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First Edition: April 1, 2011

Today's health policy news coverage helps fill in the details of the much-anticipated rule for accountable care organizations, which was released yesterday by the Obama administration.

1 Apr 2011

Exchanges, waivers continue to draw scrutiny

The New York Times reports on how the health law's waivers have fueled GOP criticism, offering opponents what they say is "more evidence" of the measure's flaws. Meanwhile, CQ HealthBeat reports on concerns surrounding the health exchanges.

21 Mar 2011

On health reform law's anniversary: Pros, cons, waivers and state action

News organizations are noting the one-year anniversary of the health law, and covering developments in the states.

21 Mar 2011

White House appeals Florida ruling overturning health law

The administration acted quickly in order to prevent a part of the judge's recent "clarification" that would have shut down implementation of the law for now. Meanwhile, in another health law challenge, Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley and a number of hospital associations filed separate amicus briefs in support of the federal government.

10 Mar 2011

Researchers pinpoint a protein responsible for fat storage in the body

Scientists have shed light on why some people are apple-shaped and others are pear-shaped.

10 Mar 2011

CMS' Berwick in hot seat again

The New York Times reports that even Democrats are acknowledging that the Senate will not likely be able to confirm Dr. Donald Berwick as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, Modern Healthcare reports that the health care provider community remains in his corner.

9 Mar 2011

First Edition: March 8, 2011

In today's headlines, news about ongoing budget discussions and how issues like Medicare spending and the health law fit into them as well as reports about the growing interest in replacing the current chief of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

8 Mar 2011

Health care political battles tied to budget, insurance costs

"As Congress continues to debate the new health care law, health insurance costs are still rising, particularly for small businesses. Republicans are seizing on the trend as evidence that the new law includes expensive features that are driving up premiums. But the insurance industry says premiums are rising primarily because of the underlying cost of care and a growing demand for it. Across the country, premiums have more than doubled in the last decade, with smaller companies particularly hard hit in recent years, federal officials say".

6 Mar 2011

House votes to repeal health law's tax reporting requirement

Lawmakers continue to be at odds over how to pay for the repeal of this provision, which was originally included in the overhaul as a means to raise revenue to pay for it. The House's offset, for instance, would recoup advance tax subsidies given to lower- and middle-income people to buy insurance if their incomes exceed a certain threshold during the same calendar year.

5 Mar 2011

First Edition: March 4, 2011

In today's headlines, a Florida federal judge stays his own order regarding the health law, clearing the way for it's implementation -- for now -- but also making clear that the appeals process should move forward at an expedited rate.

4 Mar 2011

HHS Inspector General: Many nursing home workers have criminal records

The New York Times: Study Finds Criminal Pasts Of Nursing Home Workers.

4 Mar 2011

First Edition: March 3, 2011

Today's headlines highlight the difficulties lawmakers will face in finding a compromise on long-term budget issues, such as Medicare and Medicaid spending.

3 Mar 2011

Governors seek more help with Medicaid costs

At a Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday, GOP governors reiterated complaints about the fiscal pressures imposed by Medicaid and said President Barack Obama's recent flexibility proposal would not address the burden created by the health law's Medicaid requirements. But Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the only Democrat to testify, saw the event as "an opportunity" rather than "an inquisition."

2 Mar 2011

Governors want flexibility from federal officials on health issues

The National Governors Association is meeting in Washington this weekend and some of the state leaders spoke out about their difficulties funding health programs and flexibility and changes they would like to see from the federal government.

28 Feb 2011

Cost issues focus attention on health law's long-term care program

The New York Times: Long-Term Care Needs Changes, Officials Say.

23 Feb 2011

HHS overturns Bush 'conscience' rule for workers opposing abortion

The Obama administration on Friday rescinded most of a 2008 rule that granted sweeping protections to health care providers who opposed abortion, sterilization and other medical procedures on religious or moral grounds.

20 Feb 2011

Obama Administration acts on waivers, awards exchange innovation grants

The Obama administration Wednesday granted waivers to four states to allow health insurance companies located within them to continue offering less generous health benefits. Meanwhile, $241 million in grants were awarded to help states set up online shopping systems for the purchase of health insurance.

18 Feb 2011

Budget pushes health law implementation, provides some limited — but not easy — increases

However, news outlets report that funding gains within the Department of Health and Human Services come at a steep price.

16 Feb 2011

First Edition: February 15, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about the health portion of the President's budget blueprint along with the politics that accompany it.

15 Feb 2011

State progress on health law implementation follows varying paths; Meanwhile, ACOs, waiver processes grab headlines

Media outlets report on a variety of implementation issues, including anti-trust concerns related to accountable care organizations as well as questions about the reform waiver process and a House committee chairman's efforts to reverse Medicare advantage cuts.

10 Feb 2011