Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Teresa Martinez: Waiting For Medi-Cal

KFF Health News Original

Teresa Martinez, 62, from East Los Angeles makes $10,000 a year working as a hairdresser in a Koreatown salon. With her modest income she is likely to be eligible for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Medi-Cal expansion.

Waiting For Medicaid To Kick In

KFF Health News Original

About 800,000 people in California are presumed to be eligible for the newly expanded program but lack final approval. For a Los Angeles hairdresser and others like her, that means medical appointments are on hold.

Fully paid up but still no coverage

KFF Health News Original

A 39-year-old Philadelphia day care teacher, made three monthly premium payments at more than three times the subsidized rate just to make sure she was covered. And her insurance has still been canceled three times

When Connecting With A Dentist Doesn’t Mean An Office Visit

KFF Health News Original

Teledentistry experiment in California aims to bring care to needy patients in schools and nursing homes. Consulting with dentists over the Internet, hygienists and dental assistants offer preventive treatment and education.

Co-op Health Insurance Plans See Early Success

KFF Health News Original

Montana’s health insurance co-op is encouraged by its strong enrollment and plans to expand into Idaho next year. But some caution that it will be difficult for co-ops to grow beyond a niche player.

Young But Not So Invincible in California

KFF Health News Original

Largely low-income and minority California State University students want health insurance but many are afraid they can’t afford it. Outreach workers are scrambling to sign them up.