Latest Morning Briefing Stories

The Arkansas Medicaid Model: What You Need To Know About The ‘Private Option’

KFF Health News Original

Arkansas has broached what could be a deal-making compromise for states in a stalemate over whether or not to expand Medicaid. The Arkansas model gives Washington the increased coverage for the poor it wants, and Republicans something that looks less like government and more like business.

Hospitals Press States To Expand Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

With billions at stake, hospitals are lobbying hard for Medicaid expansion in Columbus, Tallahassee and other state capitals where state legislators oppose the extension of the program.

Worries Mount About Enrolling Consumers In Federally Run Insurance Exchanges

KFF Health News Original

Few consumers know what they’ll need to do to sign up for the new health insurance marketplaces. Advocates worry about the outreach strategy and funding in states that defaulted to the federal government to run the exchanges.

As ‘Bodega Clinicas’ Fill Void, Officials Are Torn on Embracing Them

KFF Health News Original

The storefront doctor’s offices serve a vast number of uninsured Latino residents, in a kind of parallel, cash-only health system. But officials have little information on the quality of health care the clinicas provide, and whether they might be able to help fill persistent and profound gaps in Los Angeles’ strained safety net.

A Guide To Health Insurance Exchanges

KFF Health News Original

The new online marketplaces, to be set up by October, are designed to make it easier to buy insurance. But they’re in the middle of a political fight over the health care law.

Census: Uninsured Numbers Decline As More Young Adults Gain Coverage

KFF Health News Original

The number of people without health insurance fell to 48.6 million last year, or 15.7 percent of the population, the first drop since 2007, according to new census numbers reported Wednesday.

College Students Bridge Chasm Between Medical Care And Poverty

KFF Health News Original

The volunteers, part of a program called Health Leads, help low-income families connect with social service groups providing food, clothes, housing and other services so that children can overcome some of the obstacles contributing to health problems.

Uninsured And Unaware Of Supreme Court Case Against Health Law

KFF Health News Original

‘What new law?’ ask patients attending a free weekend clinic in rural Tennessee. Few people understood that their future benefits are at stake as the Supreme Court weighs the fate of the federal health overhaul law.

Los Angeles Is Betting On One Crusading Doc To Turn Public Health System Around

KFF Health News Original

Los Angeles has some 2 million uninsured residents. It has long had one of the most disorganized public health systems, too. Now, Dr. Mitch Katz is looking to reshape the system and match patients with their own doctors.