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Liberty University's challenge to the health law has a day in appellate court

Mathew Staver, the university's lawyer, told the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel that Liberty would face millions of dollars in penalties if it refuses to provide employee health insurance that violates its religious beliefs. [More]
First Edition: May 17, 2013

First Edition: May 17, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about the GOP vote to repeal the health law -- for the 37th time -- as well as how the current IRS scandal is being connected to the health law's implementation. [More]

Acting CMS chief Marilyn Tavenner becomes agency's first confirmed head in 7 years

In a 91-to-7 vote, the Senate approved President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Tavenner, who has been the agency's acting administrator, was endorsed by Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va. [More]

HHS to pay $1 billion for ideas to drive down health costs

The availability of a second round of grants -- funded by the health law -- was announced to support approaches to reduce costs and improve care. The initial round, announced last year, funded 107 organizations. [More]

In many state legislatures, the Medicaid expansion saga continues

News outlets offer updates on the future of uncertain Medicaid expansion plans in Texas and Arizona as well as a progress report from California. [More]

Appeals court to hear Liberty University health law challenge

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., will hear arguments on Thursday related to the lawsuit brought by the Christian university. [More]
First Edition: May 16, 2013

First Edition: May 16, 2013

Today's headlines detail the Senate confirmation of Acting Chief Marilyn Tavenner to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [More]

White House identifies key groups for health exchange enrollment

The Obama administration has identified specific groups of people it would like to focus on as it promotes enrollment in the state health insurance exchanges next year. The administration plans a localized approach to reach 2.7 million healthy people who are 18 to 35 years old and without health insurance, according to information provided by senior administration officials (Ethridge, 5/10). [More]

Sebelius raises eyebrows by soliciting donations for health law outreach

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has asked businesses and charitable groups to make large donations to help underwrite the costs of public outreach associated with the overhaul. A GOP leader is questioning the legality of the efforts. [More]
Viewpoints: The threat from 'contagion exhaustion;' An economist sees humor in hospital pricing

Viewpoints: The threat from 'contagion exhaustion;' An economist sees humor in hospital pricing

There has been a flurry of recent attention over two novel infectious agents: the first, a strain of avian influenza virus (H7N9) in China that is causing severe respiratory disease and other serious health complications in people; the second, a coronavirus, first reported last year in the Middle East, that has brought a crop of new infections. [More]

Community health centers get $150M to help uninsured enroll in new coverage

The funding is to hire staff, train existing staff and perform outreach and educational activities. The idea is to help consumers sign up for coverage sold through new online insurance marketplaces that are scheduled to open on Oct. 1 under the Affordable Care Act. [More]

GOP leaders refuse to name candidates for Medicare cost control board

House Speaker John Boehner tells reporters that he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will not nominate anyone to serve on the Independent Payment Advisory Board. [More]

First Edition: May 10, 2013

Todya's headlines include reports about efforts by the Obama administration to boost health exchange enrollment. [More]

Harkin lifts hold on Tavenner nomination to lead CMS

But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the timing for a Senate vote on her confirmation as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is unclear. [More]

Viewpoints: Medicaid's effect on health debated; Young adults central to lowering anxiety about online marketplaces

A study comparing low-income people in Oregon who received access to Medicaid over the past two years with those who did not, found that those on Medicaid visited doctors and hospitals more often, suffered less from depression and were more financially secure. [More]

Harkin lifts hold on Tavenner nomination

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Tuesday that he would allow the nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to go forward. [More]

For health law backers, part of challenge is managing expectations

Some Democrats worry they will face political repercussions if there are snags that can be exploited by Republicans. [More]
State roundup: Medicaid contractor sues La. over canceled deal

State roundup: Medicaid contractor sues La. over canceled deal

A Maryland-based company whose nearly $200 million Medicaid contract was canceled amid an ongoing federal investigation sued Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration Monday for terminating the deal (5/6). [More]

Health exchange marketing, consumer assistance efforts take center stage

News outlets report on the steps being taken by state governments, as well as by insurers, to raise awareness and market plans that will be available from the new online health insurance marketplaces. [More]

First Edition: May 6, 2013

Kaiser Health News staff writer Phil Galewitz, working in collaboration with The Washington Post, reports: "Florida is on course to spend $6 million to reach out to nearly 4 million uninsured people and help them sign up for coverage in the federal health law's online marketplace this fall. [More]