Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Eager For A Victory, Trump Hypes Renewed GOP Health Plan; Lawmakers Remain Skeptical

Morning Briefing

The deal, which is being hashed out between Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.) and Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), would let states seek waivers on preexisting conditions and to set their own list of essential health benefits. Republican congressional aides, however, are throwing cold water on the optimism coming out of the White House.

Citing Supreme Court Ruling On Similar Restrictions, Judge Blocks Mo. Abortion Rules

Morning Briefing

The state was requiring that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and that clinics meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery. Outlets report on other news from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin as well.

‘I Need Medicine For This Pain’: The Landmines Of Treating Someone Addicted To Opioids

Morning Briefing

There’s no definitive guidance for doctors on what to do when their patient is someone who is in recovery from an opioid addiction, but also in need of pain relief. In other public health news: antidepressants, mysterious diseases, antibiotic-resistant infections, stress in kids and sexual enhancement pills.

In Ambitious Health Data Project, Researchers Happily Trade ‘Moonshots’ For Day-To-Day Drudgery

Morning Briefing

Verily Life Sciences, formerly Google Life Sciences, is launching its initiative to collect information on 10,000 volunteers to create a baseline of health for the population. But, despite the scope of the project, those running it say they have their feet firmly planted on the ground and in reality.

Oregon Lawmakers Seeking Budget Cuts Weigh Proposal To End Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

The state is facing a $1.6 billion deficit and dropping the Medicaid expansion could save $256 million over two years. The hospital industry is fighting the proposal and the governor has called it “unacceptable.” News outlets also report on other Medicaid news in Alabama, Mississippi and Michigan.

Program Allowing Veterans To Seek Care Outside VA Health System Extended

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump signed the extension of the Veterans Choice Act on Wednesday. There won’t be much noticeable change from the action, but a new bill dubbed “Choice 2.0” is slated to be introduced to Congress in the fall.

Preliminary Filings From Insurers Give Hint Of Things To Come For ACA Marketplaces

Morning Briefing

As deadlines loom for announcing 2018 plans, all eyes are on which insurers will stay in the exchanges. But, with the fate of some key subsidies still up in the air and possibly tied to the spending bill, the future is just as uncertain for the companies themselves.