Latest Morning Briefing Stories
New York is one of five states that required insurers to sell to everyone prior to passage of the health law but did not require consumers to buy coverage, leading to some of the nation’s highest premiums.
Texas Groups Promote Health Insurance Exchange With No Help From State
State officials have no plans to help educate consumers about new insurance options. Other groups are stepping in, but some worry it won’t be enough.
Obama On Health Law: ‘Working The Way It’s Supposed To’
Video: In remarks at the White House Thursday the president touted lower-than-projected premiums that have been announced for health insurance marketplaces in several states.
Obama Says Health Law Is Saving Consumers Money
President uses speech to push back against critics, highlight law’s benefits to middle-class and working Americans.
Hospitals May Soon Be Reaching For The Stars
Medicare is considering assigning stars or other symbols to hospitals so that patients can compare quality more easily. Hospital groups are wary.
Head Of Rx Drug Makers Group Says Obama Budget Plans Cause Concern
John Castellani, the head of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, notes support for health overhaul but says efforts to change Medicare Part D program and companies’ control of biologic drugs “would do serious harm to our industry.”
‘Wildfire’ Growth Of Freestanding ERs Raises Concerns About Cost
Health experts and insurers predict the trend will boost insurance premiums for everyone.
Small-Town Clinic Provides Care To A Farming Community’s Poor
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center operates seven family clinics in four rural counties to fill the gap for rural patients.
Hospital In Rural Missouri Faces Tough Challenges
The Affordable Care Act’s success or failure will depend in large part on the efforts of rural hospitals such as Poplar Bluff to treat the poor.
Some Doctors Questioning Whether Shorter Shifts For Interns Are Endangering Patients
The work day for doctors in their first year out of medical school was cut to 16 hours to reduce fatigue and medical errors. But recent studies suggest it may be making the situation worse.
Health Exchange Pitch To Sports Fans Started In Fenway
The Red Sox helped get the word out about Massachusetts’ health reform in 2007, and in Colorado at least, the state is marketing its new insurance exchange to fans of the Rockies.
National Health Plans, Designed To Spur Competition, May Be Unavailable In Some States Next Year
The federal health law requires two plans in every state, but few insurers are lining up to play.
Advocates Urge More Government Oversight Of Medicaid Managed Care
The health law’s expansion of Medicaid is putting a spotlight on how regulators monitor the performance of privately-run plans.
Pennsylvania Among 17 States Turning Over High-Risk Insurance Pool Responsibility To Feds
The pools are intended to help people until Jan. 1, 2014, when the federal health law’s provision banning insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or charging them more takes effect.
Thousands Of Mississippi Consumers May Not Be Offered Insurance Subsidies
No insurer is offering to sell plans in dozens of mostly rural counties, which would prevent residents from obtaining subsidies through a federal online marketplace.
Map: Where Insurance Options May Be Lacking In Mississippi Marketplace
Thirty-six of Mississippi’s 82 counties may lack a subsidized health insurance option when a new marketplace opens this fall. Humana and Centene’s Magnolia Health Plan are expected to be available the remaining counties, noted by the dots on the map.
Big Changes Ahead For Those Who Buy Their Own Insurance
Premiums may increase for young people, but the flip side is insurers must take all comers, broaden benefits and cap out-of-pocket costs.
Navigators Will Play Important Role As Marketplace Launch Nears
Consumers can call on “navigators,” trained people who will provide face-to-face assistance. Or, it is hoped, the navigators will call on them.
With A Little Planning, Women Can Get Emergency Contraceptives For Free
Like other types of birth control, these medications are required to be covered as a preventive benefit without cost sharing in many health plans. But to do so, women must get a prescription for the soon-to-be over-the-counter pills.
NFL’s Help Sought On Promoting Obamacare Insurance Plans
The Obama administration is seeking the help of national sports organizations, including the National Football League, to persuade young Americans to sign up for insurance coverage.
