OCT News and Research

RSS

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

Obama administration announces new round of health law rule changes

Among the wide-ranging set of changes, the one drawing the most attention is the administration's decision to allow some consumers to keep health coverage into 2017 that does not comply with the overhaul's minimum standards.

6 Mar 2014

First Edition: March 6, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about health law rule changes announced yesterday by the Obama administration.

6 Mar 2014

3.5 million estimated Medicaid signups under health law

Avalere Health projects that of the 8.9 million people "determined eligible" for Medicaid starting last Oct. 1, the number of new enrollees under the health law is likely much smaller -- between 2.4 million and 3.5 million. Other reports look at how health insurance could result in nearly half a million more Americans getting tested for HIV by 2017 -- but how 60,000 people with the virus will be left uninsured in states not expanding Medicaid.

5 Mar 2014

First Edition: March 4, 2014

Today's headlines include highlights and themes from President Barack Obama's 2015 budget to be released today.

4 Mar 2014

Insurers gather new customers' health information -- a critical step in calculating prices for next year's plans offered on exchanges

Meanwhile, Reuters reports that chronically ill consumers who obtain coverage from the online insurance marketplaces may still face high drug costs despite the health law's ban on discriminatory insurance practices. Also, news outlets report on Time magazine's cover story that details how the Obama administration almost shutdown healthcare.gov during its early, fitful days.

3 Mar 2014

Study establishes innovative approaches to improve vision of young children with brain tumor

Robert Avery, DO, MSCE, of Children's National Health System and colleagues are establishing innovative approaches with technology and medication to improve the vision of young children who have visual pathway glioma, a type of brain tumor.

3 Mar 2014

Maryland exchange can't tell whether Medicaid enrollees are still eligible

The state is unable to determine whether current enrollees continue to qualify for the state-federal program for the poor as a result of a glitch which officials estimate could cost $30.5 million over two years.

3 Mar 2014

First Edition: February 28, 2014

Today's headlines include reports about the latest developments for those states that are running their own health insurance exchanges and facing difficulties.

28 Feb 2014

Cedars-Sinai neurosurgeon successfully performs CSF repair surgery on patient

When Elizabeth "Beth" Johnson stood up from working at her computer Oct. 28, she noticed "a kind of funny feeling" in the back of her neck. By Nov. 2, the sensation had become an excruciating headache that came on whenever she tried to stand or sit upright.

28 Feb 2014

Maryland's health exchange goals revised after research error

The initial goal was reportedly based on flawed data and the newly set milepost has already been met. Still, The Baltimore Sun reports that the state has halted work on its small business marketplace, and that Maryland will charge for work related to public information requests about what went wrong with the website.

25 Feb 2014

California health insurance sign-ups continue to soar -- Latino enrollment viewed as critical

Covered California has almost reached its enrollment goal for March 31, according to numbers released Wednesday. Still, the state plans to spend millions on Spanish-language advertising in the weeks remaining before the open enrollment period ends next month.

21 Feb 2014

Beta version of Cover Oregon gets mixed reviews

The troubled Cover Oregon insurance exchange unveiled its long-awaited beta website to mixed reviews Tuesday. Meanwhile, Humana announced it will waive fees for enrollees who bought plans on the Mississippi exchange who see a doctor by the end of June for a non-preventive visit. Also, Republicans probe state websites which are still having major problems.

19 Feb 2014

Automated Obamacare payment system months from completion

Meanwhile, California, Texas and Arizona exchanges do poorly at enrolling Latinos, while in Oregon, insurance agents and other consumer guides hope to get their first look today at an overhauled website. In Texas, a campaign targets neighborhoods with high rates of uninsured residents.

19 Feb 2014

More than 1 million people signed up for health plans in January -- bringing the total tally to more than 3 million

Viewpoints: Health law distorting--or 'undistorting' the labor market; gas stations should follow CVS' lead; ways to fight heroin

On Wednesday, Douglas Elmendorf, the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, said the obvious: losing your job and choosing to work less aren't the same thing.

10 Feb 2014