HHS released final rules on new health co-ops

CQ HealthBeat: HHS Issues Final Co-Op Rule To Spur Consumer-Friendly Health Insurance
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule Thursday to establish at least one health insurance cooperative in every state by providing loans from a $3.8 billion federal fund created by the health care law to provide start-up money and fund capital reserves (Reichard, 12/8).

Politico Pro: Final CO-OP Rule Addresses Some Concerns
CMS posted the final rule for health reform's nonprofit, consumer owned insurance plans Thursday, adding new restrictions to address some concerns of the groups that are applying to the program. ... The first round of applications is in, and awards are expected early next year (Norman, 12/8).

Meanwhile, on other health overhaul issues:

Politico Pro: Officials Lower Essential Benefits Expectations
State health insurance officials are tempering expectations for the first HHS guidance on the essential health benefits package expected by the end of the year. States trying to plan for health insurance exchanges have been pressing the Obama administration to release detailed information about the essential health benefits package, a benchmark for coverage expected to affect about 68 million individuals in 2014 (Millman, 12/8).

St. Louis Beacon: Health System Reform Moves Forward Despite Controversy And Legal Challenge
The federal government's decision to open access to Medicare data so groups can compare practice patterns of doctors and hospitals is the latest indication that certain major health reforms will move forward no matter how the Supreme Court rules on the Affordable Care Act. ... Among other things, the administration has: Required hospitals and doctors to meet certain quality measures connected with what's known as value-based purchasing in caring for patients. ... Embraced the medical home model of care (Joiner, 12/8).