Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Some Face Marriage Penalty In Obamacare Subsidies
Married couples earning over $62,000 are not eligible for subsidies they might have gotten as two single individuals.
When Palliative Care Is The Best Care
A growing subspecialty that manages pain and stress for the seriously ill saves money, increases patient satisfaction and lengthens lives.
Many Wash. Health-Exchange Plans Exclude Top Hospitals From Coverage
Many insurers offering plans through the state’s exchange marketplace plan, Washington Healthplanfinder, have trimmed the include-all-providers networks in favor of more narrow plans.
With Three Weeks Left, Consumers Fear They May End Up Without Health Coverage On New Year’s Day
Insurance marketplace malfunctions have left some eager consumers in limbo as deadline to enroll nears. “I’m praying to God,” one says.
Covered California Faulted For Failing To Reach More Spanish Speakers
Dismal enrollment numbers in October spark cry for action.
Medicare Seeks To Curb Spending On Post-Hospital Care
One out of every six dollars Medicare spent in the traditional fee-for-service program went to nursing and therapy for patients in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, long-term care hospitals and in their own homes.
In Wonky Version Of American Idol, Georgetown Researchers Vie For Grants Before Local Donors
To become a judge, individuals donate at least $1,000 and then hear presentations about a handful of proposals before voting on a winner.
‘Narrow Networks’ Trigger Push-Back From State Officials
Criticism of limited provider networks is emerging in at least a half a dozen states as consumers realize that their Affordable Care Act insurance may not include the physicians or hospitals they’ve been seeing.
Administration Tests Fixes That Would Allow Insurers, Brokers To Enroll More Consumers
Changes that would allow the companies to enroll subsidy-eligible individuals are being tried in Texas, Ohio and Florida.
For Insurers, Obama’s Proposed Cancellation ‘Fix’ Changes Health Law Calculations
Wellpoint and other insurers face a new set of decisions as a result of the Obama administration’s proposed “fix,” which would allow them to renew individual plans that don’t include all the benefits required by the overhaul.
A Reader Asks: Will International Students Be Eligible For Health Law’s Subsidized Coverage?
Anyone who is “lawfully present” in the United States may qualify for premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance.
In Iowa, Accountable Care Begins To Make A Difference
The Medicare program created by the Affordable Care Act focuses on smarter, targeted care to save lives and money.
President’s Cancellation ‘Fix’ Likely To Affect A Limited Number Of Consumers
Many state regulators, insurers have yet to decide on whether to OK renewals of canceled policies.
Doctors Complain They Will Be Paid Less By Exchange Plans
Some worry the lower rates will discourage physicians from participating, potentially making it more difficult for enrollees to get care.
Scott Walker’s Medicaid Maneuver
The Wisconsin governor, who may have presidential ambitions, wants to take people off BadgerCare and have them shop for subsidized coverage on healthcare.gov.
As open enrollment continues under the health law, insurance columnist answers questions about issues affecting readers.
Grants Help States Combat High-Cost, Low-Quality Health Care
The Affordable Care Act offers state grants to reward doctors for quality health care.
Health Insurers Face An Uncertain Future
Insurers battle to increase profits while adapting to health law’s new constraints.
Uninsured In Mich. County Can Pay For Dental Care With Volunteer Work
The “pay-it-forward” program has served more than 4,000 adults in the Battle Creek area since 2007.
California Considers Its Options On Canceled Insurance Plans
The insurance commissioner and the health insurance industry lobby disagree over President Obama’s plan.
