What will Sunday’s COAG agreement mean for hospital financing, health reform and the community’s health? A range of expert contributors to Crikey’s health blog Croakey share their thoughts.
Healthcare reform
healthcare 
Thinking beyond GPs: improving diabetes by subsidizing fresh produce
Professor Helen Keleher says there may now be an opportunity to take a broader approach to improving care for people with diabetes by considering sweeping reforms.
15 years later, can Clinton finally reform US health care?
Bill Clinton has paid a visit to Capitol Hill Democrats, urging them do what he never could: pass a health care reform bill. Don’t miss the audio of the speech: “It’s my Secretary of State calling!”
A lot to be said for socialism in an American ER …
The Democrats passed their health-care reform legislation in the House of Representatives over the weekend, though a Senate vote will be even tougher. The legislation may be imperfect, but it’s a start.
TIMELINE: A history of US health reform failure
An interactive timeline of America’s ongoing attempts (and subsequent failures) to enact health-care reform to provide universal health benefits to Americans. Will this all finally just be consigned to ancient history?
Palin: But what about the “death panels”?!
Sarah Palin has pulled out her favourite broken record following the House of Reps’ historical vote for health-care reform, claiming the bill may still result in “death panels” making end-of-life decisions for the elderly.
Meet the lone Republican who voted for health reform
Little-known Republican Rep Joseph Cao is the only member of the GOP to vote in favour of the US healthcare reform bill. Why did he do it? And just how much flack is he going to cop as a result?
The US suddenly looking a whole lot healthier
US President Barack Obama’s quest to reform the country’s health-care is almost a reality, with the House of Representative just passing a bill that will finally see the majority of Americans get access to health coverage. Just one last hurdle now…
Video of the Day: Public Option Annie: an impromptu insurance industry musical
Protestors from Billionaires for Wealthcare interrupt a meeting of insurance lobbyists America’s Health Insurance Plans, which is doing its darndest to stop health care reform — in song!
Medicare’s future is at stake
The National Health and Hospital Reform Commission’s new proposals on Denticare and Medicare Select will lay the grounds for the eventual demise of Medicare, says John Menadue.
Did Obama save health care?
US President Barack Obama gave his all-important health care reform speech to Congress yesterday. Was his speech stirring enough to win over the house? The Daily Beast’s panel of pundits weigh in.
Diary of a Surgeon: What Australia could learn from the US health system
It’s now 40 years since America introduced a landmark health reform that improved access for many disadvantaged groups, and it is only now starting to gain traction in Australia, writes Guy Maddern.
