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First Edition: August 1, 2014

Today's headlines include more questions about how healthcare.gov will function during the next open enrollment period.

1 Aug 2014

Cigna's quarterly earnings up

Gains driven largely by global benefits operation after Cigna reported earlier that its business on the health law marketplaces was soft. News outlets also examine Humana and WellPoint's earnings.

31 Jul 2014

State highlights: New York state faces $1.3B Medicaid payback problem while Mayor De Blasio advances plan to reduce city employees' health costs

When Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his first labor agreements with New York City unions this spring, he was sharply criticized for granting long-awaited wage increases in exchange for promises of unspecified though sizable savings on health care expenses (Greenhouse and Stewart, 7/29).

31 Jul 2014

First Edition: July 31, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about the possible hazards that the future might hold for healthcare.gov.

31 Jul 2014

Several insurers report lower profits

WellPoint Inc. on Wednesday said its second-quarter profit slipped as the health insurer recorded higher expenses, masking a boost in revenue and enrollment.

31 Jul 2014

Senate unanimously approves McDonald to lead Department of Veterans Affairs

Robert A. McDonald, the 61-year-old former chief executive of Procter & Gamble and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, will take over the embattled VA after a scandal related to wait-time data led to the resignation of Eric Shinseki.

31 Jul 2014

First Edition: July 30, 2014

Today's headlines include a range of health policy headines, including news from Capitol Hill on the Senate confirmation of Robert McDonald to head the VA.

30 Jul 2014

State highlights: Calif. insurance commissioner asks for premium power

A selection of health policy stories from California, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, New Mexico, Kansas and New York.

30 Jul 2014

Tape recording reveals health subsidy 'gotcha moment' for health law architect

Tape-recorded comments made by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber in 2012 are being used by backers of the latest legal challenge to the health law to support the argument that the overhaul's subsidies were not intended to be used by consumers shopping for coverage on the federal exchange.

29 Jul 2014

New wave of patients boosting hospital earnings

Earnings reports offered last week by two hospital operators offer evidence that the health law's coverage expansion is leading more patients to seek treatment.

28 Jul 2014

First Edition: July 28, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about the deal reached by House and Senate negotiators regarding veterans' health care.

28 Jul 2014

SAVE Medicare Home Health Act replaces unprecedented rebasing cuts

Home health leaders today said that growing support for the Securing Access Via Excellence (SAVE) Medicare Home Health Act – introduced last week by Representatives Greg Walden (OR-2) and Tom Price (GA-6) – underscores the importance of legislation to repeal the 14 percent, four-year rebasing cuts instituted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 1.

26 Jul 2014

Viewpoints: Ryan's 'thoughtful blueprint' to end poverty; GOP challenges after health law ruling

The Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee today released a thoughtful blueprint for overhauling $800 billion worth of U.S. anti-poverty programs.

26 Jul 2014

Consumers in states around the country to get premium rebates

Local news outlets report on a federal announcement Thursday showing how much money will be sent back to people and employers under rules that say insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premium payments on medical care.

26 Jul 2014

Health insurers to refund consumers $330 million

The refunds are required under the health law when insurers spend less than 80 to 85 percent of health care premiums for medical care. Florida consumers will receive the biggest rebates, with $41.7 million returned, according to government data.

25 Jul 2014

Narrow networks backlash being felt across the insurance marketplace and campaign trail

News outlets report that consumer frustration with health law plans' limited choice of doctors and hospitals is emerging in a number of areas.

23 Jul 2014

State highlights: Concerns continue about Coakley-partners antitrust settlement; Maine's Lepage announces extra $13.1 million for nursing homes

Criticism of Attorney General Martha Coakley's antitrust pact with the state's largest health care system mounted Thursday as a watchdog panel warned a judge the proposed deal might not meet its goal of holding down medical expenses.

21 Jul 2014

Research roundup: ACA lawsuit primer; ACA strategies in 4 states; competitive plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the ACA, but that did not end attacks against the law. Since the decision in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, objecting parties have filed more than 100 cases in federal courts nationwide.

21 Jul 2014

More insurers want you to see a doctor virtually

Insurers like WellPoint and Aetna are offering patients the option of e-visits with doctors as a way to cut costs, but some see problems with that, reports Bloomberg. Other media outlets explore the controversy over Sovaldi, an expensive new drug for hepatitis C.

17 Jul 2014