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Viewpoints: GOP's 'charge into the fixed bayonets;' Republican health plan is superior to Obama's; Congressional hypocrisy on its health policy

So House Republicans have passed and sent to the Senate a budget that includes no funding for the Affordable Care Act, setting up a political showdown that could result in a government shutdown. We wish the GOP luck, since we support the policy if not the strategy. But however this charge into the fixed bayonets turns out, we hope the folks who planned it will take responsibility for what happens now (9/23).

25 Sep 2013

Medicare: Judge dismisses observation care lawsuit; Medicare penalizes every D.C. hospital, 5 in VA. suburbs;

A federal court judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday which was filed against the government by 14 Medicare beneficiaries who were denied nursing home coverage because they had been kept in the hospital under "observation status."

25 Sep 2013

States question exchange readiness, appropriateness and effects

Officials in some states are expressing pessimism that the new Obamacare health insurance exchanges will be the place for residents to buy health coverage or are questioning their readiness. In Missouri, the Lt. Gov. is telling residents to stay away from the exchanges.

25 Sep 2013

As opening day approaches, confusion continues about health exchanges

With the Oct. 1 launch of the health law's online insurance marketplaces just days away, news outlets examine questions such as who will use them, what will make them a success, how long will it take to judge whether they are working, and other key issues.

25 Sep 2013

Obama, Bill Clinton to tout law in joint appearance

The two are slated to appear together Tuesday afternoon to discuss the health care law at an event sponsored by the Clinton Global Initiative, the former president's foundation, exactly one week before open enrollment begins in new insurance marketplaces.

25 Sep 2013

Cerebral imaging in patients with early symptoms of AD may have better clinical outcomes

Patients suffering from early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease who were diagnosed sooner than usual using a brain imaging test received Alzheimer-specific medications earlier than those who did not have the brain imaging results available to their doctors or themselves.

25 Sep 2013

Battles have reduced health law's impact for consumers

Politico looks at the how the law squares with what it promised and talks to consumers in Kentucky about their expectations. Also, the Wall Street Journal examines one of the tactics health insurers are using to keep healthy customers.

24 Sep 2013

First Edition: September 24, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about Senate action on the effort to defund the health law as well as a scheduled appearance by former President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama to kick off the roll out of a key part of the overhaul.

24 Sep 2013

Why a gov't shutdown won't stop the health law's implementation

News outlets report that government officials involved in the launch of the health law's online insurance marketplaces on Oct. 1 say they expect to have access to funding even if the federal government stops operating.

24 Sep 2013

Lobbyists, including restaurant owners, looking to make changes in health law

The efforts, some from strident opponents of the law, suggests they may now believe that they have to learn to live with the measure, The Washington Post reports. Also, Politico examines how President Barack Obama came to embrace the notion of changing health care.

24 Sep 2013

New ad campaigns compete over Obamacare enrollment

The Obama administration and its opponents in implementing the health law are readying to launch ad campaigns aimed at getting people to sign up for or stay away from new online health insurance exchanges that open Oct. 1. Many of the ads are airing in swing states, but they are also aimed at the young and uninsured in California and Texas who are uninsured in the largest numbers.

24 Sep 2013

Exchange dynamics will dictate consumers' experiences, costs

Health law advocates frequently say health insurance will cost less as a result of the health law, but news outlets report that a downside could be less choice.

24 Sep 2013

Budget battle flashpoints highlight spending, debt and health law issues

News outlets report on what could happen in the next eight days as congressional leaders and the White House posture around the looming government shutdown.

24 Sep 2013

First Edition: September 23, 2013

Kaiser Health News staff writer Mary Agnes Carey reports: "Nearly 50 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled. The 2010 health care law, known as the Affordable Care Act, will make some changes to the program.

23 Sep 2013

Senate Republicans split over 'Defunding Obamacare' strategy, Dems defend law

News outlets covered the rhetorical skirmishes on the Sunday talk shows, where Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, pounded the law and said he has a new strategy to support the House bill, passed Friday.

23 Sep 2013

Viewpoints: Florida's 'sabotage' of health law; the irony of conservatives' 'nightmare' ads; Obamacare 'crushes' American families

Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, has been visiting the state to encourage private groups to help residents understand what insurance policies and federal subsidies will be available to them when the enrollment period opens Oct. 1.

21 Sep 2013

HHS warns Texas gov. against adding 'cumbersome requirements' for navigators

The federal letter comes in response to an effort by Gov. Perry to tighten rules to protect consumers' confidential information. Also in news about the efforts to get the online marketplaces running, federal and some state officials again pledge that exchanges will be ready for operation on Oct. 1, but the Wall Street Journal reports on some new glitches.

21 Sep 2013

As defunding vote triggers GOP 'family feud,' strong personalities and tough talk take center stage

Conservatives in the House have pressured Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to advance their goal of defunding the health law, and criticized Senate cosnervative colleagues for caving on the issue. There are also threats of filibuster and concerns about the impact this strategy could have on the Republican party.

21 Sep 2013

Virginia Tech to conduct workshop on Neuroscience of Cognition, Computation, and Decisions

Nearly two dozen of the world's leading neuroscientists will gather in Switzerland next month to share their latest findings on the mysteries of how the brain processes information and makes decisions.

21 Sep 2013