Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Romney’s Medicaid Comments Draw Criticism That He Is ‘Out Of Touch’

Morning Briefing

During a campaign appearance, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney said that until he became involved in government services he didn’t completely understand the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, the aggressive ads being run in Iowa by another candidate, Ron Paul, may be making an impact.

HHS Avoids Backlash By Allowing Flexibility On Essential Benefits

Morning Briefing

By allowing states the flexibility to make key decisions, the administration avoided a “political hot potato” regarding essential benefits – the medical benefits insurers must cover under the health care law.

First Edition: December 19, 2011

Morning Briefing

Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that the tax cut extension bill — which includes a temporary Medicare ‘doc fix,’ has hit a new snag

Lawmakers Reach Agreement To Avert Gov’t Shutdown

Morning Briefing

Negotiations continue on a measure to extend the payroll tax cut. Some of the issues that are in play and that draw Democratic resistance include proposed ways to pay for this extension, such as charging upper-income seniors more for Medicare.

Gingrich’s Policies Appear To Advance Gov’t Role In Health Care

Morning Briefing

Many of his public statements indicate he has advanced policies that would give the government a “bigger hand” in the delivery of health care. Meanwhile, a new poll shows support for President Barack Obama is low and that opinions about the health law continue to be mixed.

3-Year Study Identifies Key Interventions To Reduce Maternal, Newborn, Child Deaths

Morning Briefing

A three-year study conducted by the WHO, Aga Khan University, and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) “has identified key interventions to reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths,” PANA/Afrique en Ligne reports. “According to the study

Feds Deny Florida’s Request For Waiver From MLR Rule

Morning Briefing

The Department of Health and Human Services denied Florida’s request on the basis that complying with the health law’s medical-loss ratio rule would not destabilize the insurance market.

Study: Dentists’ Role In Medical Checkups

Morning Briefing

A study in the American Journal of Public Health indicates that many people who don’t have regular contact with a physician still see a dentist at least once a year — potentially positioning these professionals to spot the early signs of chronic illnesses.

Miami’s Jackson Hospital Posts Loss Again; Nurse Strikes Threatened

Morning Briefing

In hospital business news, two Philadelphia landmarks agree to join operations while Jackson Hospital in Miami is facing a cash crisis. The New York Times reports that newly emboldened nurses unions are confronting hospital management over proposed budget cuts. And Houston faces the loss of a key psychiatric hospital.

Health Costs On The Rise; A Worry For People Near Retirement

Morning Briefing

A new report from S&P Indices finds that the average costs of health care services covered by commercial insurance and Medicare reflects an annual increase of 5.11 percent for the year ending in October.