Latest Morning Briefing Stories
EHealth Sees Once-Thriving Business Decline Due To Health Law Exchanges
The nation’s largest online broker lost thousands of customers, but some analysts suggest that if the Supreme Court strikes down subsidies on the federal exchange, some may return to the company.
Newly Insured Californians Wary Of Costs But Embracing Coverage
Though many newly insured Californians say they have trouble paying premiums, they find care easier to access than the uninsured and are more confident in their ability to pay for it, according to a survey.
For Millions In Georgia, A Toothache Not Treated By Obamacare
The Affordable Care Act has done little to reduce the number of Americans who lack dental coverage.
South Florida Lawmakers Discuss Medicaid Expansion At Forum
With a special legislative session set for next week, state lawmakers and hospital representatives discussed the future of health care in Florida, including Medicaid expansion.
5 Reasons Feds Are Overhauling Regs On Medicaid Outsourcing
Management of the joint state-federal program for low-income people has changed dramatically, and federal officials are seeking to make sure it meets the needs of enrollees.
When Paying The Obamacare Penalty Is Cheaper Than Buying Insurance
For some, playing the high-risk gamble of paying the Obamacare penalty versus carrying health coverage they can’t afford pays off, for others who get sick, the wager leaves them with huge medical bills.
KHN Video: Filling In The Gaps
This video features specially trained paramedic Ryan Ramsdell, who is part of an ambitious plan in Reno, Nevada, to overhaul the 911 system to improve patient care and cut costs.
Paramedics Steer Non-Emergency Patients Away From ERs
In Reno and around the country, community paramedics are providing more care themselves and taking non- emergency patients to facilities other than emergency rooms.
Small-Business Employees’ Group Slams Washington State For Rejecting Health Plans
While the Washington Education Association health trust has won approval from the state, other groups providing health coverage for thousands of small-business employees are finding their plans in limbo or rejected.
Feds Say That In Screening Colonoscopies, Anesthesia Comes With No Charge
In an announcement this week, federal officials made clear that insurers should not charge patients for the anesthesia used in a screening colonoscopy, but some other routine charges are still in dispute.
S.C. Man Will Get Sight-Saving Surgery As Liberal Donors Chip In
Most said they hope he gets the surgery and changes his political views.
Learning A New Health Insurance System The Hard Way
A Sacramento couple struggled to take advantage of subsidized health care coverage through Covered California in 2014 – facing one glitch after another. This year, they are more savvy about navigating the system.
Who Should Pay To Save The Sight Of An Uninsured South Carolina Man?
A self-employed handyman chose not to buy health insurance. Now, with his savings exhausted and health problems that may lead to blindness, The Charlotte Observer blogs about how his case poses economic, as well as moral challenges.
Medicaid Expansion Is Still A Tumultuous Fight In Several States
Medicaid expansion was a big deal in a handful of states’ legislatures this year. Wyoming said no, Tennessee said no. Montana said yes in last-minute maneuvering, and three more states are coming down to the wire, including Utah, Alaska and Florida.
What’s Next If The Supreme Court Strikes Down Obamacare Aid?
An interview with policy expert Linda Blumberg of the Urban Institute about the possible consequences of the latest health law case before the Supreme Court, King v. Burwell.
In Louisiana, Obamacare Subsidies Mean Financial Independence For Some
Meet three people from the Bayou State who would likely lose their insurance and their newfound sense of financial stability if the Supreme Court rules subsidies illegal in the King v. Burwell case.
‘Free’ Contraception Means ‘Free,’ Obama Administration Tells Insurers
The announcement says that the health law’s provision that insurers provide free contraceptives extends to all types of prescribed methods.
Missteps By Missouri Medicaid Become Ammunition For Expansion Foes
A stinging federal audit and complaints of long wait times give reluctant lawmakers a line of attack.
Florida Governor Leaves D.C. Meeting Empty-Handed
Despite ‘a good conversation’ with HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Gov. Rick Scott gets no commitment on uncompensated care funding.
Paying Medicaid Enrollees To Get Checkups, Quit Smoking and Lose Weight: Will It Pay Off?
Like wellness programs in the private sector, more than a dozen states are offering incentives to Medicaid enrollees to spur them to make healthier decisions — and potentially save taxpayers money.
