Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Almost 11 Million People Get Medicaid Under Health Law
Over 10 million people enrolled in Medicaid and the children's health insurance program since ObamaCare's launch a year and a half ago, the administration announced Monday. The numbers show that through the end of December 2014, 10.75 million more people are enrolled in Medicaid or the CHIP children's health program compared to before ObamaCare's coverage expansion took effect in 2013, about a 19 percent increase. (Sullivan, 2/23)
Utah Republican Gov. Gary Herbert said Monday that hospital operators volunteered to pick up the state鈥檚 share of costs for people who enroll under a Medicaid expansion plan. But he added he doesn鈥檛 believe he will need to take the industry up on its offer during the first two years of the program. Herbert indicated that hospitals understand that they may benefit from an expansion more than other groups and would be 鈥渨illing to pay their share if in fact we need it.鈥 (Adams, 2/24)
And聽a Republican gubernatorial hopeful in Kentucky vows to undo the state's聽Medicaid expansion if elected.
Republican candidate for governor Matt Bevin said he would undo the expansion of the state's Medicaid system, a move that would take away health insurance from nearly 400,000 people. Bevin is the first candidate to promise this, ensuring the Affordable Care Act will play a prominent role as four Republicans try to woo the state's conservative voters ahead of the May 19th primary. (Beam, 2/23)
Republican Matt Bevin Monday said that he would he undo the state's expansion into Medicaid and shut down the state-run health insurance exchange program known as Kynect as part of his "blueprint" for the state if he were to win the governor's mansion. ... Bevin is one of four Republicans seeking the GOP nomination 鈥 the primary is scheduled for May 19. (Pilcher, 2/23)