Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Conservatives Urge Speedup Of Health Law Repeal, Dismiss Calls For Caution
Remarks by Sen. Mike Lee and Reps. Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows reflect growing uncertainty about Republicans’ path to overhaul Obamacare.
Could Minnesota Health Reforms Foreshadow Repeal And Replace?
The state passed a bailout to make ACA plans more affordable, defeated a plan to offer bare bones insurance and is floating a state-sponsored public option.
If Obamacare Is Being Repealed, Do The Uninsured Still Face Penalties?
People who think the change in administrations may save them from having to pay a fine for not having insurance in 2016 could be in for a rude surprise.
A Guide To Budget Reconciliation: The Byzantine Rules For Disassembling The Health Law
Republicans, who don’t have the votes to repeal the ACA directly, are hoping to use this strict budget strategy that requires only a majority vote to strip the health law of provisions they oppose.
Employers Fret Job-Based Coverage Vulnerable To Fallout From GOP Health Overhaul
Employer medical insurance still covers more people than any other kind. A Republican replacement for Obamacare could spread instability beyond the health law’s shaky marketplace plans.
HSAs: ‘Tax-Break Trifecta’ Or Insurance Gimmick Benefiting The Wealthy?
Republicans hope to expand the use of health savings accounts to encourage consumers to be more judicious in using their coverage. Here’s an explainer of how they work.
Indiana, Pence’s Home State, Seeks Federal OK To Keep Medicaid Expansion
Indiana asked the Trump administration Tuesday to renew funding for its Medicaid expansion under the health law, which is due to expire in January 2018.
Hospitals Worry Repeal Of Obamacare Would Jeopardize Innovations In Care
One part of the federal health law gave hospitals financial incentives to improve patient care. Some invested big to make those changes and are worried about what losing that support would mean.
Demand For Popular Short-Term Insurance Plans Could Surge If Health Law Is Relaxed
Consumer advocates warn that these policies don’t have important safeguards that customers need.
Drug Prices, Opioids, And Obamacare: A Conversation With Assemblyman Jim Wood
Wood, who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, lays out his priorities for 2017.
Arizona Children Could Lose Big Under Obamacare Repeal
Arizona has among highest rates of uninsured children in the country, but the ACA got more children insured. Advocates fear with ACA repeal, those gains will disappear.
Repeal Ripples: Five Obamacare Exchange Chiefs Contemplate An Uncertain Future
Despite political peril, Obamacare business is brisk in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado.
At Party Retreat, GOP Still Searching For Health Law Consensus
At their party retreat, the officials are coalescing around a strategy that would have not a single replacement for the Affordable Care Act but instead include changes through a budget bill, administrative action and later a series of individual bills addressing smaller aspects of the health system.
ACA Repeal Threatens A Black Lung Provision Popular In Coal Country
The Affordable Care Act simplified and speeded up the complex process that allows coal miners who have black lung to get special benefits. Many in coal country want this reform to stay if the rest of the law is repealed.
‘Not Turning Back’: California Governor Vows To Protect State’s Health Care
Gov. Jerry Brown said he will work with other governors and lawmakers to prevent a loss of federal health dollars that could “devastate” the state’s budget.
For Conservatives, A New Day In Health Care
We talk with a leading expert about Republican ideas for reform. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution says it’s a mistake to think conservatives have too few ideas — rather they have too many.
Everything You Need To Know About Block Grants — The Heart Of GOP’s Medicaid Plans
Republican plans to transform Medicaid could help set debate on the role of government and entitlements. Here’s an explanation of how it could work.
Republicans Standing Behind Price
KHN’s Julie Rovner is interviewed on WBUR’s “Here and Now” about the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing on the nomination of Rep. Tom Price to head HHS, as well as President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on the health law.
Trump’s First Order Has Strong Words On Health. Actual Impact May Be Weak.
Trump administration has tools to break the health law. Will it use them?
One GOP Plan Says Calif. And Other States That Like Their Obamacare Can Keep It
States could continue to cover people under the ACA or create new approaches, according to a bill introduced Monday. Many Democrats fear such state options won’t draw enough federal funding and will fragment coverage nationwide.
