Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Republicans Want To Give States Wiggle Room On Essential Benefits. So What Does That Look Like?

Morning Briefing

The Affordable Care Act insurers can’t charge more for certain coverage like maternal care. But under the Republicans’ plans it could be up to the states to maintain that requirement. In more news on the proposed health legislation: insurance rebates, taxes, and uncertainty in states.

During Recess, Governors Continue To Make Pitch Against Republicans’ Health Plan

Morning Briefing

Republican governors of states that expanded Medicaid fear the cuts in the Senate’s health bill would be devastating. On the other side of the debate, Indiana’s governor doesn’t get what he expects when soliciting Obamacare “horror” stories.

Record Low Fertility Rate Makes Some Experts Worry The Sky Is Falling

Morning Briefing

When it comes to sustaining a population, there’s a fine line between too many and not enough babies. America is edging toward the latter. In other public health news: cancer, freeze-dried placenta pills, treatment-resistant infections and Salvador Dalí.

Hearings Over High Drug Prices Delayed Due To Partisan Atmosphere On Capitol Hill

Morning Briefing

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says he’s frustrated with how Democrats are approaching the issue. The delay is a gift for the pharmaceutical industry, which has worked to put the brakes on a number of congressional and administrative efforts to bring down prescription drug prices.