Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

First Edition: September 29, 2010

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the continuing politics surrounding the health overhaul, as both parties vie for the loyalty of older voters and First Lady Michelle Obama steps up efforts to promote the new law.

Study: Employees Will Pay More For Health Insurance In 2011

Morning Briefing

Companies’ health costs will rise about 9 percent on average next year as a result of the age wave, growing medical costs and health overhaul-related changes, and employees can expect to pick up an ever-growing share.

Some Democrats, Including Reid, Embrace Health Law As Fall Campaign Battles Continue

Morning Briefing

Some House Democrats are using the new health law – and their support of it – as a positive in their fights to keep their seats. HHS Secretary Sebelius campaigned for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada.

Enzi Targets HHS Regulations, House Will Consider Medical Debt Relief Legislation

Morning Briefing

CongressDaily reports that Senate Republicans are trying to stop the health care law “one rule at a time” by seeking a vote this week on a privileged resolution “that would roll back HHS regulations on health insurance plans that existed before the overhaul bill was signed into law.”

Asian Countries Should Increase Rice Reserves To Prevent Food Insecurity, Report Says

Morning Briefing

A report (.pdf) released on Monday by the Asia Society and International Rice Research Institute recommends that “Asian countries should increase rice reserves to help stabilize prices and improve food security in the region which is home to about 65 percent of the world’s hungry,” Bloomberg reports.

Health Law Includes Help For Young Women With Breast Cancer

Morning Briefing

The new federal health law seeks to raise awareness among young women and their doctors about the risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile, advocates push for Medicare coverage of breast protheses.