Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Bouncing Back From Trauma Is Possible, But Some People Have To Work Harder Than Others

Morning Briefing

Dr. Dennis Charney has spent years studying trauma. And then he joined the ranks of the patients he worked with. In other public health news, ADHD, embryo editing, effects of gender stereotypes, the science of weight loss, the flu and more.

Pfizer-J&J Legal Brawl Could Set Precedent For Competition In Biosimilar Landscape

Morning Briefing

If Pfizer is successful, it could discourage brand name companies from using deals with insurers to limit competition in the emerging biosimilar market. If Pfizer loses, the case could highlight a strategy those companies could continue to use to deter competition.

Use Of Private Jets Justified Because Of Tom Price’s ‘Incredibly Demanding Schedule,’ Spokeswoman Claims

Morning Briefing

Each one of the chartered flights is estimated to have cost tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has advocated cost-cutting at his agency. His predecessors often traveled by commercial flights or on trains.

Children’s Health Program And Community Health Centers’ Funding Stuck In Senate Logjam

Morning Briefing

A bipartisan deal on the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program was reached by senators earlier this month, but it looks unlikely to get a vote before the program’s authority expires on Sept. 30 because the Senate is consumed with efforts to replace the federal health law. Also in Medicaid news, officials in New Mexico unveil plans to charge enrollees premiums and copayments.

Given State Of Affairs Around Health Law, States Stuck Approving Sharp Premium Increases

Morning Briefing

Because of all the uncertainty in D.C., states like Kentucky, Mississippi and Virginia are approving average rates for major insurers that are at least 25 percent higher than they were in 2017. Meanwhile, Department of Health and Human Services documents show that outreach efforts under the Obama administration actually were working.

Insurers Were Reluctant To Criticize Previous GOP Efforts, But New Bill Prompts Them To Speak Out

Morning Briefing

Not only would the legislation further destabilize the marketplace and jeopardize patient care, but it could potentially allow “government-controlled single payer health care to grow,” said AHIP’s Marilyn B. Tavenner. Among the other groups opposed to the bill are the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association and more.

After Other September Successes, Unlikely Duo ‘Chuck And Nancy’ Set Sights On Health Care

Morning Briefing

Democrats are trying to rally to stop the last-ditch Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. If they can stop it, will Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) convince President Donald Trump to consider modest reform measures?

For GOP, Political Incentive Is ‘As Much Of A Reason As The Substance’ To Pass Repeal Bill

Morning Briefing

The driving force behind this last-ditch attempt for many lawmakers it the simple fact that they promised their constituents they’d make it happen. Meanwhile, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is once again in the spotlight with one of the deciding votes. And news organizations look at where other Republicans stand on the matter.

Policy Points: Looking For Innovation In Medicare And Medicaid; Health Care In Japan

Morning Briefing

Editorial pages feature an announcement by the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Trump administration plans, one suggestion for covering more Americans and a look at how Japan handles health care.