Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Officials Scramble To Make Sure Consumers Have Tools They Need To Pick The Right Health Insurance
Los Angeles Times: The Scramble To Get Consumers To Buy The Right Health Coverage Through Obamacare
State and federal health officials, facing growing concerns about the cost of insurance plans offered through the Affordable Care Act, are scrambling to deploy new Web-based tools to help Americans find the most economical coverage. This fall, state and federal insurance marketplaces created by the law, including in California, plan to offer consumers more comprehensive ways to compare health plans, check physician networks and estimate their total healthcare costs. (Levey, 10/29)
The Austin American Statesman: United Way Helping Residents Navigate Health Insurance Options
In an effort to ensure Williamson County residents have access to health care, United Way of Williamson County will be helping residents apply for health insurance through the health insurance marketplace. State and federally certified bilingual, health insurance marketplace navigators will be working to help individuals, families and small business owners get health insurance during the 2015 open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31. (10/28)
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Anthem To Pull Out Of Health Plan Exchanges In Milwaukee, Racine And Kenosha Counties
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin will no longer sell health plans on the marketplace set up through the Affordable Care Act in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. The Milwaukee market — where six other companies are selling health plans on the HealthCare.govwebsite — has emerged as one of the most competitive in the state. (Boulton, 10/28)
Meanwhile, it's also Medicare open enrollment season -
Health News Florida: SHINE Coordinator: Medicare Part B Rumored To Rise 50 Percent
Seniors enrolling in Medicare are facing a tough decision when it comes to which plans they should sign up for. The enrollment period started about two weeks ago, but the federal government has yet to confirm a price for Part B plans. Most people currently enrolled in Medicare Part B pay about $105 a month. (Miller, 10/29)
