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First Edition: June 27, 2013

Today's headlines include reports explaining how yesterday's Supreme Court decision on DOMA impacts federal health benefits and the health law's coverage expansion.

27 Jun 2013

White House takes aim at Latinos, young people with health law outreach efforts

Both populations are key to the success of new online health insurance marketplaces, which will begin enrolling people on Oct. 1 for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1.

27 Jun 2013

Tavenner outlines specifics on health exchanges, other health law issues

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services chief Marilyn Tavenner discussed health exchanges, among other things, with Georgia Health News. Other news outlets detailed the exchange developments in Minnesota and Colorado.

27 Jun 2013

Sebelius ramps up enrollment push

The Obama administration unveiled a revamped HealthCare.gov website, the centerpiece of its campaign in more than 30 states to enroll people in health coverage, as well as a 24-hour consumer call center. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius aims to enroll 7 million people by late March with help from major sports franchises and moms.

26 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 25, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about the Obama administraiton's plans for getting the word about the health law's online marketplaces.

25 Jun 2013

As doctors, hospitals, insurers prepare for health law implementation, 100-day countdown begins for online marketplaces

The New York Times profiles a Louisville clinic's efforts to be ready for changes, while several outlets look at the progress of the health exchanges where consumers will be able to buy insurance plans.

25 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 20, 2013

Today's headlines include a variety of reports about the health law's implementation as well as related developments from Capitol Hill.

20 Jun 2013

Viewpoints: Urgency has slipped away for 'grand bargain'; The need to scrutinize drug competition; Restore funding to 'Meals on Wheels'

It may seem paradoxical that Congress was willing to tackle a grand bargain when the deficit problem looked big and insoluble -; but quickly lost interest as soon as the problem became more manageable. … But the reason isn't really mysterious. A grand bargain would have required both sides to swallow unpalatable compromises. It would have required Democrats to agree to cuts in future spending on Medicare and Social Security. Likewise, it would have required Republicans to accept increases in tax revenue (Doyle McManus, 6/19).

20 Jun 2013

'Get Covered America' campaign launched by nonprofit group

In an effort to sign up people for the new health coverage that will become available this fall, Enroll America is one of a number of organizations launching aggressive health law outreach campaigns.

20 Jun 2013

GAO: Smooth and timely launch of health exchanges unsure

The report by the Government Accountability Office noted that the federal government has missed several deadlines, and there is a risk it won't be ready to open the online marketplaces Oct. 1. But the report also noted some positive signs.

20 Jun 2013

Ico Therapeutics completes Phase 2 iDEAL study for treatment of diabetic macular edema

iCo Therapeutics Inc. announced today that it has completed enrollment of its Phase 2 iDEAL study evaluating the efficacy and safety after repeated injections of iCo-007 in patients with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The study has shown a good safety profile with no drug-related serious adverse events to date.

19 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 19, 2013

Today's headlines include reports the development of the health law's online marketplaces is falling behind schedule.

19 Jun 2013

Health exchanges: Choice of plans will vary sharply from state to state

The New York Times reports that millions of people shopping in the new online marketplaces will discover their choices -- or lack thereof -- will depend on where they live. The Washington Post reports that many states are racing to have the online marketplaces ready to enroll people by Oct. 1. Also in the news, exchange developments from Wisconsin, California and Minnesota.

18 Jun 2013

Calif. regulator seeks to bar Anthem from small business health exchange

Meanwhile, Minnesota officials announce the opening of a call center Sept. 3 to answer consumer questions about the state's online insurance marketplace, which will begin enrolling people a month later.

15 Jun 2013

Research roundup: Studying states' readiness for insurance exchanges

Unauthorized immigrants' options for health care generally consist of hospital emergency rooms and community health centers. Using nationally representative survey data from 2000 to 2009, researchers compared medical spending for unauthorized immigrants, legal residents, naturalized citizens, and natives of the United States and found that "unauthorized immigrants have lower health care spending overall but higher rates of receiving uncompensated care than legal immigrants and US natives."

15 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 14, 2013

Today's headlines includes reports about how, after months of battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

14 Jun 2013

Early signs that acos are boosting care, saving money

Bloomberg reports that hospitals across the U.S. are improving care and saving millions by creating accountable care organizations, one of the least-touted provisions of the health care law. In other news, Politico reports on a town hall meeting on the health law in Baltimore.

13 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 13, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about how employers are preparing for some parts of the health law to kick in.

13 Jun 2013

Sequester's budget cuts slowing Alzheimer's, other research

nd the bite on non-discretionary spending could be even bigger in 2014. Also, the urgency surrounding a budget deal may have faded.

11 Jun 2013

Tech experts brace for Glitches when health exchange websites come online

As planners race to finish building the online marketplaces that consumers can begin using Oct. 1 to shop for health insurance, experts expect some difficulties, according to The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, CQ HealthBeat examines whether the deductibles and out-of-pocket caps applied in these marketplaces will be too high.

10 Jun 2013