Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Americans Covered By Obamacare Watch Campaign 2016 With Vested Interests
The Associated Press: Repeal Or Retain? Election Opens Final Act For 'Obamacare'
Election Day 2016 will raise the curtain on the final act in the nation's long-running political drama over President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. If Republican Donald Trump wins, the unraveling begins. "We have an obligation to the people who voted for us to proceed with 'repeal and replace,'" said Sen. John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican. If Democrat Hillary Clinton goes to the White House, it gets very difficult for Republicans to keep a straight face about repealing "Obamacare." (Alonso-Zaldivar, 8/20)
The Associated Press: Man Who Owes Insurance To 'Obamacare' Still Voting For Trump
When Bruce Bradford was fired after nearly two decades as a federal police officer, he lost his income, his health insurance and eventually his wife and apartment as his medical problems mounted. He ended up being thrown a lifeline by the very politicians he can't stand. Bradford, a longtime Republican who dislikes big government and what he regards as handouts, obtained insurance and a monthly government subsidy under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. (Kennedy, 8/20)
The Associated Press: Without A Subsidy, Couple Faces Higher Insurance Premiums
With a household income too high for a federal subsidy, Bruce Mainzer and Beth Shadur are bracing for higher health insurance premiums in 2017. As in other states, many insurers in Illinois have requested double-digit rate increases. Americans ineligible for the government subsidies that help cover their premiums will be hit hardest. (Johnson, 8/20)
The Associated Press: Cancer Patient Could Not Get Coverage Before 'Obamacare'
Health care will be on Rebecca Esparza's mind in the voting booth this fall. The two-time cancer survivor from Corpus Christi, Texas, said repealing the Affordable Care Act, as Republicans have tried to do dozens of times, could make her uninsurable. "I realize this is something that could happen," she said. "It's a terrifying thought for me not to have any insurance at all." (Johnson, 8/20)
The Associated Press: Popular 'Obamacare' Provision Gives Young Adults Coverage
It's a popular part of the Affordable Care Act. Soon after the provision went into effect, the number of uninsured Americans ages 19 to 25 dropped by 1.6 million, according a government survey. More young adults received health insurance as the law's other provisions took effect in 2014. By last year, fewer than 5 million were uninsured, about half the number when the law passed in 2010. (Mulvihill, 8/20)
