Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Six Things That May Move Public Perception Of Obamacare
How valuable people find their new health coverage will help shape public opinion of the law going forward.
One Texan Weighs Obamacare Options: High Deductible Vs. ‘Huge Fear’
Going without insurance “is like gambling,” says a 43-year-old social worker. But the high deductibles of Affordable Care Act plans make them a hard sell.
Consumers Beware: Not All Health Plans Cover A Doctor’s Visit Before The Deductible Is Met
Those buying some bronze and silver plans could have to spend thousands before full coverage kicks in.
Even In Well-Funded Colorado, Tough To Help People Enroll In Obamacare
Even with lots of money and navigators at supermarkets and other places, Colorado is only about 17 percent of the way to the goal of enrolling 136,000 people by the end of March.
Young Invincibles’ Decision: To Get Coverage Or Not
Health law backers have stepped up efforts to persuade people aged 18 to their mid-30s to give Obamacare a chance. Reaching this demographic group is viewed by many as one of the overhaul’s biggest challenges.
Health Insurers Scramble Toward Jan. 1 Coverage Deadlines
Rule changes and deadline shifts have complicated the efforts of health insurance companies to prepare for a wave of new customers and “post-enrollment snafus.”
A Reader Asks: Will My Son Overseas Have To Buy A U.S. Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist says if he lives abroad at least 330 days per year, he doesn’t, but he will eventually.
What If I Don’t Like The Coverage Offered By My Employer?
Consumer columnist Michelle Andrews outlines the health insurance options for people offered coverage at work.
Minnesota Exchange Chief Resigns Amid Criticism
MNsure Executive Director April Todd-Malmlov stepped down under fire for the troubled rollout of the state’s health marketplace and an ill-timed, two-week Costa Rica vacation she took in November.
Table: Hospitals Judged Best And Worst For Hip And Knee Readmissions And Complications
Medicare has evaluated how often patients undergoing hip and knee surgery were readmitted or suffered a serious complication. These hospitals did much better or worse than average.
Consumer columnist reminds consumers that details make all the difference.
In California, It’s Not A Done Deal Until You Get The Insurance Card
Even in California, the path to finalizing new insurance coverage can be long and arduous.
In Hollywood, Health Coverage Presents Unique Challenges
The entertainment industry relies heavily on freelancers and independent contractors who rarely are able to gain health insurance through their employers. Though the health law might help some, people in this industry still sometimes face difficulties in the health care system.
A Reader Asks: Can I Opt Out Of My Retiree Plan To Get Subsidized Insurance?
The health law treats retirees differently than workers getting insurance through their jobs.
Promises To Fix Mental Health System Still Unfulfilled
Even for those with the will and drive to pursue treatment, the process remains difficult, frightening and full of holes. On the federal level, little has come from the task forces and promises that followed the Newtown shootings.
Thousands In Obamacare’s High-Risk Pools Get Month’s Reprieve
The program’s extension is one of several initiatives the Obama administration announced Thursday to make it easier for consumers to get health coverage despite balky enrollment websites.
Congress Moves Closer To Changing How Medicare Pays Doctors
Key House and Senate committees approved legislation Thursday to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate, the formula officials use to pay doctors who treat Medicare patients. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn discuss.
Some Ski Country Coloradans Angry About Higher Insurance Rates
Health insurance costs more in the famous ski areas of Colorado than in nearby Denver, and residents are crying foul.
Why Some State Health Exchanges Worked
The most successful exchanges kept things simple, amply tested systems
Sebelius Asks Inspector General To Probe Website Problems
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, which included updates on steps officials are taking to repair the health law’s online insurance exchange.
