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IPAB and health law repeal efforts mixing up political loyalties

Some Senate Demcrats are considering voting with Republicans to repeal the health law's Independent Payment Advisory Board while several GOP lawmakers are voicing concerns about the broader repeal strategy. Also, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., has introduced legislation to change the law's medical-loss ratio.

20 Mar 2012

In insurance, gender rating continues

Women still pay more than men for the same health insurance coverage, according to new research and data from online brokers. The new health care law will prohibit such "gender rating," starting in 2014. But gaps persist in most states, with no evidence that insurers have taken steps to reduce them.

20 Mar 2012

Viewpoints: The argument for the health law; No one wins contraception battle

It's said that you can judge a man by the quality of his enemies. If the same principle applies to legislation, the Affordable Care Act - which was signed into law two years ago, but for the most part has yet to take effect - sits in a place of high honor.

20 Mar 2012

Key question for Supreme Court in health law arguments: How far does Congressional power reach?

Media outlets analyze the questions, personalities and precedent-setting issues that will be in play as the Supreme Court takes up the constitutionality of the health law.

20 Mar 2012

State roundup: Calpers insurance savings; Harvard Pilgrim challenges 'Partners'; Minn. long-term care costs spike

The California Public Employees' Retirement System happily ended 2010 with insurance rates $15 million lower than they might have been ... Catholic Healthcare West, now Dignity Health, which helped deliver those savings, ended that year with millions of dollars less in revenue. The San Francisco-based hospital system was among the early adopters of accountable care ... Hospital executives trying to control spending face the costly prospect of actively trying to keep patients out of the hospital.

20 Mar 2012

Religiously affiliated colleges, universities avoid paying directly for birth control in rule

The Obama administration announced Friday a rule on student health plans that will allow some religiously affiliated colleges and universities to avoid directly paying for the costs of mandated contraception coverage.

19 Mar 2012

First Edition: March 19, 2012

Today's headlines reflect the anticipation and anxiety that surrounds the Supreme Court's upcoming health law oral arguments.

19 Mar 2012

GOP plans for Medicare, health reform repeal draw scrutiny

Political observers are noting challenges for Republican lawmakers in upcoming budget, health law and Medicare debates.

19 Mar 2012

Sides counting down to Supreme Court health reform arguments

Can the government really tell us what to buy? Federal judges have come down on both sides of the question, leaving it to the Supreme Court to sort out. The justices are allotting an unusually long period, six hours over three days, beginning March 26, to hear arguments challenging the law's constitutionality. Their ruling, expected in June, is shaping up as a historic moment in the century-long quest by reformers to provide affordable health care for all.

19 Mar 2012

President trying to buy time over contraception mandate: FRC

As we approach the second anniversary of the healthcare law's passage, today the Obama administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in an attempt to placate the millions of Americans – at least until after the election – who have moral and religious objections to being forced to cover or pay for contraceptive services.

17 Mar 2012

House Republicans slow fight against birth control coverage rule

And, on the Senate side, a group of Republicans introduced a bill that would end traditional Medicare and allow seniors to join the insurance plans that are available to members of Congress.

17 Mar 2012

CBO report: Employer-based health insurance could decline under health law

A new Congressional Budget Office report about employer-based health insurance coverage is generating controversy, and the CBO's director is weighing in.

17 Mar 2012

Administration lawyers shift Supreme Court arguments to draw support from key justices

Part of their challenge is to convince the justices the health care marketplace is "unique." Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius talked to Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill about "alternatives" to the individual mandate if it were struck down. And The Wall Street Journal reports the oral arguments before the Supreme Court may be the hottest show in Washington.

17 Mar 2012

States considering wide-ranging abortion, contraception legislation give lingering voice to issue

A host of abortion legislation is winding its way through state legislatures: Democrats are focusing on regulating male reproductive health in at least six states; Michigan abortion providers face greater scrutiny; Arizona could require those seeking birth control give a medical reason they need it; and Wisconsin lawmakers decide if a doctor must be present to give abortion pills.

17 Mar 2012

HHS Secretary launches new educational initiative, MyCare

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today unveiled "MyCare," a collection of online personal video and blog stories of Americans helped by the Affordable Care Act.

17 Mar 2012

State roundup: Minnesota tort reform; Calif. prepares - or not - for newly insured; Reducing C-sections in Oregon

A roundup of health policy news from Minnesota, California, Kansas, Connecticut, Oregon, Missouri, Washington D.C. and Colorado.

17 Mar 2012

Viewpoints: Health care system doesn't live up to its billing for many Americans; Romney woos seniors with 'clever Medicare gambit'

If you like your doctor, if your insurance works, if you feel that you're getting good value for your health care dollar, then in your view the U.S. system may rank high. If you don't have a regular doctor, if you're without insurance or underinsured, if you're swamped by medical bills, then in your view the U.S. system may not rank so high. And this is aside from debate over the role of government in the health care system.

17 Mar 2012

First Edition: March 16, 2012

Today's headlines feature reports that the federal government has cut Texas Medicaid funds because of a Planned Parenthood flap.

16 Mar 2012

Translating the health law into reality one regulation at a time

Part of implementing the health law includes replacing jargon in health insurance policies with plain English. Meanwhile, the release of a federal mental health parity rule is held up to coordinate it with the overhaul.

16 Mar 2012

Are HIPAA rules impeding medical research?

Health records have been sealed since 1996, when the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was signed into law to protect the privacy of personal health records. That protection applies not only to the charts of the living or recently deceased, but also to records dating to the 1700s and 1800s.

16 Mar 2012