Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Rural Georgia Hospitals To See Financial Benefit From New Tax Increase

Morning Briefing

In other state hospital news, executives for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health tout the economic benefits of merging the two facilities. And a Philadelphia hospital brings in puppies and kittens to relieve the stress of its medical staff.

‘Right-To-Try’ Advocates Help Pass Laws In 33 States As Movement Gains National Foothold

Morning Briefing

Legislation to allow terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments not approved by the Food and Drug Administration also have momentum in the other 17 states. Today’s other public health stories report developments on a potential sepsis treatment, a devicemaker’s redesigned medical scope, a link between breast implants and a deadly cancer and the latest on the bird flu outbreak.

Ex-Compounding Pharmacy Exec Acquitted Of Murder Allegations In Meningitis Outbreak

Morning Briefing

Barry J. Cadden, the former co-owner and head pharmacist at the New England Compounding Center, was found guilty by jurors of fraud and racketeering. Fungus-tainted drugs from the facility killed 64 people and sickened hundreds more across the country.

Trump Budget Would Shake Medical Research And Health Training Programs

Morning Briefing

In related news, Mayo Clinic’s CEO says that he urged the Trump administration to maintain funding for research and to take foreign doctors into account in the administration’s immigration policy.

Bill Closing Antitrust Loophole For Insurers Passes With Rare Bipartisan Support

Morning Briefing

The House also passed a second health care-related bill to establish rules on plans that allow small businesses in the same field or professional association to band together. Meanwhile, the Senate moved to block an Obama-era workplace safety rule.

AMA Takes A Strong Stand Against The House Health Plan

Morning Briefing

The physician organization maintained its opposition to the measure in a letter sent to Capitol Hill Wednesday, noting its continued concerns about the millions of people who would lose coverage if it becomes law. Meanwhile, Molina Healthcare’s chief executive is one of the few voices from the insurance industry protesting the Republican’s overhaul. Another industry — the tanning business — has high hopes for the legislation.

Democrats See Roadblocks For GOP Bill In Arcane Budget Procedures Used In The Senate

Morning Briefing

Because the bill will be brought up under rules that don’t allow a filibuster, Senate officials will strike any provisions that don’t deal with federal spending, and Democrats think they can use that to amend the Republican legislation.

Conservative Groups Amp Up Pressure On GOP Rank-And-File To Oppose The American Health Care Act

Morning Briefing

Organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and the Americans for Prosperity are “flexing their muscles” to rally conservative House members against the House GOP plan because they believe it doesn’t go far enough to truly dismantle Obamacare.

As Republicans Woo Conservatives, They Offer ‘A Complete Unwinding’ Of Medicaid Rules

Morning Briefing

To gain more support for the legislation, House leaders have endorsed dramatic changes in the current Medicaid program, including a move to different funding formulas, the ability of states to require some enrolled adults to work and pay premiums and the end of the expansion supported by the Affordable Care Act.

Will There Be Art To This Deal? Trump, House Leaders Make Last-Ditch Bids For Health Plan

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump is “pulling out all the stops” to win the 215 votes necessary to pass the GOP measure in the House. In doing so, he and Republican leaders face a delicate balancing act between the interests of caucus conservatives and moderates. Meanwhile, members who resist could face retribution.

House GOP Health Plan Vote Nears Amidst Uncertainty

Morning Briefing

It will be a long day for President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as they push to gather the needed support to ensure passage of the American Health Care Act, a measure that is key to both of their futures.