Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

States Brace For Impact Of Health Law Ruling

Morning Briefing

Even with the health law’s future in question, news reports indicate that some states are pressing forward with implementation, while another — Massachusetts — considers itself untouched by what becomes of the federal law. All the while, the politics of the health overhaul will play a significant role at the state level, too.

Politics Provides The Backdrop For Justices’ Consideration Of Health Law

Morning Briefing

The proceedings at the high court could shake the fall elections in a variety of ways. Even before the arguments begin, both sides of the fight are a bit battleworn from the court’s past rulings and the path that has led to this week’s clashes.

Amped Up Health Law Debate Creeps Into Presidential, Congressional Races

Morning Briefing

Mitt Romney raises his attack on the Democrats’ health care law while GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum assails Romney for championing the Massachusetts health law — and takes the fight to the steps of the Supreme Court.

Medicaid Arguments At Court May Affect Other Federal Programs

Morning Briefing

The New York Times examines the far-reaching implications of the arguments over the federal health law provision expanding Medicaid. Also, Sen. McConnell uses GOP address to talk about replacing the health law.

Romney Assails Health Law; Obama Embraces ‘Obamacare’

Morning Briefing

On second anniversary of the law, former Massachusetts governor says, “It’s amazing how many things are wrong with it.” At the same time, the president tweets that Obamacare isn’t a “dirty word.”

The Health Law Officially Turns Two — Now What?

Morning Briefing

Supporters are marking the health law’s second birthday today even as questions swirl about whether it will get to celebrate a third. Meanwhile, media outlets examine where implementation stands and what is yet to come.

House Appoves Bill To Kill Medicare Cost Panel

Morning Briefing

In what is viewed as a largely symbolic move, the GOP-led House passed a bill that would undo the health law’s Medicare cost control board. Though the measure initially drew some Democratic support, those votes all but disappeared after the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board was linked to medical malpractice legislation. The bill is not expected to go anywhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

High Court Health Law Action Already Making Political Waves

Morning Briefing

As supporters and opponents of the law formulate strategies to take advantage of the buzz surrounding next week’s oral arguments, a new report looks at how much has been spent in public opinion ads on the law.