Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

How Growing Public Support For Obamacare Tripped Up The Republicans

Morning Briefing

The Affordable Care Act should have been easy to get rid of, considering how many Americans held a low opinion of it when Republicans came into office. But a shifting tide of support has been one of the things that has complicated matters.

Trump Celebrates Symbolic Win: ‘We’re Now One Step Closer To Liberating Our Citizens’

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump spoke to supporters on Tuesday about Republicans’ efforts to free them from the “Obamacare nightmare.” The president also spoke with The Wall Street Journal about his health care plans.

McCain Swoops In To Save Party From Embarrassing Loss; Calls For Return Of Courage And Decorum

Morning Briefing

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who was diagnosed with brain cancer last week, flew back to D.C. to help Republicans pass the vote to begin the health care debate. The senator then took to the floor to lambaste his colleagues on the current state of politics in Congress.

Prominent Psychiatry Group Relaxes Stance On Speaking About Mental Health Of Public Figures

Morning Briefing

The rule against psychiatrists offering their analysis of behaviors, such as ones exhibited by the president, robs the public “of our professional judgment and prevents us from communicating our understanding” of the president’s mental state, one psychiatrist said. In other public health news: the next revolution in HIV treatment, Zika testing, ticks and disease, dental services, pollution and more.

Physicians, Often In Fear Of Losing License, Know How To Hide Signs Of Addiction To Escape Notice

Morning Briefing

“Somehow they believe their knowledge is going to be more powerful than addiction,” said Dr. Marvin Seppala, an addiction expert. Meanwhile, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is looking to tap unlikely sources as allies in the battle against opioids: benefit payers and insurance administrators.

In Unexpected Turn, Democrats Block Once-Bipartisan Bill Funding VA Choice Program

Morning Briefing

Under the rules set for the bill, supporters needed support from two-thirds of members to pass the bill. Lawmakers voting against it cited opposition from a large group of veterans organizations that called on Congress to reject the bill because it pays for the choice program through cuts in the VA.