Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Most States Take Wait-And-See Approach To Subsidies Challenge
The Democratic-controlled Illinois Legislature appears poised to approve legislation this week establishing a state-based insurance exchange. The bill has gained urgency because of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to take up the King v. Burwell case, which could invalidate federal premium subsidies in the 34 states, including Illinois, that did not establish their own exchanges and instead rely on HealthCare.gov for enrollments. (Demko, 12/2)
Nearly four in 10 Californians say the state's health exchange isn't working well as the second open enrollment gets underway, a new survey shows. The results from the Public Policy Institute of California survey may reflect persistent service problems experienced by some consumers as well as continued partisan opposition to the federal overhaul. (Terhune, 12/2)
About 6,000 enrollments in health plans offered by the Washington Healthplanfinder insurance exchange were improperly canceled because of an error, according to the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, which manages the exchange. 鈥淓arly analysis indicates that our system integrator, Deloitte, ran an automated enrollment cancellation process in error,鈥 said Richard Onizuka, CEO of the exchange, in a statement issued Tuesday evening. The enrollments involved policies that take effect in 2015. Most of those affected have not yet been notified. (Marshall, 12/2)
Two Utah men who benefited from the federal health care law said Tuesday that while the law has been politically divisive, it has saved their lives by allowing them to get affordable insurance. James Phillips of Midvale said he lost his job and came down with an illness several years ago that left him unable to find work and health insurance that cost less than $750 a month. (Price, 12/2)
With the high cost of living in San Francisco, many low-income residents who qualify for federally subsidized health insurance under Covered California still can鈥檛 afford it. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is looking at helping that population afford insurance by providing additional subsidies funded through employer contributions. (Graebner, 12/2)
