Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Most Cancer Hospitals Participate In 'Some' Exchange Plans
Most specialized cancer hospitals say they participate in the narrow provider networks of some exchange health plans, but health insurers have not been shy keeping some cancer hospitals out, according to a new survey from consulting firm Avalere Health. The Avalere analysis follows an Associated Press report last year which found that many of America's most prestigious cancer hospitals were getting excluded from health plans sold on the Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2014. (Herman, 4/22)
Meanwhile, Washington state's exchange enrolled 170,000 people and two MNsure board members won't seek second terms -
About 170,000 Washington residents bought insurance through the state health care exchange during open enrollment that ended last week, officials reported Wednesday. That's about 40,000 more people than bought insurance during the first year the exchange was open, but it's still about 40,000 fewer than the goal state officials set this year for Washington Healthplanfinder. (Blankinship, 4/22)
MNsure Board chairperson Brian Beutner and member Thompson Aderinkomi said they will not seek re-appointment when their terms end early next month. The decisions follow the problem-plagued rollout of MNsure, the agency that runs the state's online health insurance marketplace, in 2013 and legislative proposals to eliminate the agency's board. (Zdechlik, 4/22)
