Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Hearings Over High Drug Prices Delayed Due To Partisan Atmosphere On Capitol Hill

Morning Briefing

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says he’s frustrated with how Democrats are approaching the issue. The delay is a gift for the pharmaceutical industry, which has worked to put the brakes on a number of congressional and administrative efforts to bring down prescription drug prices.

Schumer: Asking Democrats For Help Is ‘Not That Audacious Of An Idea’

Morning Briefing

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, wants Republicans and President Donald Trump to reach out to find a bipartisan solution on health care. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders blasted the legislation as “obscene.”

Republicans Consider Keeping ACA’s Unpopular Tax On Wealthy

Morning Briefing

“The fewer changes, the more of all these pieces you leave in place, the closer and closer it comes to looking like current law,” said Adam Looney, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

New Divisions Among Republicans Emerge As Leadership Tries To Please Everyone Just Enough

Morning Briefing

Media outlets look at the dynamics emerging between Republican senators as health bill negotiations proceed. Meanwhile, it looks unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, will hit a self-imposed deadline to get a new bill to the CBO by Friday.

Perspectives On The Political Landscape: What’s Next For Mitch McConnell’s Health Plan — A Push For Passage Or An Exit Strategy?

Morning Briefing

Editorial pages highlight the politics in play — questioning whether the GOP health law revamp has lost its ties to traditional Republican ideology, whether it is “political kryptonite” and who will ultimately be responsible for its success or failure.