Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Trump: ‘I Cannot Imagine Congress Would Dare To Leave Washington’ Without A Health Bill

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump pressured lawmakers on Monday to make progress on their proposed legislation before the looming August recess. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence backs the idea that Congress should pass a repeal bill first if lawmakers can’t reach an agreement on their plan.

Insurance Fraud Ring Captures Vulnerable Patients Seeking Addiction Treatment

Morning Briefing

Stat and the Boston Globe investigate brokers that send patients with premium insurance benefits to treatment centers for expensive care. In other news on the opioid crisis, Buffalo, N.Y., pilots the nation’s first drug intervention court. And an Ohio sheriff says his officers will never carry the overdose antidote. News on the national epidemic is also reported from Oregon, Virginia, Minnesota, Maryland and Ohio.

Releasing Patients From The Hospital Is A Judgment Call That Can Go Wrong

Morning Briefing

“Most of the time, it’s very complicated. You’re trying to make an assessment: Is the person going to a home? Is there family? Are they reliable? What was the specific reason they were brought in? Is that likely to occur again?” said Bea Grause, president of the New York statewide hospital and health system association HANYS. Meanwhile what happens when a patient wants to leave but the hospital says no?

Will Republicans Switch From An Obamacare Repeal To An Obamacare Bailout?

Morning Briefing

With the Better Care Reconciliation Act’s prospects appearing dim, are there next steps? In other news on repeal efforts: what Americans want for health care is murky; a look at how the proposed bill would affect you; subsidies to help pay for coverage; the number of uninsured in the U.S. is climbing; and more.