Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Using Novel Line-Item Veto, Ark. Governor Extends Medicaid Expansion
The unusual strategy helped the governor get around a small group of Republican senators who threatened to cancel the expansion, which has brought coverage to more than 267,000 state residents.
UnitedHealthcare To Exit All But ‘Handful’ Of Obamacare Markets In 2017
UnitedHealthcare said Tuesday it will leave most of the 34 states in which it offers health insurance under Obamacare, but Nevada and Virginia are two markets it will retain a presence.
Study: Medicaid Expansion Encourages More Poor Adults To Get Health Care
Doctor visits and hospital stays were more likely for low-income adults in states after they expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, researchers reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine Monday.
Competition Suffers Most If UnitedHealth Exits Obamacare In 2017: Analysis
A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis released Monday, a day ahead of UnitedHealth’s expected announcement, finds 1.1 million consumers would have no choice in health insurance plans if the giant insurer drops out of Obamacare marketplaces as threatened.
Most Doctors Unsure How To Discuss End-of-Life Care, Survey Says
They recognize the responsibility, but some may need training.
Even Under Parity Rules, Plans May Charge Higher Specialty Copays For Counseling
A reader asks if it’s fair for his health plan to classify his son’s treatment by a psychologist as specialty care that requires a higher copayment.
California Insurance Marketplace Imposes New Quality, Cost Conditions On Plans
In a sweeping overhaul of its contracts, the state’s insurance exchange will require health plans to hold doctors and hospitals accountable for quality and cost.
IRS Could Help Find Many Uninsured People, But Doesn’t
Many low-income households that claim earned income tax credit lack health insurance, Urban Institute finds.
Supreme Court Asks For More Information In Birth Control Case
The request also hints at a potential compromise from the justices.
Contratistas Agrícolas Se Resisten A Requisitos Del Obamacare
La ley federal de salud está poniendo a los agricultores en una situación difícil. Muchos contratistas que suministran trabajadores tienen que ofrecer cobertura de salud. El seguro es costoso, y los contratistas se preocupan sobre las consecuencias para la inmigración.
Health Care Fades Into The Background Of 2016 Election Cycle
With Obamacare battles largely behind us, presidential candidates in 2016 seem focused on other issues.
In Conservative Indiana, Medicaid Expansion Makes Poorest Pay
The novel expansion model is testing how far a state can go under Obamacare in making poor people share responsibility for the cost of health care.
Medicare Proposes Expansion Of Counseling Program For People At Risk Of Diabetes
A study finds that the program, developed by the YMCA, helped beneficiaries improve their diets, get more exercise and lose weight.
Montana Medicaid Expansion Earns Good Grades In First Report Card
Since its rollout on Jan. 1, Montana Medicaid expansion has enrolled more than 38,000 people and returned $3 million to the state’s general fund.
Three Changes Consumers Can Expect In Next Year’s Obamacare Coverage
The Department of Health and Human Services issues new rules designed to simplify health coverage consumers buy through Healthcare.gov.
FAQ: What Are The Penalties For Not Getting Insurance?
A consumer’s guide to the tax penalties for not having insurance.
TrumpCare Takes It On The Chin
GOP health policy analysts skewer front-runner’s health proposal.
Trump Health Plan Recycles GOP Staples And Adds A Populist Wrinkle
Donald Trump drew fire in recent debates for his lack of specifics on how he would change the country’s health care system. He released a plan Wednesday that is unlikely to satisfy critics.
Aetna CEO Answers Burwell’s Call, Vows Support For Exchanges Amid Losses
But Mark Bertolini wants the country’s marketplaces to better serve young people, who define
healthy as “looking good in their underwear.”
Will Healthcare.gov Get A California Makeover?
Feds propose taking a page out of Covered California’s book and moving to a simplified health insurance marketplace.
