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HHS inspector general to examine Maryland's troubled health exchange

Rep. Andy Harris, the state's only Republican member of Congress, requested the investigation even as lawmakers from both parties -- who have used the difficulties of the online insurance marketplace in the run up to this year's gubernatorial election -- say they welcome the review.

12 Mar 2014

Legal concerns raised over making Medicaid recipients work in Missouri

Elsewhere, some business groups enlist help to get their states to expand the program. Also, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urges Georgia's governor to accept the expansion, which also makes news in New Hampshire and Utah.

11 Mar 2014

Uninsured rate hits lowest point in five years

According to a Gallup survey released Monday, the health law appears to be reaching its central goal -- reducing the number of Americans without insurance. But NBC News reports that Latinos continue to be more likely to be uninsured than white or black Americans.

11 Mar 2014

Health2 Resources becomes Executive Member of Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative

Health2 Resources announced today it has joined the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative as an Executive Member. Executive Members guide the PCPCC's efforts to advance an effective health system built on a strong foundation of primary care and the patient-centered medical home (PCMH).

11 Mar 2014

Aetna, Atlantic ACO announce new accountable care agreement

Aetna and Atlantic Accountable Care Organization, a partner of Atlantic Health System, today announced a new accountable care agreement that will improve the coordination and delivery of patient care. Atlantic ACO will deliver a better patient experience for more than 28,000 Aetna members in Morris, Sussex, Union, Somerset, Warren and Passaic counties.

11 Mar 2014

First Edition: March 11, 2014

Today's headlines include reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is stepping back from proposed changes to the Medicare drug program.

11 Mar 2014

HHS extends contract with company hosting healthcare.gov through March 31

The contract with Verizon Communications Inc.'s Terremark subsidiary, which hosts healthcare.gov, had been set to expire March 30, the day before the end of open enrollment.

11 Mar 2014

With three weeks to go, Obama administration pulls out all the stops in sign up efforts

News outlets report on the creative outreach efforts, including those geared to moms, young people and Latinos, to increase the number of newly insured people before March 31. Even prison inmates are signing up.

11 Mar 2014

No deal on Medicaid expansion in Va. as lawmakers adjourn

In Virginia, lawmakers also failed to pass a budget or make a deal on proposed mental health legislation. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe promised a special session to settle the budget issue.

11 Mar 2014

Sleep apnoea may be risk factor for pneumonia

People who suffer from sleep apnoea face an increased risk of developing pneumonia, a large epidemiological study indicates.

10 Mar 2014

Massachusetts looks to other states for website fixes

Among possible ways to resolve the continuing issues, state officials are contemplating the possibility of buying or leasing technology from states where the online insurance marketplace is working. They also are considering scrapping the current website and starting over. News outlets also track developments in Maryland, California and Illinois.

10 Mar 2014

Survey credits health law for lowered uninsured rate

News outlets report on implementation issues including the declining rate of uninsured people, confusion created by recent administrative changes and a union's assertion that the law will increase inequality.

10 Mar 2014

First Edition: March 10, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about how the Virginia Assembly's impasse on Medicaid expansion is playing out.

10 Mar 2014

Highlights: Calif. retiree health costs rise; more abortion clinic closings in Texas; Wash. insurance bills roadblock

A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Washington state, Illinois, Virginia and Georgia.

10 Mar 2014

Research roundup: Health care and prisoners; hospitalized patients' surrogates; suicides in the army

As a group, jail-involved individuals, which we define here as people with a history of arrest and jail admission in the recent past, carry a heavy illness burden, with high rates of infectious and chronic disease as well as mental illness and substance use.

10 Mar 2014

Even with signs of progress, studies find share of uninsured people signing up for coverage remains low

According to two new studies, a pattern is emerging showing that more uninsured people have been looking for information about plan options or seeking to buy insurance through the online marketplaces in these final weeks of open enrollment.

10 Mar 2014

Who wins and who loses from latest ACA delays?

Media outlets look at the impact of the two-year extension of nonconforming plans, as well as of other regulatory changes that will affect unions and insurers.

10 Mar 2014

N.H. Senate, led by GOP, votes to expand Medicaid

Seven Republicans joined Democrats to pass the bill, which now goes to the Democratic-controlled House. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in Virginia on the issue as Republicans in the House hold out against the governor's offensive, and in Pennsylvania, the Republican governor amends his requirements for an expansion.

10 Mar 2014