Lake City to urge state lawmakers to pass Gov. Gary Herbert's Medicaid expansion plan. Meanwhile, health insurance rates in Wisconsin keep pace or decline, Maryland delays efforts to recover the cost of its failed exchange, and a co-op pulls out of Iowa's Medicaid marketplace.
How The Health Law's Second Enrollment Season Could Impact Key Senate Races
Politico reports that two closely watched Senate contests -- those of Georgia and Louisiana -- could be decided by runoff elections that would take place in December. Healthcare.gov glitches could color voters' choices. News outlets also report on how Obamacare could play a role in election outcomes in states such as Colorado and Minnesota.
Coverage And Access
Long-Term Care Costs Weigh Heavily On Middle-Class Families
CBS News reports that for many seniors and their families, home care needs create a serious financial bind.
Marketplace
Lilly CEO Explains Drug Maker's 'Toughest Year'
In other drug industry news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services makes improvements in the new doctor payment website.
State Watch
State Highlights: Mental Health Issues Put 34K On N.Y. No-Guns List
A selection of health policy stories from New York, Ohio, California, Tennessee, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Maryland.
Editorials And Opinions
Views On Ebola: Blame Misplaced; Conspiracy Theories Abound; 'Nasty' Politicization
News outlets around the country weigh in with opinions about the efforts to control Ebola in the United States.
Viewpoints: Health Law Fails To Control Costs; GOP Alternative 'Worse Than Obamacare'
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.