Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Capitol Hill Fights Over Health Law, EHR Doc Payments Continue

Morning Briefing

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill sound off on the Obama administration’s “meaningful use” payments to doctors as the fight over parts of the health law and its oversight and D.C’s insurance exchange continue.

Research Roundup: Medicare Open Season Awareness

Morning Briefing

This week’s studies come from the Archives of Internal Medicine, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, The Kaiser Family Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund and other news sources.

Biden, Ryan Face Questions About Abortion And Faith

Morning Briefing

Both candidates explained how their Catholic background helped to shape their policy views, including on abortion. News outlets reported that, based on answers from Vice President Joe Biden and GOP vice presidential pick Paul Ryan, it was clear that both were aiming to the larger, much sought-after audience of female voters.

Will Growing Familiarity With Medicare’s Private Choices Make Seniors More Open To Premium Support?

Morning Briefing

This question is explored in a new survey and policy brief. Meanwhile, a separate study finds that seniors overspend on Medicare Part D, and their experiences may provide lessons to consider in the development of the health law’s insurance exchanges.

States, Companies And Officials Worry Over Health Law Implementation

Morning Briefing

The medical device industry and other companies are concerned about how the health law’s tax and compliance provisions are affecting their bottom lines and are strategizing new ways forward to avoid the monetary hit.

With Interest In Health Care High, Presidential Candidates Represent Stark Choice In Views

Morning Briefing

A study in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine notes that one in five voters views health care as this year’s highest priority issue — that’s more than in any election since 1992. Meanwhile, news outlets continue to examine the health policies of President Barack Obama and GOP hopeful Mitt Romney.

First Edition: October 11, 2012

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including previews of how Medicare and other health policy issues might play in tonight’s vice presidential debate.

Campaign Buzz: Obama, Romney Vie For Swing Voters

Morning Briefing

In the background, news outlets break down some of the policy specifics in play regarding Medicare and other health issues — and how candidates’ efforts to control the debate are playing among voters.

Romney Says Abortion Issues Not Part Of His Presidential Agenda

Morning Briefing

In what is being cast by many reports as a move to the center, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney told the Des Moines Register that, if elected, he would not pursue specific legislation targeting abortion. Opponents say this is a marked difference from his comments earlier in the campaign.

Schumer Offers Views On How Deficit Talks Should Tackle Entitlement, Tax Reform

Morning Briefing

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., noted that, among Democrats, there is a lot of opposition to raising Medicare’s eligibility age but also interest in overhauling entitlements as part of the push to reach a grand bargain.