Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

White House Shifts Into Damage Control Mode

Morning Briefing

Although President Donald Trump publicly blames Democrats for the bill’s defeat, behind the scenes some place the blame elsewhere. “This is 100 percent a Ryan failure,” one senior administration official says. Others though downplay any tension between the two men.

Next Steps Uncertain For GOP, As Defeat Weighs Heavy On Future Goals

Morning Briefing

“If you look at this health care problem, it’s not going away. At some point, we’re going to have to come back to this,” said Rep. Bradley Byrne of Alabama. But Republicans don’t appear to have a clear path forward of what that looks like.

Failing To Whip Up Support, House Leaders Pull Replacement Bill From Floor

Morning Briefing

At press conference, House Speaker Paul Ryan acknowledges the setback but says his party remains committed. “The best days are ahead” for the country, but “Obamacare is the law of the land,” he says, and “we’re going to live with it” for the foreseeable future.

KanCare Expansion Headed To Full State Senate Vote

Morning Briefing

Even as uncertainty swirls in Washington, D.C., supporters of the Medicaid expansion say, “we have to move forward as a state.” Media outlets also report on news out of Minnesota, New Hampshire and California.

Trump, A Self-Avowed Dealmaker, Faces High Stakes In Outcome Of Friday’s House Vote

Morning Briefing

As the GOP health plan became mired in intense negotiations this week, the ability to secure the measure is increasingly viewed as a major test for President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, news outlets also report that the process has caused him doubts about choosing to pursue Obamacare replacement as first item on his agenda.

Clearing The House Is Just The First Step; GOP Plan Faces Significant Hurdles In The Senate

Morning Briefing

In the upper chamber, Republicans only claim a 52-48 majority, and many senators have already expressed their dismay at parts of the House’s American Health Care Act. Democrats see opportunities to snag parts of the GOP plan. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who argues that the measure does not go far enough to repeal Obamacare, is among those who has raised constitutional issues.

Majority Of Americans Oppose Republicans’ Replacement Bill, New Poll Finds

Morning Briefing

Only 17 percent surveyed by Quinnipiac University support the American Health Care Act. And as former President Barack Obama makes a rare statement about the debate regarding his signature health care legislation, Democrats mobilize to use the vote against vulnerable Republicans.

Health Industries Keep Careful Eye On Capitol Hill Action

Morning Briefing

The flux surrounding the House health bill vote injects uncertainty into the health care stock markets while hospitals voice worries regarding the changes Republicans have proposed. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce president urges lawmakers to follow through with repeal efforts.