Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Mo. Judge Says State Revoked Abortion License Due To ‘Political Pressure,’ Rules In Favor Of Clinic

Morning Briefing

U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey says that the actions by the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services were partly based on its “perception that if it did not act in accordance with the legislature’s desires, its budget would be cut.” News outlets report on other Planned Parenthood news out of Ohio, Kansas and Mississippi.

For Investors, Drug Pricing Anxiety Is Real

Morning Briefing

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing that drug makers pay fees to the agency for reviewing over-the-counter monographs. Also, a group of Harvard Medical School researchers finds another link between medical industry payments to physicians and prescribing behavior.

Federal Official Says New Medicare Payment System Will Not Hurt Small Physician Practices

Morning Briefing

CMS acting Administrator Andy Slavitt tells congressional lawmakers that changes mandated by a new law on payments are not expected to cause reporting hardships for doctors in solo or small practices and will be adaptable.

Ryan Spotlights Opioid Package As Trump Meeting Looms

Morning Briefing

Although Washington’s eyes are focused on an upcoming meeting between the speaker and the presumptive GOP nominee, Paul Ryan wanted to bring attention to the House’s work this week at trying to pass 18 initiatives aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. The White House, however, criticized the measures, saying they lack “substance.”

Judge’s Ruling Against FTC In Hospital Merger Case An ‘Unexpected Twist’

Morning Briefing

However, speculation now surrounds whether the Federal Trade Commission will take the unusual tact of continuing its challenge to the proposed merger despite the federal judge’s ruling. Meanwhile, in other hospital news, an Illinois state review board has approved the University of Chicago Medical Center’s expansion plan, and a Georgia safety-net hospital is regrouping after Novant Health decided to back away from a possible partnership.

Doctors In Utah Don’t Know How To Comply With Utah’s New Fetal Pain Law

Morning Briefing

Providers say there is no science laying out how to administer anesthesia or painkillers to a fetus, as the state law now requires for any abortion at 20 weeks or later. In other reproductive health news, a Maryland law makes birth control less expensive and the national economy feels the pinch from lower birth rates.

Experimental Texas Clinics Treat Emotional And Physical Trauma Of Foster Kids

Morning Briefing

The models provide mental health services at every point of a child’s medical treatment, as well as guidance for caregivers. Meanwhile in Chicago, telehealth startup Regroup Therapy raises $1.8 million for virtual mental health services.

Patients Saved By Naloxone Too Often Succumbing Quickly To Another Overdose

Morning Briefing

If Prince died from opioids, he follows a dangerous pattern that is a growing frustration for first responders: saving a life only to lose it shortly after to another overdose. Meanwhile, a warrant reveals that Prince was seeing a doctor in the month before his death.