Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Health Exchange Countdown: Insurers, Regulators Test Drive New Plans, TV Ads

Morning Briefing

News outlets report on how the health law’s online health insurance marketplaces will work, the products that will be available through them and the efforts to enroll millions of uninsured or underinsured people.

Ripple Effect Of Employer Mandate Delay Seen On Policies, Politics

Morning Briefing

Politico reports on how the Obama administration’s decision may create some difficulties for employers. Other media outlets detail how Republicans will try to capitalize on it this week on Capitol Hill.

Reid Says He’s Open To Senate Abortion Ban Vote

Morning Briefing

But the Senate leader warns that Congress shouldn’t focus on “fringe” issues. Meanwhile, political analysts say the Republican push to limit abortions scores points with the party’s conservative base, but could widen its “gender gap” in the 2014 elections.

ACO Pioneers Face Decision Deadline

Morning Briefing

Modern Healthcare reports that Medicare Pioneers have until July 15 to let the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services know if they plan to stay in the program for a second year. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Mirror offers a picture of how accountable care organizations work.

Insurers Could Be Caught In Health Law’s Smoker Glitch

Morning Briefing

As the health overhaul’s implementation marches on, the Obama administration has limited a provision relating to the cost of smokers’ premiums and one news outlet looks at the effects on plans available to college students.

Texas Senate Passes Abortion Restrictions, Opponents Vow Legal Fight

Morning Briefing

Texas Senate lawmakers have followed their House counterparts in approving a series of abortion restrictions. The move has opponents vowing to take their fight to the courtroom and doctors at abortion clinics are worried the legislation could force them to shut down.

First Edition: July 15,2013

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the health law’s implementation and status checks on how the measure’s online insurance marketplaces are taking shape.