Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Consumer Confusion Continues In Obamacare’s Third Year
Officials are reaching out to people who sat on the sidelines for the first two years of the health law, and they are finding the law is still not well understood – and, for some, insurance is still too expensive.
Exchanges Face Sign-Up Challenges As Health Law’s 3rd Open Enrollment Begins
After millions of people signed up for Obamacare over the past two years, the ones still lacking insurance may be harder to both find and persuade to enroll.
Health Law Increases Coverage Rates For Women Not Yet Pregnant
The Urban Institute and March of Dimes estimate 5.5 million women of childbearing age gained health insurance under the federal health law since 2013, but many still have unmet needs.
Marketplace Customers Could See Higher Premiums, No Coverage For Out-Of-Network Care
Enrollment for healthcare.gov plans for 2016 begins Sunday and consumers should carefully check their options to see what their costs will be, how much of a subsidy they qualify for and whether their doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network.
HHS: Remaining Uninsured Worry About Costs Of Coverage
The Obama administration expects 1 million more people to be enrolled in marketplace coverage by the end of 2016.
Newly Insured Treasure Medicaid, But Growing Pains Felt
People newly covered by the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion appreciate their insurance. But seeing specialists is still a hurdle for many.
HHS Vows Push To Enroll More Uninsured In Obamacare This Fall
10.5 million uninsured Americans targeted in enrollment campaign starting Nov.1
In Colorado, Health Insurance Surges But Cost Still A Concern
A comprehensive statewide survey shows Colorado cut its uninsured rate in half, with one in five state residents on Medicaid. But out-of-pocket health expenses can still be hard for families to afford.
Nearly 9 Million People Gained Insurance In Health Marketplace’s First Year
The Census Bureau reports that the uninsured rate fell from 13.3 percent of the population to 10.4 percent. Still 33 million people had no insurance.
Getting The Word Out: Obamacare Is For Native Americans Too
Many Native Americans rely entirely on free care from the financially strapped Indian Health Service. Advocates say signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act can broaden their choices.
Medicaid Drives Historic Coverage Gains In Colorado
A surge in Medicaid enrollment drove down the uninsured rate in Colorado from 15.8 percent to 6.7 percent.
California Survey: Newly Insured Satisfied With Coverage, More Financially Secure
Formerly uninsured California residents no longer rank paying for health care as their primary financial concern. But some still see cost and access to care as a problem.
He says they’re better off having some insurance coverage, even if they have high deductibles. But advocates say they lose access to free clinics and can’t afford to use their coverage because of the deductibles.
Paperwork Inconsistencies Causing Thousands To Lose Obamacare Subsidies
The problems are affecting consumers all over the country, say enrollment agents.
Obamacare Ruling Could Kill Coverage For 413,000 In Georgia
No tax credit means no health insurance at all for tens of thousands of Georgians.
Auditor Slams California’s Oversight Of Medi-Cal Plans Used By 9 Million
Report finds state health officials had no idea whether managed care plans have sufficient doctors, while an overwhelmed ombudsman’s office failed to answer 12,500 calls a month on average.
Pennsylvania Governor Plans State Insurance Exchange To Protect Subsidies
It is unclear whether the Republican-dominated General Assembly has to approve Wolf’s plan, which is designed protect residents’ subsidies should the Supreme Court void subsidies in states that rely on the federal exchange.
Could Medicaid Have Helped Miami Man Avoid Amputation?
Travails of an uninsured man with diabetes put him on the front lines of the fight raging in the Florida Legislature this week over Medicaid expansion.
When Your Doctor Leaves Your Health Plan, You Likely Can’t Follow
KHN’s consumer columnist answers readers’ questions about options when physicians leave an insurer’s network, the lack of coverage for hearing aids and penalties linked to insurance subsidies.
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.
