Latest Morning Briefing Stories
A Reader Asks: Do Couples Have To Buy The Same Level Health Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist reports family members can opt for separate plans and still qualify for premium subsidies, but they need to consider some other important details.
Signing Up The Homeless, One At A Time
Skid Row clinics in Los Angeles and other locations around the country are educating and enrolling homeless people in new health coverage, but mental illness and drug addiction pose challenges.
Explaining Healthcare.gov’s Problems
Gary Cohen, the head of the federal online marketplace, answered questions on Capitol Hill Thursday about the rocky rollout of healthcare.gov. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Melissa Attias discuss.
Check Your Blood Pressure, (Unwittingly) Sell Your Contact Information
SoloHealth, a company that puts health screening kiosks in supermarkets, partners with insurers looking to sign people up with Affordable Care Act polices.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Soar But Confirmed Coverage Is An Issue
Since Jan. 1, thousands of people trying to use their new insurance have been told by caregivers that they are not covered. Many have spent hours trying to clear up the confusion with insurers.
HHS Extends Coverage For Patients In Federal High-Risk Pools
The insurance plan, which serves thousands of people with medical problems who could not get coverage elsewhere, had been slated to end at the end of the month.
Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
Emergency Rooms Are Front Line For Enrolling New Obamacare Customers
While it may be a logical place to enroll the uninsured, consumer confusion — and illness — are hurdles for outreach workers.
Health Law Adds Coverage For Services Needed By People With Developmental Disabilities
But advocates are concerned that insurers may find ways around the new requirements.
Nearly A Quarter Of Health Marketplace Enrollees Are Young Adults
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN’s consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
Obamacare Giving Big Boost To Georgia’s Health IT Industry
In a state where politicians have said ‘no’ to the Affordable Care Act, the area around Atlanta has a growing number of health IT businesses. Some are benefiting from the law.
New Insurance Policies Must Cover Mental Illness
Anyone who buys a plan through the new online marketplaces will find mental health services covered as one of 10 “essential health benefits.”
Doors To Treatment Opening For Poor Illinoisans Struggling With Mental Illness
Federal and state laws expand psychiatric coverage, but some experts fear care will be in short supply.
Former HHS Head Offers His Take On Health Law’s Problems
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law’s insurance marketplaces.
Texas Democrats Say Navigator Rules Are Politically Motivated
Democratic legislators on Monday pushed Texas Department of Insurance officials to justify their proposed regulations for navigators.
Health Law Inspires Hope But Also Worry Among Those With HIV
People with HIV and AIDS can get private insurance, but advocates say that doesn’t guarantee access to high quality care.
Readers Ask: Are Premium Subsidies Permanent; Do I Have To Meet An Asset Test For Medicaid?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about provisions of the health law.
Thousands Waiting For Medicaid Coverage Are Stuck In Limbo
State Medicaid programs have not received data on many applicants because of healthcare.gov’s software problems.
Millions Of Lower-Income People Expected To Shift Between Exchanges And Medicaid
“Churning” may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
