Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Health Policies Will Play Role In Debate’s Political Theater

Morning Briefing

As new polls show a narrow margin separating them, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will face questions on their plans for Medicare, Medicaid and overhauling the health system during tonight’s debate. The focus will be on domestic policy, and at least 15 minutes will be dedicated to health care.

An Expanded Role For Some Nurses?

Morning Briefing

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is considering whether to reimburse a certain type of nurse to provide chronic-pain treatments.

States Ask, Answer Questions On Health Law Implementation

Morning Briefing

Even as some states didn’t meet the target set by the Department of Health and Human Services for submitting their “benchmark” plans regarding the health law’s essential health benefits, others offered specifics about what would be covered and what plans would be their choice.

CMS Revises Readmissions Penalties; How Hospital Networks Play Into Equation

Morning Briefing

Kaiser Health News examines readmissions at hospitals, including how CMS has revised up penalities on hospitals who readmit patients too soon and how hospital networks play into the readmissions equation.

Debate Primer: ‘A Mere 15 Minutes’ Set Aside To Cover Lots Of Differences On Health Policies

Morning Briefing

News outlets set the scene for some of the tough health policy questions the two presidential candidates might face during tomorrow night’s debate. Also in the news, new ads are unleashed on the health law and women’s health issues.

Obama Administration Urges States To Pursue Health Law Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

Even as federal officials push states to expand Medicaid programs, at least a dozen states are not ready or not willing to set up state-based health exchanges — another aspect of the health law that is key to expanding insurance coverage.