As Enrollment Deadline Nears, Obama Praises Health Law Successes In Radio Address
"It’s making a difference for millions of Americans every day [and] it is only going to get better,” the president says. Also in the news, a look at some health plans that exclude outpatient surgeries and the House's postponement of a vote on health care.
The Hill:
President Pushes ObamaCare As Enrollment Deadline Nears
President Obama on Saturday touted the successes of his signature healthcare law, just days before the deadline for enrolling in 2016 ObamaCare coverage ends on Jan. 31. “This is healthcare in America today,” he said in his weekly address. “[It is] affordable, portable security for you and your loved ones. It’s making a difference for millions of Americans every day [and] it is only going to get better.” Obama boasted that ObamaCare is expanding healthcare options for everyday Americans. (Hensch, 1/23)
Kaiser Health News:
Check The Fine Print: Some Work-Based Health Plans Exclude Outpatient Surgeries
Last year regulators blocked companies with millions of lower-wage workers from claiming that coverage with no inpatient hospital benefits met Obamacare’s strictest standard for large employers. Now that those so-called “skinny plans” aren’t allowed, insurance administrators and many cost-conscious employers are purporting to meet the rules with a new version that excludes another major category: outpatient surgery. The new plans may not survive regulatory scrutiny any more than the old ones did, some experts believe. (Hancock, 1/25)
The Associated Press:
Tally No: House Postpones Coming Votes, Cites Snow Storm
The House has postponed votes this coming week — including one on overriding President Barack Obama’s health care veto — because of the snowstorm. Senators plan to begin work Wednesday evening, extending a delay imposed even before the storm hit. (1/24)