News bites: Medicare, Medicaid overhauls unlikely this year, and more

By Elise Viebeck - 05/16/12 07:30 AM ET

Don't expect a grand bargain to overhaul Medicare and Medicaid in the lame duck session, Modern Healthcare [registration required] reports.

A Food and Drug Administration panel backed the first rapid, at-home HIV test, The Associated Press reports.

Soda sales are in decline for Pepsi and its competitors, forcing the companies to focus on "flat" drinks and bottled water, the New York Times reports.

Critics say the new HBO series "Girls" is sending confusing messages on human papillomavirus, or HPV. The New York Times has the story.

Paying for organs is currently against the law, but a new poll found that Americans support compensating donors. NPR has the story.

Pharmacists in Kansas can now refuse to fill prescriptions they believe will induce abortions, Reuters reports.

Higher income and education were tied to better health in a new report by the Centers for Disease Control. Read more at Modern Healthcare [registration required].

"Team-based care" would help U.S. patients with blood pressure control, according to a government panel. HealthDay has more.