Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

U.N. Asks For $447M In Humanitarian Aid For Yemen

Morning Briefing

The U.N. on Sunday released its Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2012, asking for $447 million in humanitarian assistance targeted toward four million vulnerable people in the country, Reuters reports (Fuchs, 12/18). A statement from the U.N. Inter-Agency Standing Committee said more than half of those at risk will be “severely food insecure” in the coming year, Agence France-Presse notes.

As Attacks Continue, So Do Health Law Implementation Efforts, Challenges

Morning Briefing

The Hill and Reuters report on the health law’s numerous 2012 battle fronts – starting with the Supreme Court’s review of the law and moving toward the November elections. Meanwhile, however, other news outlets report on continuing implementation of the measure, including the creation of a federal health exchange and defense of its prevention fund.

Many Not-For-Profit Hospitals Spend Less Than 2% On Charity Care

Morning Briefing

Media outlets ponder the financial status of not-for-profit hospitals, as well as the challenges facing those in rural communities. Also in the news, the hospice industry continues to fare well.

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.