Senate Narrowly Approves Obama’s Choice For Surgeon General Despite NRA Opposition
The nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy had languished for months because of his support for gun control measures and his advocacy of the health law.
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The nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy had languished for months because of his support for gun control measures and his advocacy of the health law.
Seattle's big companies have pushed local hospitals and doctors to meet the kinds of rigorous standards they use to build airplanes or brew coffee, reports The Los Angeles Times. Also in the news are a look at the SHOP exchanges for small businesses and the rate increases some of those employers are facing.
If finalized, the two-year pilot program, which Gov. Bill Haslam negotiated with the Department of Health and Human Services, would make Tennessee the 28th state to expand the low-income health insurance program.
But, in general, healthcare.gov held up okay in the face of a related enrollment surge. In addition, news outlets report that the exchanges in Minnesota and California, joined New York, and extended their enrollment deadlines to Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 respectively for coverage that begins Jan. 1.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from Georgia, California, Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Maryland.
Major employers are waiting for proof that switching to the private exchanges will save them money, reports Reuters. Meanwhile, Centene Corp, a Medicaid insurer, gave a stronger-than-expected outlook for next year.
The MIT economist testified last week before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and apologized for his controversial comments about the health law. But the panel's chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wants to know more about Gruber's income related to his work on the overhaul and has issued a subpoena.
The New York Times reports on an array of policy measures attached to the mammoth spending measure, including one provision that provides relief to Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that the section that deals with pensions could become a model for trimming other federal programs, including Medicare.
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., says he will continue to advance changes to the Medicare program that create a "premium support" option. He will also work on reining in federal spending.
During interviews on sports shows and other popular media, President Barack Obama noted the sign-up period was closing for coverage that starts Jan. 1. While appearing on an ESPN show, he also talked about the NFL and domestic violence.
If the legislature were to accept the governor-elect's efforts to expand Medicaid, technical problems with the state's Medicaid enrollment and eligibility systems are still being addressed. Also, many Virginia residents in the "coverage gap" are feeling a pinch as they look for insurance.
Now that insurers and hospitals have reaped rewards from the rollout of the federal health law in states that expanded Medicaid, other groups are demanding a share of the savings. Meanwhile, some free clinics close their doors and a few small businesses start to drop coverage.
The first 2015 Obamacare open enrollment period will end at midnight on Dec. 15. News outlets report that the online insurance marketplaces appear to be operating well enough to handle any pre-deadline rushes to sign up. In addition, New York extended its deadline until Dec. 20.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy news stories from Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Connecticut, Missouri, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Kansas and the District of Columbia.
The regulations would give the same rights to gay and straight spouses of patients no matter where they live -- as long as the marriages are legal somewhere in the United States.
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