Affordable Care Act

Bemoaning Budget Cuts, Health Care Navigators Say Feds Don't Get It

1:52pm September 20, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

The federal government has sharply cut funding to groups that help people enroll in health plans. But the groups say federal officials don't understand how much help and follow-up some people need.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. (right), and Rick Santorum, former senator from Pennsylvania, listen during a health reform news conference on Capitol Hill last week.

Latest GOP Effort To Replace Obamacare Could End Health Care For Millions

8:06pm September 19, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Republicans are taking one last shot at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. But the new plan isn't much different fr the last one that failed.

Health insurance company Oscar has started its own ad campaign for the Affordable Care Act.

As Federal Government Cuts Obamacare Ads, Private Insurer Steps Up

10:17pm September 18, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

The federal government has cut advertising for the Affordable Care Act's enrollment period by 90 percent. So insurer Oscar Health has started its own campaign in New York and five other states.

Queue Listen Now

Lulabelle Berry surveys the 600 acres she and her husband, Jimmy, own in the Ozarks near Mountain View, Ark. Berry walks laps on her porch to aid her recovery from a stroke. She says she's grateful for the drug that saved her life. "It's been a good life,

Rural Hospitals Struggle To Stock Expensive Drugs That Could Save Lives

4:48pm September 15, 2017

by Sarah Jane Tribble

A federal drug program blocks rural hospitals from getting discounts on rare-disease drugs, forcing staff to cut back on supplies of lifesaving medicines.

Governors from left; Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Steve Bullock of Montana, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, John Hickenlooper of Colorado and Gary Herbert of Utah all testified Thursday about ways t improve the ACA.

Governors Sound Off On How To Fix Health Insurance

10:22pm September 07, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Senators holding hearings this week are looking for quick tweaks that will stabilize the insurance markets and make policies cheaper. Some governors want more federal money and more flexibility.

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The Children's Health Insurance Program relies on money from state and federal governments to help subsidize the cost of medical care for some kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid.

Will Congress Continue Health Care For 9 Million Children?

6:23pm September 06, 2017

by Phil Galewitz

The popular Children's Health Insurance Program is up for renewal Sept. 30. Policy analysts say it's unclear whether a deeply divided Congress facing major deadlines will get the job done.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is working with Patty Murray, D-Wash. on a bill to stabilize the health insurance market.

Chastened Lawmakers Aim For Small, Bipartisan Health Care Victories

11:23pm September 05, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Senate Republicans and Democrats are trying something new on health care. It's called cooperation.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander chairs the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee; Sen. Patty Murray is the committee's ranking Democrat.

5 Controversial Ideas For Shoring Up Health Insurance Markets

4:38pm August 30, 2017

by Julie Rovner

Lawmakers looking to stabilize the health insurance exchanges may consider a number of proposals — including pushing young adults off a parent's plan or letting people buy into Medicare and Medicaid.

The Senate health committee meets next month to discuss ways to stabilize the insurance markets. Insurers have until Sept. 27 to commit to selling policies on the ACA marketplaces in 2018.

Four Steps That Could Cut Health Insurance Premiums And Boost Enrollment

6:12pm August 25, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

For now, the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land. A consulting firm lays out four steps it says would lead to insurance coverage for millions more, at a lower cost.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, D, center, recently signed a bill into law that would require insurers in the state to cover reproductive health services.

Oregon, Texas Lay Down Markers On Abortion Coverage

5:00am August 23, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

Highlighting the country's sharp divide over abortion and mixed reactions to requirements in the Affordable Care Act, Texas restricts insurance coverage while Oregon requires that it be covered.