Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Abortion Rights Measure Will Be Put To Nevada Voters In November

Morning Briefing

As efforts to enshrine abortion protections gain steam in Nevada, Florida maneuvers to stop any ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Iowa’s high court allows the state’s six-week abortion ban to stand.

House Republican Leaders Demand Investigation Of Alleged ACA Fraud

Morning Briefing

Several high-level House committees want the Government Accountability Office and Health and Human Services inspector general to look into separate reports from KFF Health News and conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute.

House Panel OKs Bill To Expand Medicare Coverage Of Weight Loss Drugs

Morning Briefing

Four bills advanced Thursday out of the House Ways & Means Committee would increase Medicare’s coverage of pricey weight loss drugs and cancer screenings but with more restrictions than previously proposed legislation. A measure would also allow greater discretion by Medicare for covering FDA-approved medications and devices.

Health Care Fraud Probe Leads To 193 People Charged In $2.75B Schemes

Morning Briefing

The charges stem from the illegal distribution of stimulants, improper billing for treatment, and filing false claims for telemedicine, the Justice Department says. In other news, public health entities and providers have been cautioned about the potential for phishing and ransomware attacks.

Florida Governor Snubs Public Health Advisory On Gun Violence

Morning Briefing

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Department of Health to close contaminated beaches and pools. He argues such a measure would usurp local authority. Colorado and Delaware also are in state health news.

Biden, Trump Swap Exaggerations On Abortion, Medicare, Insulin At Debate

Morning Briefing

But President Joe Biden’s age (81) and physical performance at Thursday night’s debate — he often struggled to find the right words — overshadowed all of the health topics the two men discussed.

This Isn’t Over: Both Sides Pressing On For Clarity On Emergency Abortions

Morning Briefing

The Supreme Court’s ruling that preserves federal “necessary stabilizing treatment” rules in a case out of Idaho should apply nationwide, some contend. Others argue states’ rights should prevail.

Supreme Court’s Purdue Ruling Tosses Curveball Into Opioid Settlements

Morning Briefing

Following the decision to nix the bankruptcy deal, which would have shielded the Sackler family from future claims, Purdue Pharma and many of the state attorneys general who sued the company over its role in the opioid crisis pledged to restart negotiations on a new settlement agreement.

Think Multivitamins Are Good For You? You May Think Again, Say Researchers

Morning Briefing

Health data from nearly 400,000 Americans reveals that people who take multivitamins are actually at a slightly higher risk of premature death than people who don’t, a study found. Meanwhile, data show that alcohol-related health problems are surging.

Holograms Bring 3D Imagery To Doctor-Patient Visits In Texas

Morning Briefing

ABC News says Crescent Regional Hospital near Dallas might be the first in the U.S. to use life-sized hologram imagery. Among other news: Indiana acquires lethal injection drugs, heat-related ER visits, a maternal health bill, and more.