Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

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.

Lawmakers Brace For Health Law Issues During August Recess

Morning Briefing

With the overhaul continuing to be a divisive issue, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — as well as the measure’s advocates and opponents — have put in place messages and plans to keep their arguments strong.

First Edition: August 13, 2013

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the status of the U.S. budget as well as developments in the hospital marketplace.

Obama’s Health Law Promises Put To The Test

Morning Briefing

The Hill checks up on five health law promises from the president as implementation continues. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News examines how some low-income people might gain insurance if their state doesn’t expand its Medicaid program, but the strategy will carry risks.

State Health Insurance Marketplaces Progress With Fits And Starts

Morning Briefing

The Washington Post reports on tools that will be available to residents in D.C., Maryland and Virginia to help them get up to speed on the health law, and The Associated Press details how some insurers are opening retail stores to help educate potential consumers about the health law. Other news outlets report on the latest developments in Georgia, Oregon, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Minnesota.