Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Ky. Gov. Points To Exchange, Medicaid Expansion As Obamacare Model
The Hill: Governor Touts Kentucky As Obamacare Model For Red States
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) is touting his state as an example of making ObamaCare work in a Republican stronghold. The state has drawn national attention for setting up its own ObamaCare marketplace and expanding Medicaid under the law. “Let me be clear: We welcome the attention, because we know we have boldly seized the opportunity to change the course of history in our state,” Beshear said in Washington Thursday at a conference of America’s Health Insurance Plans, an insurer trade group. (Sullivan, 3/12)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Health Insurance Groups Look To Improve Minority Enrollment
Health insurance enrollment advocates placed a special emphasis on enrolling minority groups in plans under President Barack Obama’s health overhaul. But federal data released this week show that task has been a struggle during the last two years. Now, groups who drive the enrollment efforts are looking for answers and trying new ideas. (Shapiro, 3/13)
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune: MNsure Cuts Two-Year Enrollment Projection By 15 Percent
MNsure officials on Thursday again lowered the outlook for commercial enrollment through the state’s health insurance exchange, as board members noted the influence of both a strong regional economy and the relatively small number of Minnesotans who currently lack coverage. (Snowbeck, 3/12)
Minnesota Public Radio: MNsure To Cut Budget By $2.5 Million Over Three Years
The MNsure board Thursday approved a three-year financial plan that cuts spending by more than $2.5 million over three years. MNsure officials said the cuts were made necessary by lower than expected enrollment in private health plans. MNsure receives some of its funding from a percentage of premium payments made by people who enroll in private health plans through the state's online insurance marketplace. (Zdechlik, 3/12)
California Healthline: Uninsured Rate For 'Young Invincibles' Dips Below 10% At State Universities
On Wednesday, researchers released poll results that show dramatically low rates of uninsured students at California State University campuses, including a steep drop in the number of Latino students without insurance. (Gorn, 3/12)
The Boston Globe: To Ease Use, Mass. Health Connector May Cap Plan Choices
Consumers like having options, but sometimes too many choices can make shopping a nightmare. That can be especially true when shopping for something as complex and personal as health insurance. In the most recent open enrollment period for the Massachusetts Health Connector, 11 health insurers offered a staggering number of plans: 126 in all, each with different premiums, out-of-pocket payments, and benefits. One insurer had more than 30 health plans available. For the next round, the Connector plans to reduce the options by about a third. (Freyer, 3/12)
WBUR: Connector Gains New COO, Corner Office Adviser
The Baker administration continues to put its stamp on the state’s Health Connector Authority with the hiring of two top officials. (Dumcius, 3/12)
Associated Press: Oregon Gets A Win, Judge Sends Cover Oregon Fight With Oracle To State Court
The state of Oregon has notched another victory in its high-stakes legal battle with Oracle Inc. over the failure of the Cover Oregon health insurance website. U.S. District Judge Anna Brown this week rejected Oracle's attempt to try the case in federal court. The decision means dueling lawsuits filed by the state and the company will proceed separately in state and federal court. (3/12)
