HHS Shifts Money From Cancer, Global Health To Pay For Health Insurance Exchange
Some House Republicans question the transfer of funds, but HHS says the shifts are legal and necessary to operate a marketplace, which is relied upon by 37 states.
Tax Time Reprieve For Obamacare Procrastinators
The Obama administration announced a special enrollment period from March 15 to April 30 for healthcare.gov consumers who discover they owe a penalty after filling out their tax returns.
States Add Dental Coverage For Adults On Medicaid But Struggle to Meet Demand
Dentists say they’re reluctant to see Medicaid patients because they’re typically paid about half as much as they get from private patients.
Pregnant And Uninsured? Don’t Count On Obamacare
March of Dimes, Young Invincibles and Planned Parenthood say that pregnant women should be able to get health coverage outside the three-month open enrollment period.
Concierge Medicine Firm Found Liable For Doctor’s Negligence
In what may be the first verdict of its kind, a jury found the concierge medical giant MDVIP responsible for physician’s negligent care of a Boca Raton patient.
Why Florida Is No. 1 In Obamacare Enrollment Despite GOP Opposition
More Floridians have signed up for private health exchange plans than in any other state thanks to online mapping tools, coordinated outreach efforts and insurers’ involvement — and in spite of Republican opposition.
Indiana Medicaid Expansion May Tempt Other GOP-Led States
A three-year agreement between Indiana and the federal government imposes cost-sharing on poor adults and uses a cigarette tax and a fee on hospitals to pay the state’s costs of expanding Medicaid — and could lead to other GOP-led states following suit.
Medicaid Pay Hike Opened Doors For Patients, Study Finds
Patients gained access to primary care doctors as a result of the health law’s pay increase, according to the analysis.
High Court Weighs Whether Providers Can Sue States Over Medicaid Pay
The Idaho case is being closely watched by states that want to stop such lawsuits, as well as by patient advocates and providers who say patients’ access to care depends on fair rates.
Supreme Court Battle Brewing Over Medicaid Fees
States say government should be able to set rates without courts stepping in. Patient advocates and providers say intervention is needed to improve access.
Might Your Workers Be Eligible For Medicaid? Start-Up Helps Employers Find Out
BeneStream screens for Medicaid-eligible workers, creating a win-win for both employers and employees.
As Docs Face Big Cuts In Medicaid Pay, Patients May Pay The Price
The health law offered a two-year pay raise for primary care doctors who see Medicaid patients to entice them to participate, but that expires Dec. 31.
With 1.5 Million Sign-Ups So Far, Obamacare Enrollment Is Brisk
State and federal exchanges report strong interest in 2015 plans, smoother exchange performance and better-trained assisters.
Obamacare Co-Ops Cut Prices, Turn Up Heat On Rival Insurers
For-profit carriers complain the upstarts have an unfair edge because of low-interest federal loans.
Nearly 9 Percent Of Medicaid Births Delivered Early For No Medical Reason
Study finds that early elective delivery rates are declining but authorities say they are still too high, leading to worse health outcomes for mothers and children.
Seniors’ Obesity-Counseling Benefit Goes Largely Unused
Experts say low reimbursements and restrictions on providers have hampered the Medicare program.
Insurance Exchanges Launch With Few Glitches
More than 100,000 apply for coverage of federal marketplace as year-two health law enrollment period begins.
Millions Of Medicaid Kids Missing Regular Checkups
Administration improves screening rates, but needs to do more to ensure that poor children get recommended health care, says HHS inspector general.
Red State Idaho Launches Its Own Obamacare Exchange
Idaho will have the only new state marketplace this year, while Oregon and Nevada abandon failed state exchanges and go with healthcare.gov instead.
More States Expected To Expand Medicaid In 2015
Texas and Florida, with their large uninsured populations, are not expected to offer coverage to many low-income patients.
