Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Obama Administration Urges States To Move Forward On Health Exchanges

Morning Briefing

Administration officials will “try to encourage reluctant states” to move forward with health exchanges, even as time appears to be running out, Reuters reports. Also in the news, consumer representatives from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offered state and federal officials suggestions about how they should write regulations to implement the health law’s key consumer protections.

First Edition: August 14, 2012

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including more news and analysis related to GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running-mate pick and how the Romney-Ryan team appears to be playing on the campaign trail.

Mitt Romney Taps Paul Ryan As His V.P. Pick

Morning Briefing

The selection of the fiscal conservative puts the size and scope of the federal government — and especially the future of Medicare and other entitlement programs — at the center of the election debate. Ryan’s views on social issues, such as abortion, are also explored by media outlets.

Ryan’s Medicare Plan Comes Under Greater Scrutiny

Morning Briefing

As Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., moves to the national stage as GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s running mate pick, his proposals to reshape Medicare, Medicaid and other safety net programs emerge as political lightning rods.

Romney-Ryan Team Hits The Campaign Trail

Morning Briefing

GOP presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney will make campaign appearances Monday in Florida, the senior-rich state where Medicare is a key voter concern, and where some predict Paul Ryan’s budget proposals could have a negative impact. Meanwhile, the newly anointed Romney vice presidential pick will be in Iowa.

First Hospital Penalties For High Readmissions Detailed

Morning Briefing

KHN examines new penalties hospitals face under the health law. Meanwhile, Medpage Today reports on the American College of Physicians’ new recommendations on government rules about doctors’ interactions with patients.

IRS Rule Could Keep Working-Class Families From Affordable Coverage

Morning Briefing

An IRS rule could mean some working-class families may not be able to afford employer-sponsored insurance nor qualify for federal subsidies under the health law, leaving a key part of America uninsured. Childless adults, however, are in line for significant health insurance coverage gains under the health law’s Medicaid expansion.

Boomers Face Dearth Of Home Caregivers; Medicare Expands Home-Care Pilot Project

Morning Briefing

As baby boomers age, the U.S. will face a challenge trying to fill more than 1 million new home care positions to meet their needs, The Associated Press reports. In the meantime, Medicare is adding more groups to a pilot program aimed at lowering costs for Medicare beneficiaries by providing them with home-based care.

Medicaid Expansion Would Have Major Effect On State Economy

Morning Briefing

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines issues surrounding the expansion of Medicaid coverage under the health law and notes that the extra federal money coming into the state would have a $72 billion economic impact over 10 years.