Health Care News
The Heartland Institute's national monthly outreach publication devoted to consumer-driven health care reform.
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Health Care News
February 2006
2005: A Bad Year for Health Policy
The initial implementation problems of the Medicare drug benefit that went into effect January 1 are being spun by some as reflective of a structural flaw: ... (read more)
The initial implementation problems of the Medicare drug benefit that went into effect January 1 are being spun by some as reflective of a structural flaw: ... (read more)
AARP, Pharmacists Continue to Support New Medicare Drug Benefit
The new Medicare drug benefit has been widely described in terms of "problems," "woes," "glitches," "growing pains," and "chaos"--all within the first two ... (read more)
The new Medicare drug benefit has been widely described in terms of "problems," "woes," "glitches," "growing pains," and "chaos"--all within the first two ... (read more)
Activists Target School Sales of Soft Drinks, Snacks
In January, trial lawyers were poised to file a class-action lawsuit against the soft drink industry on behalf of parents of school-age children. According ... (read more)
In January, trial lawyers were poised to file a class-action lawsuit against the soft drink industry on behalf of parents of school-age children. According ... (read more)
AMA Offers Advice for a Healthy New Year
In the final week of 2005, the American Medical Association (AMA) released a list of top resolutions to help people have a healthier 2006. "The start ... (read more)
In the final week of 2005, the American Medical Association (AMA) released a list of top resolutions to help people have a healthier 2006. "The start ... (read more)
Book Review: Making a Case for Market Forces in Health Care
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: Five Steps to a Better Health Care System by John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, and Daniel P. Kessler American Enterprise Institute ... (read more)
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: Five Steps to a Better Health Care System by John F. Cogan, Glenn Hubbard, and Daniel P. Kessler American Enterprise Institute ... (read more)
Breast Cancer Drug Approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug for fighting recurrence of breast cancer. The approval came as results of a study of ... (read more)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug for fighting recurrence of breast cancer. The approval came as results of a study of ... (read more)
Changing the Character of the Health Care Revolution
In July 2005, America Online (AOL) co-founder Steve Case announced the creation of a new company, Revolution LLC, committed to consumer-directed health ... (read more)
In July 2005, America Online (AOL) co-founder Steve Case announced the creation of a new company, Revolution LLC, committed to consumer-directed health ... (read more)
Court Rejects Prescription Drug Price Controls in D.C.
In December, a federal judge struck down a District of Columbia law that would have imposed price controls on prescription drugs. United States District ... (read more)
In December, a federal judge struck down a District of Columbia law that would have imposed price controls on prescription drugs. United States District ... (read more)
Electronic Health Records System Now Available
While Congress works to establish the framework for increased use of information technology (IT) in health care, some in the private sector are already ... (read more)
While Congress works to establish the framework for increased use of information technology (IT) in health care, some in the private sector are already ... (read more)
Emergency Care in Critical Condition: Study
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has unveiled the first comprehensive, state-by-state report card on the status of emergency medicine ... (read more)
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has unveiled the first comprehensive, state-by-state report card on the status of emergency medicine ... (read more)
Europe's Drug Industry Is Model for U.S. to Avoid
What happened to Europe's vibrant drug industry? Just a decade ago, more than two-thirds of all drug research was conducted in Europe. Now, 60 percent ... (read more)
What happened to Europe's vibrant drug industry? Just a decade ago, more than two-thirds of all drug research was conducted in Europe. Now, 60 percent ... (read more)
Experts Doubt Survey Findings on Health Plan Owners' Satisfaction
A December 2005 survey found people with consumer-driven health care (CDHC) plans were less satisfied than those in comprehensive health plans. The Internet-based ... (read more)
A December 2005 survey found people with consumer-driven health care (CDHC) plans were less satisfied than those in comprehensive health plans. The Internet-based ... (read more)
How States Rank on ACEP Emergency Report Card
Access to Emergency Care Seven states led the nation, earning "A" grades in the category--Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, ... (read more)
Access to Emergency Care Seven states led the nation, earning "A" grades in the category--Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, ... (read more)
Ill. Task Force Makes Little Progress
In 2004, the Adequate Health Care Task Force (AHCTF) was commissioned by Illinois' Health Care Justice Act to look into the issues of the uninsured, health ... (read more)
In 2004, the Adequate Health Care Task Force (AHCTF) was commissioned by Illinois' Health Care Justice Act to look into the issues of the uninsured, health ... (read more)
Innovation: It's Not Just a Paper Saver
Swiping a card or key tag to access medical records or refill a prescription is not just "emergent" technology--it's happening now, with directives in Congress ... (read more)
Swiping a card or key tag to access medical records or refill a prescription is not just "emergent" technology--it's happening now, with directives in Congress ... (read more)
Michigan Proposes Onerous, Unusual Assisted Living Regulations
Michigan's long-term care organizations have banded together in opposition to the state's effort to add new licensing provisions for assisted living providers. ... (read more)
Michigan's long-term care organizations have banded together in opposition to the state's effort to add new licensing provisions for assisted living providers. ... (read more)
New Bill Could Impede Spread of HSAs
A bill (H.R. 4511) introduced December 13, 2005 in the U.S. House by Rep Eric Cantor (R-VA) would allow employers to provide Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) ... (read more)
A bill (H.R. 4511) introduced December 13, 2005 in the U.S. House by Rep Eric Cantor (R-VA) would allow employers to provide Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) ... (read more)
Partisan Climate in Congress Likely Obstacle to Health Care Reform
Political tensions are already high, but they are likely to ratchet up further for the remainder of the 109th Congress as the November elections draw nigh. ... (read more)
Political tensions are already high, but they are likely to ratchet up further for the remainder of the 109th Congress as the November elections draw nigh. ... (read more)
Senate OKs Electronic Health Records
In response to President George W. Bush's challenge to Congress to develop standards for a nationwide electronic health record (EHR) network, the Senate ... (read more)
In response to President George W. Bush's challenge to Congress to develop standards for a nationwide electronic health record (EHR) network, the Senate ... (read more)
