Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

New Va. Governor Renews Democrats’ Push For Medicaid Expansion

Morning Briefing

Gov. Ralph Northam set an agenda that includes Medicaid expansion, gun control legislation and protections for abortion rights, but Republican lawmakers showed no signs of compromise. News outlets report on other Medicaid news from Oregon, Iowa and Illinois.

Lawsuit Brewing As Kentucky Becomes First State To Get Approval To Impose Medicaid Work Requirements

Morning Briefing

In one of the biggest changes to the Medicaid program in its history, the Trump administration last week announced that it would allow states to seek new requirements from beneficiaries. Kentucky is now the first state to do so, but advocates are already threatening a lawsuit over the new guidelines. Media outlets offer closer looks at Kentucky’s decision, the legal battle that will inevitably follow, who will be affected by the change, the political risk Republicans are taking, and more.

Different Takes: The Value Of Reforming Medicaid; Securing Social Services; Getting A Flu Shot

Morning Briefing

Opinion writers examine a range of state-specific health care issues, including a proposed effort to create a first-of-its-kind drug formulary for Medicaid; struggles to save social services programs from the chopping block; and a push for everyone to get the flu shot this year.

New Study Joins Growing List Confirming Abortion Pills Are Safe For Women To Take

Morning Briefing

Out of 220 women only two reported having major complications. In other women’s health news: the Trump administration is trying to block another pregnant teenage immigrant from seeking an abortion, and Serena Williams’ experience highlights the dangers that still accompany childbirth.

Methadone Clinics Become ‘Liquid Handcuffs’ For Those Who Can’t Afford Pricier Treatment Programs

Morning Briefing

Although the opioid crisis hasn’t discriminated based on race or economic class, the treatment for it does. In other news on the epidemic: studies show the benefits of safe injection sites, a judge overseeing hundreds of lawsuits against drugmakers wants all sides to start talking to each other, the FDA warns against giving kids certain cough medicine, and more.

Disturbing Video Of Baltimore Woman Shines Light On Pervasive Problem Of Hospitals ‘Dumping Patients’

Morning Briefing

A video that went viral shows a disoriented woman in nothing but a hospital gown and socks discharged out into the cold, dark night from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. The practice of patient dumping, however, is anything but new.

Congressional Advisory Group Supports Changes In Medicare Doctor Payments

Morning Briefing

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, says one of the two payment tracks set up under a new reimbursement system is too burdensome for physicians and won’t push them to improve care.

6-Year CHIP Extension Looks Likely After CBO Numbers Show ‘It May Have No Cost’

Morning Briefing

The funding has been held up in Congress because of disputes over how to pay for the program. But those arguments might be moot now that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that extending funding would save the government $6 billion over a decade because providing coverage through CHIP is more cost effective than other government-funded coverage, such as Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage. Meanwhile, doctors and families take steps to protect against a further-protracted funding lag.

Centene Sued After Enrollees Say They Can’t Find Doctors To Take Their Plans

Morning Briefing

“Centene misrepresents the number, location and existence of purported providers,” the lawsuit claims. Centene, which also provides coverage to low-income individuals under the government Medicaid program, has proved to be one of the mainstays of the Affordable Care Act.

Trump To Undergo First Physical Exam In Office Amid Chatter Over State Of His Cognitive Health

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump said he would “be surprised” if it didn’t go well. Meanwhile, a group of more than 70 psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals urge the physician conducting the exam to assess the president’s neurological health.

Legal Challenge To Medicaid Work Requirements Already Brewing, But CMS Says Law Is On Its Side

Morning Briefing

Critics of the new guidelines that will allow states to impose the requirements on some of their Medicaid enrollees say the policy is a contradiction of the purpose of Medicaid, and thus needs an act of Congress to change it. But CMS Administrator Seema Verma says she thinks the agency acted well within its rights. Meanwhile, outlets offer a look on where state leaders stand on the issue.