Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

GOP Operatives Struggle To Find Message On Health Care, Other Major Issues

Morning Briefing

As the Republican National Committee holds its summer meeting, leaders like former presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich and Ohio Gov. John Kasich highlight the need to advance solutions to the nation’s health care challenges, rather than being the party that only says “no” to Obamacare.

Mulling The Pros And Cons Of A Govt. Shutdown

Morning Briefing

Congressioinal Republicans are at odds about whether they should try to block all funding for the health law’s implementation — even if it triggers a government shutdown. Some say it wouldn’t work anyway and might bring with it a high political cost. But a new poll shows blame would likely be split evenly between Democrats and the GOP.

First Edition: August 15, 2013

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about a range of health law implementation issues as well as whether the battle over the overhaul is worth a government shutdown.

Anticipation Leads To Questions — Will The Health Exchanges Work?

Morning Briefing

McClatchy asks the central question: “Will it be smooth sailing or a ‘train wreck’?” Meanwhile, other news outlets report on issues such as how experts view the possibility of rate shock when consumers shop for coverage from these online marketplaces, as well as other related developments in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Georgia, Ohio and Colorado.

ASU’s Temporary Faculty Faces Reduced Hours — Many Blame The Health Law

Morning Briefing

In other implementation news, the Internal Revenue Service has finalized its rule for sharing taxpayer information with states and other agencies, while provider groups are protesting a federal rule that would put them at financial risk when patients fail to pay their health insurance premiums.

Talking Up The Health Law To Educate Consumers

Morning Briefing

News outlets report that a variety of health law advocates — ranging from federal, state and local officials to retirees and grassroots volunteers — are hitting the streets and knocking on doors to inform people about the law and counter what some say is “misinformation.”

Fla. Hospitals Reduce Hospital Readmissions By 15 Percent

Morning Briefing

The initiative headed by the Florida Hospital Association also reduced readmission rates for surgical complications and bloodstream infections and saved millions at 160 hospitals, it says.

Tax Credits: How Much Should Health Exchange Shoppers Expect?

Morning Briefing

A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation concludes that about half of the consumers who currently buy their own health insurance would qualify for federal subsidies to purchase coverage on the new online marketplaces.

First Edition: August 14, 2013

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major media organizations, including news about a report that provides some insights into who will qualify for the health law’s insurance subsidies and how much those people might get.

The Countdown’s On To Opening Day, But Enrollment Challenges Persist

Morning Briefing

Stateline reports on Enroll America’s plan to focus on 10 states as it tries to get the uninsured enrolled in plans offered on the new online insurance marketplaces. Meanwhile, the Senate’s top Republican, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is asking the administration to delay the exchanges because of data security concerns.

Administration Delays Health Law’s Limit On Some Out-Of-Pocket Consumer Costs

Morning Briefing

The New York Times reports that the change was included in a Department of Labor rule issued in February. Also in the news, KHN details the complex chocies the overhaul presents for people with disabilities and Bloomberg notes a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge allowing Oklahoma’s legal challenge to the law to proceed.

Sebelius Signals Openness To State Alternatives To Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

Speaking to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said she is willing to work with states experimenting with new ways to insure poor Americans. Meanwhile, outlets in Virginia and Michigan report on the debate in those states about expanding the program.