Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
GAO: Healthcare.gov Has Multiple Cyber 'Incidents'
The Hill: GAO To Report On Security Incidents At Healthcare.gov
Government investigators will release a report later this year about multiple cybersecurity “incidents” at HealthCare.gov, a GAO official told lawmakers Wednesday. Gregory Wilshusen, director of Information Security Issues for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), suggested there have been several cyber events at ObamaCare’s online exchange. He did not provide further details. (Viebeck, 4/22)
The Associated Press: Health Law Brings Growth In Food Stamps In Some States
President Barack Obama's health care law has had a surprising side effect: In some states, it appears to be enticing more Americans to apply for food stamps, even as the economy improves. New, streamlined application systems built for the health care overhaul seem to be making it easier for people to enroll in government benefit programs, including insurance coverage and food stamps. (Johnson and Mercer, 4/22)
The Fiscal Times: Why Obamacare’s Portal Still Needs a Brand Makeover
While the healthcare law itself is enjoying a boost in popularity, its federal portal seems to be struggling with a branding crisis. A new survey by Forrester Research ranks HealthCare.gov, the federal health insurance exchange portal, dead last among government brands that provide a quality consumer experience. (Ehley, 4/22)
Health News Florida: The Barriers People In The Coverage Gap Face To Get Care
What Cynthia Louis thought would be a fairly straightforward process of finding out what’s wrong with her joints has taken more than a year and a half. She’s had to quit the job she loved so much because she can’t stand up for long periods of time. Because she has no income, though, she does not qualify to get help paying for health plans on HealthCare.gov. She also does not qualify for Medicaid in Florida because she doesn’t have any dependents. She is one of the 850,000 Floridians in the health care “coverage gap.”
Other stories examine the possible impact of a Supreme Court decision rejecting federal exchange subsidies -
California Healthline: Why States Using The Federal Exchange Are Unlikely To Run Their Own
States relying on HealthCare.gov need a backup plan if they want to help their residents keep subsidized health insurance. The Supreme Court this summer could rule that subsidies are illegal outside of state-based exchanges. (Infantino, 4/22)
Politico Pro: Biggest Loser If ACA Grace Period Ends? Not Providers
Chaos will befall the health care system if the Supreme Court strikes down Obamacare subsidies, but the law’s obscure requirement that insurers keep non-paying customers on their rolls for 90 days won’t be part of it. (Norman, 4/22)
