Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Wisconsin Seeks To Revamp Medicaid With Drug Tests And Premium Requirements

Morning Briefing

The state must seek federal approval for the changes. Meanwhile, in Kansas, several hospitals are in financial crisis, and their supporters blame the governor’s refusal to accept Medicaid expansion.

Pro-Trump Group Airs $3 Million Ad Campaign To Bolster GOP Repeal Push

Morning Briefing

The ads are running during the congressional recess in 12 House districts held by Republicans, some of whom supported the Obamacare repeal bill, others who opposed it and a few who didn’t take a clear stance.

Getting To Delivery Room A Harrowing Journey For Some Amid Rural Hospital Crisis

Morning Briefing

Because of financial strain, many rural hospitals are shutting down their labor and delivery services. Women in those areas are then faced with long drives to get to a safe place to deliver their babies. In other public health news: infectious diseases, strokes, young blood, genetic testing, fertility treatments, trauma care and more.

Many Desperate To Find Alternative To Opioids, But Pain Is A Pain To Research

Morning Briefing

As the opioid crisis rages on, there’s a rush to figure out ways to treat pain that doesn’t involve traditional painkillers. But that’s pretty hard. In other news, addiction experts are disappointed by the lack of forward movement from the president.

Lawmakers Strike Deal To Reauthorize FDA User Fee Agreements

Morning Briefing

The agreement extends the agency’s authority to collect fees from drug and medical device manufacturers. Without the fees, 5,000 Food and Drug Administration employees could be laid off and drug reviews would be prolonged.

When Reality And Political Philosophy Collide: A Look At Indiana’s Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

As the state’s expansion model gains national attention, Politico investigates how both sides turned out to be wrong with their predictions. Outlets report on Medicaid news out of Ohio, Kansas and Missouri as well.

What Trump’s Market Stabilization Rule Means For Consumers

Morning Briefing

The Associated Press looks at how people buying off the exchanges will be affected by the administration’s steps to stabilize the marketplace. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is worried the moves will reduce enrollment and therefore sales.

Many Alaskans Find Health Law Is Like Trying To Fit A Square Peg Into A Round Hole

Morning Briefing

Due to its sheer size, sparse population and harsh environment, Alaska faces unique circumstances that aren’t really accommodated by the health law. In other news on the Affordable Care Act, new data details the rise in people covered, a CEO of a major hospital system in Chicago talks about the changes he has seen, NPR looks at pre-existing conditions and more stories.