Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Exchanges Bracing, And Hoping, For A Last Minute Rush
Bloomberg: Obamacare Enrollment Poised To Exceed 9.1 Million Projection
A working website and more new customers than expected has Obamacare headed toward enrollment that will blow past the lowered projections of its managers. With the program’s first deadline looming on Dec. 15, when people who want coverage beginning Jan. 1 must sign up, little has gone wrong so far in the second enrollment season for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Technical problems have been scattered and largely resolved. Consumer interest is strong, with 1.4 million people signed up through Dec. 5 in 37 states using the federal healthcare.gov system. (Wayne, 12/12)
USA Today: State, Federal Insurance Sites Seem Ready For Late Rush
The first big Affordable Care Act 2015 open enrollment deadline is here and this time it looks like it won't be a bust. The federal HealthCare.gov website and state sites seem to be working well enough to get people enrolled or re-enrolled by midnight Monday if they want coverage to be effective on Jan. 1. The final deadline for enrollment for coverage in 2015 — and to avoid penalties at tax time in 2016 for not having insurance — is Feb. 15. (O'Donnell and Ungar, 12/14)
The Associated Press: Crunch Time Again For Health Insurance Sign-Ups
President Barack Obama’s health insurance program faces another big test Monday. This time it’s more than just getting the website to work. Monday is the deadline for new customers to pick a health plan that will take effect Jan. 1. For current customers, it’s the deadline to make changes that could reduce expected premium increase ahead of the new year. (12/14)
Fox News: Federal, State Health Insurance Sites Brace For 2015 Sign-Up Deadline
President Obama's healthcare reform push faces the biggest test of its second year in existence Monday, the deadline for customers to choose an insurance plan for 2015. Midnight Pacific time is also the deadline for current enrollees to make changes that could reduce premium increases ahead of the new year. (12/15)
The Fiscal Times: Obamacare Enrollees Could Get Hit With Surprise Costs
Returning Obamacare enrollees have until next Monday to decide whether they want to keep or switch insurance policies for next year. If they do nothing, they will be renewed automatically in their old plans. (Ehley, 12/12)
The Associated Press: NY Health Exchange Extends Registration Deadline
New York's health exchange is extending its registration deadline for the coming year by five days until Dec. 20. The state Health Department says the extension applies to enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage for the second year of the state-run marketplace. (12/14)
The Oregonian: Health Insurance: Monday Deadline Looms To Tap Tax Credits For Jan. 1
Oregonians hoping to tap federal tax credits to reduce their monthly health premiums must buy coverage by Dec. 15 to ensure their policy kicks in Jan. 1. The deadline applies to people buying coverage for themselves or their family but who are not on Medicare. It is an important date for those hoping to keep costs down and coverage uninterrupted. (Budnick, 12/14)
Arizona Republic: Deadline Nears To Sign Up For ACA Coverage
The Obama administration's top health official visited Arizona on Saturday and said consumers should take action on their Affordable Care Act plan before a key deadline Monday to avoid being routed to health coverage that does not fit. (Alltucker, 12/13)
Miami Herald: Monday Is Key Deadline To Sign Up For Health Insurance Under The Affordable Care Act
December 15 is the last day for consumers to sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage that starts Jan. 1. First-time Obamacare customers who miss the deadline will have to spend January without insurance. They’ll need to sign up for coverage by Jan. 15 for coverage that starts Feb. 1. The final day to enroll is Feb. 15. (Nehamas, 12/12)
