Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Settles ‘Unsubstantiated’ Vaginal Egg Health Claims For $145,000

Morning Briefing

Lawyers in the California consumer protection case said the advertising claims behind the eggs had the potential to “affect women’s health, but Goop said it settled solely over those advertising claims. The eggs — cited for preventing a myriad of vaginal problems — are not defective, Goop added, and two of the three types can still be purchased.

‘It Was Not Even A Close Call’: Judge Blocks Texas’ ‘Catastrophic’ Fetal Burial Law

Morning Briefing

U.S. District Judge David Ezra said Texas lawmakers who enacted the legislation — which would require hospitals, abortion clinics and other providers to arrange for the burial or cremation of fetal remains regardless of the patients’ wishes — provided no “viable system” for health care providers to dispose of fetal remains in accordance with the law.

Senate Opioid Package Hits Snag As Democrats Pump The Brakes Over Provision Benefiting PhRMA-Backed Group

Morning Briefing

The provision would authorize the government to give grants to groups that focus on addiction and substance-abuse disorders, but the only organization that fits the criteria is the Addiction Policy Forum, an advocacy group funded by PhRMA. In other news on the crisis: opioid taxes, skyrocketing fentanyl deaths, treatment alternatives, insurance coverage and more.

CVS-Aetna And Cigna-Express Scripts Deals About To Get Green Light From Antitrust Enforcers, Sources Say

Morning Briefing

The Justice Department has identified some competition concerns over CVS’ acquisition of Aetna, while sources familiar with the situation say that the Cigna-Express deal could be approved without the companies having to sell off any assets.

On Abortion, Kavanaugh Dodges Firm Answer With Talk About Precedent, Importance People Place On Roe V. Wade

Morning Briefing

On the second day of his Supreme Court hearings, nominee Brett Kavanaugh avoided being pinned down on the women’s rights issue, instead talking about the importance of legal precedent. That, however, is not an endorsement. Media outlets offer looks at the top moments of the day.

Judge’s Pointed Questions To Health Law Defenders Over Severability Hints At Which Way Case Will Go

Morning Briefing

But U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, a conservative jurist appointed by President George W. Bush, did not immediately rule on an injunction request. Meanwhile, the Trump administration cautioned that an immediate injunction would create “chaos” and asked that, if it’s coming, that it be delayed until the new year.

Tired Of Shortages And High Costs, Hospital Group Launches Company To Make Its Own Drugs

Morning Briefing

Besides creating a reliable supply for its 500 hospitals, Civica aims to reduce drug prices by about 20 percent. “There are a lot of very principled generic drug makers out there … they have nothing to worry about,” said Dr. Marc Harrison, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare. “The folks who are gouging people and creating shortages, they know who they are. And they’re the ones who should be very concerned.”