Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Poll: ACA Gains Support

Morning Briefing

The Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest tracking poll found that though 43 percent of respondents had an unfavorable opinion of the law, 41 percent had a favorable view — the smallest gap since the fall of 2012. The poll also explored a number of other issues, including public thoughts on the Supreme Court’s current consideration of Obamacare subsidies.

Small Businesses Complain About Health Law Paperwork

Morning Briefing

Meanwhile, the IRS commissioner testifies before Congress that the agency needs more funding to implement the health law’s insurance mandate, in addition to fulfilling its other responsibilities. And a new study projects two million children would lose coverage if the Supreme Court rejects subsidies and Congress fails to extend a children’s insurance program.

Feds Nix Mass. Plan To Settle Health Insurers’ Dispute

Morning Briefing

Federal officials object to a state plan to phase in a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires some insurers make payments to others who are covering sicker enrollees. Meanwhile, a Maryland exchange board member responds to criticism of no-bid contracts and Georgia’s insurance rates hold the line.

Red State Medicaid Expansion Plans Face Hurdles

Morning Briefing

A new bill is being advanced in Montana after the governor’s expansion proposal was defeated. In Kansas and Nebraska, supporters of the concept press forward. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Governor Bill Walker reverses his earlier position and tells legislators he will introduce a measure to expand the low-income health insurance program.

Bipartisan Work Continues On Plan To Fix Medicare Doc Pay

Morning Briefing

House leaders are working on a $213 billion plan to permanently change how doctors are paid for treating Medicare patients. In related news, the reauthorization of CHIP continues to be a hot topic, and a popular, anti-human trafficking bill is being held up in the Senate because of a controversial abortion provision.