Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Working Poor At Heart Of Medicaid Debate As Govs Draw Line In The Sand

Morning Briefing

Even as state executives such as Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Florida Gov. Rick Scott remain firm in their opposition to the health law’s Medicaid expansion, health providers such as Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tony Cosgrove express their support for it.

Health Law’s Under-26 Provision Applies To Same Sex Partners’ Children

Morning Briefing

On Friday, adminstration officials published a proposed rule to this effect. Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is questioning the Obama administration’s decision to allow temporary firefighters to gain access to health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.

Third-Party Groups To Target Health Law With New Wave Of Attack Ads

Morning Briefing

Also in the news, the Supreme Court — especially after the recent health law decision — is an effective tool to rally fundraising among both Democrats and Republicans. Meanwhile, a defense policy expert suggests presidential candidates focus on long-term military mental health issues. Finally, The Wall Street Journal examines how health care is playing in the Montana Senate race, where candidates are sparring over who is soft on cancer.

HHS Issues Final Rule On Essential Health Benefits Data Collection

Morning Briefing

Meanwhile, new research from the Center for Studying Health System Change indicates that more small businesses may be self-insuring — a step that will reduce their participation in the health law’s insurance exchanges.

Reid Blocks Latest GOP Effort To Repeal Health Law

Morning Briefing

Senate Republicans had advanced the repeal effort as an amendment to the Bring Jobs Home Act. Meanwhile, House conservatives, who have also pressed to undo the health law, say state lawmakers now may be on the frontlines of the fight.