Latest KFF Health News Stories
Web-Based Brokers Still Unable To Enroll Consumers
Despite promises of technical fixes by the federal government, Web-based brokers like eHealth are still unable to enroll consumers in Obamacare policies through their own sites as an alternative to healthcare.gov.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: December 18, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports that insurers will extend the payment deadline for Jan. 1 health coverage until Jan. 10.
Ex-Microsoft Exec Takes Over Healthcare.gov Fixes
Kurt DelBene, who previously was president of the Microsoft Office Division, was named by President Barack Obama to replace Jeffrey D. Zients and oversee efforts to rescue the federal government’s health care website.
Obama Talks Health Care Technology At Meeting With Executives
President Barack Obama met privately with executives from several technology companies to discuss the difficulties the administration has had with healthcare.gov.
Maryland Insurers Agree To Delay Deadline For Jan. 1 Enrollment
For consumers seeking coverage on the state’s health exchange, Maryland’s insurers will extend the enrollment deadline from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27. Rhode Island also plans to extend its deadline. Meanwhile, news outlets offer updates from Texas, Connecticut, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado and Washington.
Study: Insurance Market ‘Death Spiral’ Unlikely
Pushing back against those who warn that low numbers of younger subscribers in new insurance marketplaces could lead to a spiral of higher premiums and falling enrollments, Kaiser Family Foundation analysts say the signup of young adults “is not as important as conventional wisdom suggests.”
Federal Officials Begin Sending States Applications From Residents Eligible For Medicaid
The administration is delivering the data to states so that they can enroll new applicants. Meanwhile, in Virginia, the legislative panel holds its last meeting of the year without a recommendation about Medicaid expansion, and Colorado reports its latest enrollment figures.
Insured, Uninsured Are Uncertain Over Impact Of Health Law On Them, Poll Finds
Both insured and uninsured Americans worry about what the health law means for them, a new poll reveals. In the meantime, however, another poll says that despite concerns over the measure, the public is not keen on giving control of the law to Republicans over Democrats in next year’s elections.
Bipartisan Budget Opens Door To Hope For More Cooperation
The Senate is nearing final passage of a bipartisan two-year budget proposal that is giving lawmakers on both sides of the aisle hope that cooperation on other legislation is on the way.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Lady Promotes Health Law To Moms, Minorities
In addition to joining her husband in a White House meeting with mothers, Michelle Obama will do a series of interviews with the nation’s most popular African-American radio hosts to encourage people to sign up for coverage through the health law.
Workers And Some Employers Wary Of Incentives To Improve Health
The health law allows job-based health plans to boost the rewards for workers who adopt healthier habits.
Under Fire, MNsure Director Resigns Abruptly
The head of Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, April Todd-Malmlov, resigned Tuesday after facing criticism over the troubled rollout and a questionably timed vacation in Costa Rica.
State Highlights: Va. Governor-Elect Will Keep Republican’s Health Secretary
A selection of health policy stories from Virginia, Illinois and Connecticut.
Insurers Struggling To Meet Health Law’s Shifting Deadlines
The administration’s effort to stretch the enrollment period after the botched rollout of the healthcare.gov website has complicated efforts by insurers and left some consumers concerned about their coverage.
First Edition: December 18, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the former Microsoft executive who has been tapped by the Obama administration to take over the repairs of healthcare.gov.
Fix In Health Website Helps Stop Freefall In Obama’s Popularity
An ABC News/Washington Post poll suggests opposition to the health law has eased in the past month. Meanwhile, the administration says that the president will soon name someone to replace Jeffrey Zients to oversee the operation of the insurance website.
Obama Seeks Advice On Healthcare.gov From Tech Giants
President Barack Obama was slated to meet Tuesday with executives from leading technology companies, including Google, Microsoft and Apple, to solicit suggestions on the federal health care exchange website. The impact of federal surveillance efforts on those companies’ customers is also expected to come up.
Texas Navigators In The Hot Seat During Congressional ‘Field Hearing’
After allegations of wrongdoing, a congressional hearing held Monday in Richardson, Texas, focused on the required training, and the lack of background checks and fingerprinting, for those who were on the job.
