Some states consider partial Medicaid expansion under health law

Also in the news, a report about how a ruling barring health coverage for illegal immigrants, allowed to stay in the United States because they were brought here as young children, is angering Hispanic groups.

The Wall Street Journal: States Seek A Middle Ground On Medicaid
A handful of states are considering only partially expanding their Medicaid programs under the federal health-care overhaul-;a new twist on how states are interpreting the Supreme Court's ruling on the law. Indiana, New Mexico and Wisconsin are among the states asking the federal government to let them omit from the Medicaid expansion residents whose incomes put them just above the poverty level. The states hope to take advantage of provisions in the Affordable Care Act that offer a federal subsidy to help these residents buy private insurance, starting in 2014 (Radnofsky and Weaver, 9/18).

The New York Times: Limits Placed On Immigrants In Health Care Law
The White House has ruled that young immigrants who will be allowed to stay in the United States as part of a new federal policy will not be eligible for health insurance coverage under President Obama's health care overhaul. The decision -; disclosed last month, to little notice -; has infuriated many advocates for Hispanic Americans and immigrants. They say the restrictions are at odds with Mr. Obama's recent praise of the young immigrants (Pear, 9/17).

Meanwhile, California officials are seeking prime-time help to promote the state's health exchange.   

The Hill: Calif. Exchange Wants TV Shows To Help Tout Obama Health Care Law
Officials in California want prime-time TV shows to help promote President Obama's healthcare law. Outreach to television producers is part of the marketing plan adopted by California's insurance exchange -; a new marketplace, created by the Affordable Care Act, where individuals and small businesses will be able to buy private insurance. The exchange's public-relations plan says "individuals from California's robust entertainment industry will be approached at the most senior levels" to promote the new marketplace and get people enrolled. "A number of popular television programs and personalities such as Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, the Biggest Loser, Dr. Oz and others will be approached and pitched to incorporate story lines or mentions of health care reform that would reinforce campaign messages," the marketing plan states (Baker, 9/17).