Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Oregon’s Dilemma: How To Measure Health
The federal government has allocated $2 billion to Oregon to test ideas for coordinating care given by doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Now, the state has to figure out how it will measure its success
With Time Running Out, Florida Medicaid Expansion Is In Doubt
House GOP leaders question whether feds can deliver on $50B promise to cover poor residents.
New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States
In states with a dominant insurance carrier, competition and lower prices envisioned by the health insurance exchanges that open in 2014 may be slow to arrive.
Maryland Offers Glimpse At Obamacare Insurance Math
Maryland’s CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield pitches a 25 percent average hike in premiums for individuals, down from 50 percent.
Questions Arise About Robotic Surgery’s Cost, Effectiveness
Health plans generally pay for robotic surgery just as they would any other surgical procedure, but that could change, some say, as research helps make clear when robotic-assisted surgery helps improve patient outcomes-and when it doesn’t.
Seniors Get Hung Up In Health Care Scams
Law enforcement agencies report an increase in phone scams by fraudsters who prey on the public’s confusion over the massive changes taking place in the nation’s health care system — and the thieves often target senior citizens.
Health Insurance Actuaries In the Hot Seat On ‘Rate Shock’
Supporters of the health law are questioning the actuarial profession’s close ties to the insurance industry and its predictions that rates are going to soar next year.
Sebelius Gets Grilling In Senate Committee Hearing
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, a key architect of the health law, was “visibly angry and frustrated” as he questioned HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Wednesday about progress implementing the law. Mary Agnes Carey discusses the details with Jackie Judd.
Questions About Colon Screening Coverage Still Vex Consumers
Although the federal government has tried to clarify the preventive care provisions that mandate no out-of-pocket expenses for patients on screening exams, there is still a good bit of confusion.
Doctor-Owned Hospitals Prosper Under Health Law
Even though the 2010 health law stymies their growth, these hospitals are gaining under Medicare’s quality payments programs.
HHS Seeking $1.5B In Funding To Run Federal Health Insurance Exchanges
The administration budget request also includes $2 billion in grants to states for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
Funding To Enroll Uninsured In New Markets Called ‘Drop In Bucket’
Feds announce $54 million to hire ‘navigators’ in 33 states, but some say that’s too little to get job done.
Consumer Groups Fear Patients Could Be Hit With Large Out-Of-Pocket Costs
The Obama administration’s decision to delay the health law provision setting a maximum payment cap for some plans spurs complaints from several dozen organizations.
Same-Sex Spouses Can Face Barriers On Health Care Under Federal Law
Even when states legalize gay marriage, couples may have to pay extra federal taxes on the value of health policies and not get some protections because the federal government is barred from recognizing such unions.
Worries Mount About Enrolling Consumers In Federally Run Insurance Exchanges
Few consumers know what they’ll need to do to sign up for the new health insurance marketplaces. Advocates worry about the outreach strategy and funding in states that defaulted to the federal government to run the exchanges.
Medicaid Expansion Will Open Doors To Care for Ex-Convicts
Extending benefits to ex-offenders will provide health coverage to a group that is generally in worse health than the overall population. Researchers say it could also keep some from sliding back into crime.
Insurers’ Efforts To Delay Health Law Compliance Could Affect Premiums, Benefits For Millions
By moving up renewal dates on plans sold directly to consumers, insurers could delay meeting law’s requirements for up to a year.
At Health Law Anniversary, Even Bigger Changes Loom
Health policy reporters weigh in on what’s changed since the Affordable Care Act became law three years ago for consumers, businesses, state governments, and what’s next for expanding Medicaid and launching exchanges.
Despite Fears Of ‘Sticker Shock,’ Young Adults Should Have Reasonable Plan Options On Exchanges
Insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about the premium prices for young adults, pre-tax contributions to health savings accounts and choosing between work-provided coverage and buying a plan on their own.
Why Uninsured Might Not Flock To Health Law’s Marketplaces
Florida programs show that convincing people to sign up for even low-cost coverage is no cinch.
