Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

In Unexpected Turn, Democrats Block Once-Bipartisan Bill Funding VA Choice Program

Morning Briefing

Under the rules set for the bill, supporters needed support from two-thirds of members to pass the bill. Lawmakers voting against it cited opposition from a large group of veterans organizations that called on Congress to reject the bill because it pays for the choice program through cuts in the VA.

Questions Raised About Whether GOP Steps To Moderate Medicaid Cuts Provide Enough Money

Morning Briefing

Administration and Senate officials pushing for a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act have said that a new $200 billion Medicaid “wraparound” fund would help cushion the changes for low-income people. But a new study suggests that money would last only about two years.

Lawmaker Would Settle Health Debate With ‘Aaron Burr-Style’ Duel If Senators Blocking Bill Were Men

Morning Briefing

Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) says he blames “some female senators from the Northeast” for the party’s failure to pass health care legislation. Though he didn’t name them in particular, it may have been a reference to Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who have both voiced objections to the proposal.

Parsing The Policies: What’s To Become Of Medicaid And Medicare?

Morning Briefing

Opinion writers offer their thoughts on how the current Affordable Care Act replacement debate impacts Medicaid and how governors should proceed in pursuing Medicaid waivers as well as current Medicare funding issues.

The Big Picture: The Health Issues We Should Be Discussing; How To Move The Debate Forward

Morning Briefing

Even as the heated discourse over the future of the Affordable Care Act continues, some people offer their thoughts on the serious issues that are being overlooked and on how bad manners have soured the process.

A Cure For HIV? One Child May Give The World Hope

Morning Briefing

Scientists presented the case study of a boy who has remained HIV-free since his early treatment as an infant. But Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, struck notes of both optimism and caution when speaking about him. In other public health news: gene therapy, vaccinations, arrest in old age, concussions, inflammation and a flesh-eating bacteria.

States Urged To Sue Drug Companies Over Painkiller Epidemic By Lawyers Who Drove Tobacco Litigation

Morning Briefing

The Wall Street Journal reports on a one-time attorney general who is aiding in lawsuits filed by Mississippi and Ohio against pharmaceutical makers. In another story on the business front of the drug crisis, McKesson’s board will be greeted by picketing teamsters organized by the father of an overdose victim.

Both Sides Rack Up Wins On Battlefield Over Women’s Health In The States

Morning Briefing

While some states are stripping Planned Parenthood of funds, others are passing laws to protect contraception for women. Outlets report on other women’s health news out of Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas.