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Health law supporters plan August strategy to counter criticism

In response to efforts by some Republican lawmakers who are threatening to shut down the government as part of their attempt to stop the health law's implementation, some progressive groups plan to organize their own town hall meetings and stage protests at GOP events, among other things, to tout the law's perks. Others will go door to door to encourage consumers to enter the insurance market.

3 Aug 2013

Assessing health law's impact on cities, people

Texas is home to more than two-thirds of the nation's 30 counties most in need of expanded health insurance coverage, including Dallas, according to a liberal group. The Center for American Progress Action Fund ranked 22 Texas counties -- including Dallas -- as among the "30 worst" in the country.

3 Aug 2013

First Edition: August 2, 2013

Today's headlines include details about today's health law repeal vote in the House. It comes just as lawmakers prepare to leave for the August break.

2 Aug 2013

ImmunoGen reports net loss of $21.9 million in Q4 2013

ImmunoGen, Inc., a biotechnology company that develops anticancer therapeutics using its Targeted Antibody Payload antibody-drug conjugate technology, today reported financial results for the three-month period and fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. ImmunoGen also provided guidance for its 2014 fiscal year and an update on the Company.

2 Aug 2013

For states working on health law implementation, 'churn' is a matter of concern

California Healthline reports on how life events can cause individuals' incomes to change enough that it will also impact whether they qualify for subsidies to shop for insurance on the state's health exchange, or whether they should apply for Medicaid. It's an issue on which states are beginning to focus.

2 Aug 2013

Targeting the health law's enrollment message

Though some view it as a difficult sell, new advertising from the 17 states that are setting up health insurance marketplaces tends to be upbeat and positive. First Lady Michelle Obama is also pitching in on efforts to reach very specific populations.

2 Aug 2013

Viewpoints: GOP's shutdown vow; Peter Orszag defends rationale behind Medicare payment board

A dozen Republicans in the Senate have said they'd rather shut down the government than provide funding for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the 2010 healthcare reform law better known as Obamacare. Meanwhile, more than 60 Republicans in the House have called on their leadership to cut off all federal support for the law in the coming fiscal year. And they complain when President Obama doesn't hold up his end of the bargain? (7/30).

1 Aug 2013

Ohio lawmaker introduces Medicaid expansion bill; Mich. readies legislative moves on expansion

In Michigan, a committee vote on the expansion could come today. Elsewhere, New Hampshire and Wisconsin are considering expansion of coverage to childless adults, among others.

1 Aug 2013

Health law supporters and opponents focus on moms

A surge of advertising and grassroots organizing targets mothers because women usually make the health-care decisions for families and use more health care than men, Bloomberg reports.

1 Aug 2013

Lawmakers' aides fret over requirement to buy Obamacare coverage

The New York Times explores how congressional staffs are anxious about a health law provision requiring them to buy coverage in online insurance markets because the federal government may no longer pay a share of their premiums.

31 Jul 2013

Selling of Obamacare begins in earnest

President Barack Obama tells the New York Times that his plan to build support for the health law is simply to implement it. Meanwhile, high level aides and supporters meet to craft a new message, while volunteers for the nonprofit Enroll America fan out across the country to tell the uninsured about new coverage options.

30 Jul 2013

Mississippi, Nevada Wrestle with the development of their health exchanges

In other state and local health law implementation news, the health law may prove key to Detroit's efforts to manuever its bankruptcy process. Also, opponents in many states focus on limiting what they see as "the long arm of Washington."

30 Jul 2013

Maryland regulators approve premium rates much lower than insurers sought

The Maryland insurance commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith approved premium increases Friday for nine insurance companies who applied to sell plans to individuals through a state exchange, which was established by the health law.

30 Jul 2013

First Edition: July 29, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about the White House's strategy for building support for the health law.

29 Jul 2013

First Edition: July 26, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about an effort by some GOP lawmakers to force a showdown over health law funding.

26 Jul 2013

First Edition: July 25, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about WellPoint's second-quarter profits and the Insitute of Medicine's findings about geographic varitions in Medicare spending.

25 Jul 2013

Michelle Obama seeks Latino activists' assistance with insurance enrollment

Speaking Tuesday to the National Council of La Raza, the first lady urged the organization's members to encourage their friends and families to enroll in new coverage options.

25 Jul 2013

Fierce battle shaping up over health law's rollout

The White House believes a successful rollout of the health law will help determine President Barack Obama's legacy, while Republicans appear equally intent on reaping political benefits by gutting this and other administration priorities.

25 Jul 2013

Some states plan aggressive marketing of health exchanges

News outlets report on state implementation activities, including efforts by California and Oregon to promote new health insurance marketplaces, presentations made to New Hampshire's special commission weighing whether to expand Medicaid and a closed door meeting by Idaho exchange officials.

25 Jul 2013