Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As Enrollment Period Nears Close, Advocates Ponder Why Texas Sign-Ups Lag
When it comes to signing people up for Obamacare, Florida is crushing Texas. And it鈥檚 not even close. ... Advocates, leaders of outreach and enrollment organizations in both states and others who closely follow the health law speculated that Florida may be outperforming Texas in sign-ups for three major reasons. The Sunshine State is more compact. It fielded a bigger, centrally managed army of trained helpers. And its GOP leaders haven鈥檛 imposed as many roadblocks as Texas鈥 leaders have. (Garrett, 1/17)
According to the consultant group McKinsey, about half of the plans available are in so-called 鈥渘arrow networks,鈥 which is a complicated way of saying not all doctors and hospitals are included. That can be tricky for consumers. And it can be tricky for hospitals who 鈥 in some instances 鈥 must find ways to convince insurers that they will be cost-effective partners. (Gorenstein, 1/18)
With less than two weeks of open enrollment left, Covered California is reminding consumers that they will face increased penalties for not having health insurance this year. ... This year, the penalty is $695 per adult and $347 per child up to a family cap of $2,500 or 2.5% of household income, whichever is greater. Last year's penalty was $325 for adults, with a $975 maximum or 2% of household income. (Sisson, 1/19)