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Health exchanges: Choice of plans will vary sharply from state to state

The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices -- or lack thereof -- will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.

18 Jun 2013

Health law's impact on premiums still a question

Meanwhile, news outlets report on the Obama administration's challenge to educate a largely uninformed public about the law's benefits.

18 Jun 2013

Federal officials give final OK for Florida's Medicaid managed care plan

Approval by the Obama administration was expected after it gave its initial go-ahead just hours before Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced his support for the health law's Medicaid expansion.

18 Jun 2013

Citi forms strategic relationship with Parallon to provide new payment solution across US

Citi announced today a strategic relationship with Parallon to provide Citi's new web-based payment solution - Money2 for Health - to payers and patients across the U.S.

17 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 17, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about how states are tackling the implementation of specific provisions of the health law.

17 Jun 2013

Study reveals that unauthorized immigrants have lower health care expenditures

A study by a University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher revealed that unauthorized immigrants have lower health care expenditures compared to legal residents, naturalized citizens and U.S. natives.

15 Jun 2013

Employers' challenge: Offering 'affordable' coverage

The Associated Press reports on the health law's requirement that employers with more than 50 workers provide affordable health coverage or face fines. But what is affordable? And will workers be helped or hindered by the rule?

15 Jun 2013

Viewpoints: Good news from Medicare trustees; Medicaid no 'cure-all' for access to care

The 2013 Medicare Trustees Report had some good news. Costs per beneficiary grew just 0.7 percent in 2012, down from a 5.4 percent annual average since 1990. This is the third year of slow growth, and if the trend continues, our national finances will dramatically improve.

15 Jun 2013

State highlights: Ga. ponders higher health plan rates for employees

Home health care providers in Oregon and their allies say their industry is in a bind. The state's rural home health providers don't make as much as they should from serving Medicare patients, and the state's providers overall are slated for an even bigger hit next year, according to the industry's advocates and allies in Congress.

15 Jun 2013

Calif. regulator seeks to bar Anthem from small business health exchange

Meanwhile, Minnesota officials announce the opening of a call center Sept. 3 to answer consumer questions about the state's online insurance marketplace, which will begin enrolling people a month later.

15 Jun 2013

Accenture: Boom ahead for retail health clinics

According to the consulting firm Accenture, the number of retail clinics will likely double by the end of 2015 -- a trend fueled by the demand for care by consumers who will become insured under the health law. Meanwhile, the Fiscal Times examines why some physicians are choosing not to accept any health insurance.

14 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 14, 2013

Today's headlines includes reports about how, after months of battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

14 Jun 2013

Viewpoints: 'Tyranny' over insurers; Obama's promises; Rep. Franks's abortion claim

Many of us wish that Obamacare were a simpler system, one that directly provided health insurance. Political reality, unfortunately, ensured that many people will receive coverage from private insurers, selling policies - often with subsidies - on the "exchanges". And naturally enough, the Obama administration is teaming up with the insurers and other parts of the health industry to help inform Americans of the benefits to which they will be legally entitled, starting Jan. 1 (Paul Krugman, 6/12).

14 Jun 2013

Emergency department doctors are not identifying pelvic inflammatory disease in adolescent girls

Despite government efforts to expand diagnostic criteria for pelvic inflammatory disease, emergency department doctors are not identifying the condition any more often in adolescent girls, finds a new study in Journal of Adolescent Health.

14 Jun 2013

MAXIMUS signs new contract with Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced that it has signed a new contract with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to operate the Consolidated Service Center, which includes call center, fulfillment and command center services.

14 Jun 2013

Survey finds employers 'pessimistic' about health law's costs

The Wall Street Journal reports on a survey that finds companies are increasingly "pessimistic" they can avoid health care cost increases they believe will stem from the overhaul. Politico reports that insurers are showing little interest in small business exchanges.

14 Jun 2013

Details emerging about coverage costs for health plans available through the health exchanges

CNN Money reports that some consumers may be surprised by the out-of-pocket costs -- including deductibles and co-payments -- these plans include. Other news outlets report on developments related to online marketplaces in California, Minnesota and Colorado.

14 Jun 2013