Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Top Democratic Senators Ask For Open Enrollment To Be Extended Through January
The Hill: Dems Call For Trump Officials To Extend ObamaCare Deadline
Two top Senate Democrats are calling on the Trump administration to extend ObamaCare’s sign-up period, arguing it is being cut off too soon this year before people have time to enroll. The sign-up period is slated to end on Friday, after beginning Nov. 1, about half as long as it has been in previous years. Sens. Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Patty Murray (Wash.), the top Democrats on the Senate committees overseeing health care, wrote to the administration on Tuesday calling for the period to be extended to Jan. 31. (Sullivan, 12/12)
Politico Pro: Obamacare Sign-Ups Expected To Lag At The End Of Enrollment This Week
Obamacare’s open-enrollment season is headed for a disappointing ending this Friday despite its surprisingly robust start. The reasons for the expected lag include the Trump administration's decision to cut the sign-up period in half and slash outreach and marketing, skyrocketing premiums and general confusion about the status of the health law after repeated failed Republican attempts to dismantle it. (Demko, 12/12)
The Baltimore Sun: Maryland Health Exchange Extends Deadline To Enroll In Obamacare
Marylanders seeking health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act will get an extra seven days to sign up, state officials plan to announce Wednesday. The new enrollment deadline is December 22 rather than Friday. The deadline was extended by a week to accommodate procrastinators and avoid a last-minute enrollment crush at the end of this week. (Cohn, 12/13)
Arizona Republic: 'Obamacare' Insurance Sign-Up Period For 2018 Coverage Ends Friday
Arizonans who get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace have until Friday night to sign up for 2018 coverage. ... Arizonans have signed up for ACA health insurance at a faster pace this year, but some predict overall enrollment will fall short of last year's because of the shorter enrollment period and cuts to federal funding for advertising and outreach workers who promote the law. (Alltucker, 12/12)
Kaiser Health News: Consumers Who Froze Their Credit Reports Could Hit A Glitch Enrolling In Insurance
Some Americans who froze their credit reports following the big data breach this year at the credit-rating firm Equifax may be in for a surprise if they try to purchase insurance on the federal health law’s marketplaces. That freeze could trigger a delay in the application process. Signing up for a marketplace plan online requires consumers — especially first-time enrollees — to prove their identity by answering questions linked to their credit history. It can affect both those who are seeking a subsidy and those who are not. (Appleby, 12/13)
