Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
If Democrats Want To Spread Health Care Message, They're Going To Have To Pay For Ads, Political Experts Say
Bloomberg: The Dems Take Obamacare On The Road
For the first time since it became law in 2010, Obamacare is a political asset for Democrats heading into an election—a striking turn after several cycles in which the law’s unpopularity helped Republicans sweep into power in legislative races across the country. Still, Democrats face a challenge: President Trump’s attacks on Obamacare prompted a broad reassessment of its merits and hurt his party’s political standing. To successfully exploit the issue, Democrats have to find a way to cut through the din of Trump news and scandal coverage and convince voters they’ll defend the health-care law from ongoing GOP sabotage and repeal efforts. (Green and Kapur, 6/25)
Politico: Reversal Of Fortune: Obamacare Rate Hikes Pose Headache For Republicans
Obamacare premiums are once again poised to spike by double digits in 2019, causing heartburn for politicians as voters will head to the polls within days of learning about the looming hit to their pocketbooks. But unlike recent campaign cycles, when Republicans capitalized on Obamacare sticker shock to help propel them to control of Congress and the White House, they’re now likely to be the ones feeling the wrath of voters. (Demko, 6/24)
In other health law news —
The Star Tribune: With Preexisting Condition Protections At Risk, Health Care Looms As Top Minn. Election Issue
As the Trump administration backs away from legally defending access to health insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions, congressional candidates in Minnesota are getting ready for another campaign season likely to be dominated by the health care debate. Republican lawmakers have twice failed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while an increasing number of Democrats are advocating for single-payer health care — a difficult proposition even if they win back control of Congress in November. An NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll in early June found more than one in five voters named health care as their top concern in the upcoming midterm elections, more than any other issue. (Rao, 6/23)
Georgia Health News: 4 Insurers Submit Rates For 2019 Ga. Exchange
Four health insurers have submitted proposed rates to the state insurance department to offer coverage in next year’s exchange in Georgia. The state agency, which must approve or reject the proposals, said Friday that it had not yet had time to study them. (Miller, 6/22)
Cleveland Plain Dealer: 2019 Insurance On The Obamacare Exchange In Ohio Will Increase
Ohioans who shop for health coverage on the Obamacare marketplace will see an average premium increase of 8.2 percent, according to preliminary data released Friday from the Ohio Department of Insurance. The 2019 expected increase is more moderate compared to this year's, when it averaged 20 percent. (Hancock, 6/22)
