Morning Briefing

The state was one of 13 seeking an exemption from the health law's medical-loss ratio requirement that insurance companies spend at least 80 percent of premiums on medical care. Others, however, get a 30-day extension. Also in the news, the Department of Health and Human Services named 73 advisers to work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. And, the American Hospital Association registered concern about some antitrust policies regarding accountable care organizations. Meanwhile, Politico lists some of the key health policy dates to watch in 2012.