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Republicans look to use majority for health overhaul repeal, plan vote

Now in control of the House of Representatives, Republicans are planning to flex their muscles quickly to try to repeal the Democratic health law but even some GOP leaders acknowledge it is likely they can get rid of the law right away.

4 Nov 2010

With newly-elected governors, GOP gains clout to fight health reform law

Kaiser Health News staff writers Julie Appleby and Mary Agnes Carey report: "The Democrats' ambitious health care overhaul is facing roadblocks from newly elected state officials who harshly criticized it while campaigning and who are now in a position to make good on their promises" (Appleby and Carey, 11/3).

4 Nov 2010

Votes for -- or against -- health overhaul no help for many Dems

Politico: Voting no on the health overhaul helped some Democrats survive last night's Republican onslaught. "Reps. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Larry Kissell (D-N.C.), Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.) are among the 11 Democrats who opposed the bill and survived in a midterm election in which voters identified health care as their second most important issue."

4 Nov 2010

The GOP scores big wins in mid-term elections

The New York Times: "Republicans captured control of the House of Representatives on Tuesday and expanded their voice in the Senate, riding a wave of voter discontent as they dealt a setback to President Obama just two years after his triumphal victory. A Republican resurgence, propelled by deep economic worries and a forceful opposition to the Democratic agenda of health care and government spending, delivered defeats to House Democrats from the Northeast to the South and across the Midwest" (Zeleny, 11/2).

4 Nov 2010

First Edition: November 3, 2010

Today's headlines track the GOP's sweeping electoral gains and begin to explore what this power shift might mean for the future of the health law.

3 Nov 2010

Three states to cast ballots on health insurance mandate; Others consider abortion and marijuana questions

"Voters in three states will cast ballots Tuesday on the new healthcare law's individual mandate to buy insurance," The Hill reports. "Arizona and Oklahoma are expected to pass the state constitutional amendment, but it faces an uphill battle in Colorado. The measure on the ballot in Arizona and Oklahoma is modeled after legislation drafted by the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council.

3 Nov 2010

Races sometimes hinging on health law issues go down to the wire

Races around the nation are coming down to the wire Tuesday and the controversial health law continues to play a role in the campaign.

3 Nov 2010

Health reform law: Tax credits may boost coverage; rationing still hot word

The number of small businesses offering health insurance to workers is projected to increase sharply this year, recent data show, a shift that researchers attribute to a tax credit in the health law.

3 Nov 2010

Decisions on health law's fate start today as GOP seems poised for gains

Expected Republican wins in Congress and in statehouses throughout the country Tuesday would likely slow down implementation of the law and make the debate even more contentious but not outright stop the law.

3 Nov 2010

First Edition: November 2, 2010

Today's headlines highlights news stories that include speculation about what will become of the health reform law after the election.

2 Nov 2010

House win would give GOP the ways, means to roll back health law

A GOP takeover of the House would give Republicans the ability to attack the new law in new ways. If Rep. Joe Barton becomes chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee next year, the Texas Republican vows to make life miserable for Democratic defenders of the health care overhaul law.

2 Nov 2010

Minn. will accept federal assistance, Tenn. tackles burgeoning drug abuse problem

Politico: "Minnesota will accept federal assistance under the Democrats' health reform law after all, despite Gov. Tim Pawlenty's executive order barring voluntary participation in federal health care programs. The state's Management and Budget Office was one of 700 new organizations that signed up for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, a $5 billion program that helps pay for the insurance costs of retirees between the ages of 55 and 64.

2 Nov 2010

House takeover would give GOP ways to attack health law

Reporting for Kaiser Health News, Marilyn Werber Serafini reports on the possible changes in the congressional power structure: "If Rep. Joe Barton becomes chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee next year, the Texas Republican vows to make life miserable for Democratic defenders of the health care overhaul law" (Serafini, 10/31).

2 Nov 2010

3 states to vote on health insurance mandate

Kaiser Health News staff writer Aimee Miles reports: "Voters in Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma will have the chance Tuesday to repudiate the new health care law's keystone provision, one that requires almost everyone to have health insurance or face a tax penalty beginning in 2014" (Miles, 10/30).

2 Nov 2010

Races make final health overhaul messages clear as Election Day nears

Candidates push their final messages for Tuesday's elections, while the congressional debate over the health care overhaul still reverberates.

2 Nov 2010

Health politics: Some Dems Who Voted For Law Struggling; GOP's Post-Election Strategy

USA Today reports that President Obama is spending the weekend wrapping up what he himself calls a bruising campaign season. The president, trying to stave off Democratic losses in the U.S. House and Senate, hits three cities today to urge voters to stick with his health care, energy, and economic recovery plans.

1 Nov 2010

Summit discusses value, cost-effectiveness of America's investment in wellness and prevention

America's historic investment in wellness and prevention mandated under the Affordable Care Act may not always save money – but it will be worth it.

30 Oct 2010

Races tighten over health overhaul issues as clock ticks down to midterm elections

Races around the nation are being scrutinized for what the outcomes might mean for the health overhaul after next week's midterm elections.

30 Oct 2010

Health reform implementation: Insurance options, states and exchanges, ACOs

Provisions of the health law that have already been implemented will change next year's insurance offerings -- so employees should pay attention to their options during open season, U.S. News & World Report writes. "You may be able to take advantage of some benefits that kicked in over the past few months under the new health reform law.

30 Oct 2010

Drug and device makers face new taxes, fees

A Fox Business report shows the health overhaul is cutting deeper into drug and device makers' profits than many expected. Research & development programs are already being drastically scaled back.

30 Oct 2010