GOP’s Obamacare fiction series: Latest horror story a creation from start to finish
"A lot of people have made a lot of relevant points about “Bette” — whose Obamacare “horror story” figured prominently in the official GOP response to the State of the Union address delivered by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash: Greg Sargent notes that Bette’s story reflects the GOP’s reluctance to help constituents navigate the law, even if it means making their lives worse; Steve Benen adds that it’s a sad comment on the GOP’s Obamacare “train wreck” narrative that they have such a hard time finding horror stories that stand up to scrutiny."
1/31/14
These Five States Aren’t Lifting A Finger To Implement Obamacare
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/31/3231861/states-failing-obamacare/
"Most states are tackling at least one of the ACA’s three major components: enforcing its market reforms and consumer protections, establishing a state-run insurance marketplace, and agreeing to its optional Medicaid expansion. Seven states have taken charge of all three. However, the researchers write, “[a]t the other end, five states — Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming — declined to play a role in implementing the law’s three major components. These states will not enforce the market reforms, will have a federally facilitated marketplace where the state will play no formal role, and declined to expand Medicaid.”
These five states’ decision not to run their own marketplaces isn’t uncommon, considering that 36 states have defaulted to a federal exchange. Rejecting the Medicaid expansion is somewhat more rare, since 26 states and the District of Columbia have already opted for it and several others could still do so in 2014. But the fact that these states won’t even oversee basic consumer protections and reforms through local regulatory agencies suggests a desire to be a total dead-end when it comes to health reform."
"Most states are tackling at least one of the ACA’s three major components: enforcing its market reforms and consumer protections, establishing a state-run insurance marketplace, and agreeing to its optional Medicaid expansion. Seven states have taken charge of all three. However, the researchers write, “[a]t the other end, five states — Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming — declined to play a role in implementing the law’s three major components. These states will not enforce the market reforms, will have a federally facilitated marketplace where the state will play no formal role, and declined to expand Medicaid.”
These five states’ decision not to run their own marketplaces isn’t uncommon, considering that 36 states have defaulted to a federal exchange. Rejecting the Medicaid expansion is somewhat more rare, since 26 states and the District of Columbia have already opted for it and several others could still do so in 2014. But the fact that these states won’t even oversee basic consumer protections and reforms through local regulatory agencies suggests a desire to be a total dead-end when it comes to health reform."
Study: Thousands Of People Will Die In States That Don't Expand Medicaid
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/harvard-study-medicaid-expansion-deaths
"Researchers from Harvard University and City University of New York have estimated that between 7,115 and 17,104 deaths will be "attributable to the lack of Medicaid expansion in opt-out states" in a study published in Health Affairs."
"Researchers from Harvard University and City University of New York have estimated that between 7,115 and 17,104 deaths will be "attributable to the lack of Medicaid expansion in opt-out states" in a study published in Health Affairs."
1/30/14
STUDY: Average Obamacare Plans Are Cheaper Than Employer-Sponsored Ones
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/30/3226271/obamacare-premiums-employer-plans/
"Premiums for most health plans sold through Obamacare’s state and federal marketplaces are lower than those for the average employer-sponsored plan, according to a new analysis by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)."
"Premiums for most health plans sold through Obamacare’s state and federal marketplaces are lower than those for the average employer-sponsored plan, according to a new analysis by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)."
SURVEY: Americans Still Don’t Know About Obamacare’s Biggest Consumer Protections
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/30/3229051/americans-know-obamacare/
"The poll finds that the vast majority of Americans (about 62 percent) think that only “some” parts of the Affordable Care Act have gone into effect, even though most of its major provisions became a reality on January 1. Nearly ten percent don’t think any of it has gone into effect at all. And large shares of Americans — particularly the uninsured — don’t even know that the law contains popular provisions such as prohibiting insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and an optional expansion of Medicaid"
"The poll finds that the vast majority of Americans (about 62 percent) think that only “some” parts of the Affordable Care Act have gone into effect, even though most of its major provisions became a reality on January 1. Nearly ten percent don’t think any of it has gone into effect at all. And large shares of Americans — particularly the uninsured — don’t even know that the law contains popular provisions such as prohibiting insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and an optional expansion of Medicaid"
1/28/14
U.S. Cracked Down On A Record Number Of Medicare Fraudsters In 2013
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/28/3214371/medicare-fraud-task-force-record-year/
"A special task force that targets doctors, providers, and individuals who defraud Medicare had a record year of prosecutions in 2013, according to the Department of Justice."
"A special task force that targets doctors, providers, and individuals who defraud Medicare had a record year of prosecutions in 2013, according to the Department of Justice."
1/23/14
Seniors Paying $7,125 a Month to be Neglected? What Happened When Wall Street Got Involved in Assisted Living
www.alternet.org/seniors-paying-7125-month-be-neglected-what-happened-when-wall-street-got-involved-assisted-living
"Joan’s family was forced to do the kind of hard reckoning that so many American families must do these days. It was clear that Joan could no longer live at home. Her husband, Myron, simply didn’t have the stamina to provide the constant care and supervision she needed. And moving in with any of their three children wasn’t an option.
These were the circumstances that eventually led the Boice family to Emeritus at Emerald Hills, a sprawling, three-story assisted living facility off Highway 49 in Auburn, Calif. The handsome 110-bed complex was painted in shades of deep green and cream, reflecting its location on the western fringe of the craggy, coniferous Sierra Nevada mountain range. It was owned by the Emeritus Corp., a Seattle-based chain that was on its way to becoming the nation’s largest assisted living company, with some 500 facilities stretching across 45 states."
"Joan’s family was forced to do the kind of hard reckoning that so many American families must do these days. It was clear that Joan could no longer live at home. Her husband, Myron, simply didn’t have the stamina to provide the constant care and supervision she needed. And moving in with any of their three children wasn’t an option.
These were the circumstances that eventually led the Boice family to Emeritus at Emerald Hills, a sprawling, three-story assisted living facility off Highway 49 in Auburn, Calif. The handsome 110-bed complex was painted in shades of deep green and cream, reflecting its location on the western fringe of the craggy, coniferous Sierra Nevada mountain range. It was owned by the Emeritus Corp., a Seattle-based chain that was on its way to becoming the nation’s largest assisted living company, with some 500 facilities stretching across 45 states."
1/21/14
As Flu Season Intensifies, Most Americans Can Now Get Their Shots For Free Under Obamacare
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/21/3185821/obamacare-flu-shots-free/
"Flu season is hitting younger Americans particularly hard this year, largely because they’re forgoing the vaccine. But one thing that might motivate more Americans to get a shot is the fact that for many of them, it’s now completely free.
Obamacare requires any preventative care deemed important by a government task force of doctors and public health experts to be covered without a co-pay. Many Americans don’t realize that those regulations actually affect every American insurance plan, not just ones sold through the state and federal Obamacare marketplaces. The only policies that aren’t subject to these requirements are a handful of older plans that existed before the law’s passage in 2010 that were “grandfathered” out of the regulations (and even these plans will eventually cease to exist)."
"Flu season is hitting younger Americans particularly hard this year, largely because they’re forgoing the vaccine. But one thing that might motivate more Americans to get a shot is the fact that for many of them, it’s now completely free.
Obamacare requires any preventative care deemed important by a government task force of doctors and public health experts to be covered without a co-pay. Many Americans don’t realize that those regulations actually affect every American insurance plan, not just ones sold through the state and federal Obamacare marketplaces. The only policies that aren’t subject to these requirements are a handful of older plans that existed before the law’s passage in 2010 that were “grandfathered” out of the regulations (and even these plans will eventually cease to exist)."
Medicaid Expansion Cuts Number Of Uninsured West Virginians By A Third
Medicaid Expansion Cuts Number Of Uninsured West Virginians By A Third
"A sizable number of uninsured residents are gaining health benefits for the first time, thanks to the health law’s expanded eligibility threshold."
"A sizable number of uninsured residents are gaining health benefits for the first time, thanks to the health law’s expanded eligibility threshold."
1/20/14
PERRspectives: What's the Difference Between a Medicare Navigator and an Obamacare Navigator?
PERRspectives: What's the Difference Between a Medicare Navigator and an Obamacare Navigator?
"The first numbers on the body count from the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Actare just now coming in. Last week, an analysis from Harvard's Theda Skocpol revealed that states that both set up their own health care exchanges and embraced the ACA's expansion of Medicaid are racing toward their enrollment goals, while the reddest of red states which refused to do either are barely moving the needle for their uninsured populations. Now, a George Washington University study shows that states that also passed laws limiting the ability of health care "navigators" to advise customers have severely compromised their residents' ability to gain access to health care."
"The first numbers on the body count from the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Actare just now coming in. Last week, an analysis from Harvard's Theda Skocpol revealed that states that both set up their own health care exchanges and embraced the ACA's expansion of Medicaid are racing toward their enrollment goals, while the reddest of red states which refused to do either are barely moving the needle for their uninsured populations. Now, a George Washington University study shows that states that also passed laws limiting the ability of health care "navigators" to advise customers have severely compromised their residents' ability to gain access to health care."
1/16/14
Four Major Insurers Accused Of Discriminating Against Women In Long-Term Care Plans
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/16/3176091/major-insurers-discriminate-gender-long-term-care/
"The long-term care industry has long maintained that Obamacare’s rules barring insurers from charging women more for their health care don’t apply to them. Early last year, the nation’s largest long-term care insurer announced that it be charging women between 20 and 40 percent more in monthly premiums.
Industry experts predicted the practice would become a trend — a prediction that has proven true. NWLC’s complaints are targeting Genworth Financial, John Hancock, Transamerica, and Mutual of Omaha."
"The long-term care industry has long maintained that Obamacare’s rules barring insurers from charging women more for their health care don’t apply to them. Early last year, the nation’s largest long-term care insurer announced that it be charging women between 20 and 40 percent more in monthly premiums.
Industry experts predicted the practice would become a trend — a prediction that has proven true. NWLC’s complaints are targeting Genworth Financial, John Hancock, Transamerica, and Mutual of Omaha."
Fischer: Only Property Owners Should Be Eligible To Vote | Right Wing Watch
Fischer: Only Property Owners Should Be Eligible To Vote | Right Wing Watch
"On his radio show yesterday, Bryan Fischer called for ending Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, as well as the elimination of the minimum wage ... all in order to help the poor and those struggling to make ends meet, of course.
So logically this discussion resulted in Fischer eventually calling for a return to an electoral system in which only people who own property can vote."
"On his radio show yesterday, Bryan Fischer called for ending Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, as well as the elimination of the minimum wage ... all in order to help the poor and those struggling to make ends meet, of course.
So logically this discussion resulted in Fischer eventually calling for a return to an electoral system in which only people who own property can vote."
6 Drugs Whose Dangerous Risks Were Buried So Big Pharma Could Make Money
www.alternet.org/personal-health/6-drugs-whose-dangerous-risks-were-buried-so-big-pharma-could-make-money
"New meds are rushed to the market so industry can start making money even before safety has been determined."
"New meds are rushed to the market so industry can start making money even before safety has been determined."
1/15/14
PERRspectives: Missouri Blocks Navigators for Obamacare, but Not Medicare
PERRspectives: Missouri Blocks Navigators for Obamacare, but Not Medicare
"The first numbers on the body count from the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Actare just now coming in. Last week, an analysis from Harvard's Theda Skocpol revealed that states that both set up their own health care exchanges and embraced the ACA's expansion of Medicaid are racing towards their enrollment goals, while the reddest of red states which refused to do either are barely moving the needle for their uninsured populations. Now, a George Washington University study shows that states that also passed laws limiting the ability of health care "navigators" to advise customers have severely compromised their residents' ability to gain access to health care."
"The first numbers on the body count from the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Actare just now coming in. Last week, an analysis from Harvard's Theda Skocpol revealed that states that both set up their own health care exchanges and embraced the ACA's expansion of Medicaid are racing towards their enrollment goals, while the reddest of red states which refused to do either are barely moving the needle for their uninsured populations. Now, a George Washington University study shows that states that also passed laws limiting the ability of health care "navigators" to advise customers have severely compromised their residents' ability to gain access to health care."
1/14/14
Patients Are Less Likely To Get Information About Obamacare In States Where The Governor Opposes It
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/14/3158251/patients-obamacare/
"Republican legislatures and governors who have put Obamacare in their cross-hairs have been largely successful in limiting people’s awareness of the law, according to a new study released Tuesday by the George Washington University."
"Republican legislatures and governors who have put Obamacare in their cross-hairs have been largely successful in limiting people’s awareness of the law, according to a new study released Tuesday by the George Washington University."
1/11/14
GOP Senator’s Anti-Obamacare Story Denied By Doctor Who Saved His Daughter’s Life
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/11/doctor-disputes-sen-johnson-anti-aca-story/
"One can only wonder if Senator Johnson was purposefully lying about his own daughter or if he simply doesn’t understand the healthcare law and the medical profession. He seems to have seriously misrepresented the feelings of the doctor whose ‘freedoms’ he claimed to be defending."
"One can only wonder if Senator Johnson was purposefully lying about his own daughter or if he simply doesn’t understand the healthcare law and the medical profession. He seems to have seriously misrepresented the feelings of the doctor whose ‘freedoms’ he claimed to be defending."
Big Data Big Pharma = Big Money | Common Dreams
Big Data Big Pharma = Big Money | Common Dreams
"Need another reminder of how much drugmakers spend to discover what doctors are prescribing? Look no further than new documents from the leading keeper of such data."
"Need another reminder of how much drugmakers spend to discover what doctors are prescribing? Look no further than new documents from the leading keeper of such data."
1/9/14
Women At Risk For Breast Cancer Will Get Free Preventive Medications Under Obamacare
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/09/3142151/breast-cancer-prevention-drugs-free-obamacare/
"The Obama administration announced on Thursday that women at risk for breast cancer will be able to get preventive cancer drugs, like tamoxifen and raloxifene, at no additional cost to them under the Affordable Care Act."
"The Obama administration announced on Thursday that women at risk for breast cancer will be able to get preventive cancer drugs, like tamoxifen and raloxifene, at no additional cost to them under the Affordable Care Act."
1/7/14
The National Memo » GOP’s Claim That Obamacare Leaves More Uninsured Than Covered Is Still Not True
The National Memo » GOP’s Claim That Obamacare Leaves More Uninsured Than Covered Is Still Not True
"As part of its ongoing strategy of attacking the Affordable Care Act, the Republican Party continues to present claims that just do not hold up."
"As part of its ongoing strategy of attacking the Affordable Care Act, the Republican Party continues to present claims that just do not hold up."
1/6/14
Retirement Theft in 4 Despicable Steps
www.alternet.org/economy/retirement-theft-4-despicable-steps
"But the American workers who have paid all their lives for retirement security are being cheated by wealthy individuals and corporations who refuse to meet their tax obligations, and who have found other ways to keep expanding their wealth at the expense of the middle class."
"But the American workers who have paid all their lives for retirement security are being cheated by wealthy individuals and corporations who refuse to meet their tax obligations, and who have found other ways to keep expanding their wealth at the expense of the middle class."
1/5/14
Fact Check: The Affordable Care Act Does Cover Insurance For Babies
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/03/in-which-fox-suggests-the-affordable-care-act-w/197410
"In fact, having a child counts as a qualifying life event, that allows consumers enrolled in health insurance under the ACA to alter their coverage outside of the open enrollment period.
Fox has previously attacked provisions in the ACA designed to aid pregnant women and new mothers, claiming that a ban on discrimination against women in the health insurance market constitutes "sticking it to men" and denying the need for improved access to maternity coverage -- while ignoring the benefits of improved maternity care under the ACA."
"In fact, having a child counts as a qualifying life event, that allows consumers enrolled in health insurance under the ACA to alter their coverage outside of the open enrollment period.
Fox has previously attacked provisions in the ACA designed to aid pregnant women and new mothers, claiming that a ban on discrimination against women in the health insurance market constitutes "sticking it to men" and denying the need for improved access to maternity coverage -- while ignoring the benefits of improved maternity care under the ACA."
7 Drugs Whose Dangerous Risks Emerged Only After Big Pharma Made Its Money
www.alternet.org/personal-health/7-drugs-whose-dangerous-risks-emerged-only-after-big-pharma-made-its-money
"A settlement for death or injuries down the road is just the cost of doing business."
"A settlement for death or injuries down the road is just the cost of doing business."
An elderly veteran delivering pizza? The system has failed us ...
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/05/1265470/-An-elderly-veteran-delivering-pizza-The-system-has-failed-us
"Social Security must be expanded—everyone should be able to have a comfortable retirement and everyone should be able to get full retirement benefits at 65 (or younger). If we can find the money to piss away away on two wars, then we can find the money ensure that every American can have a comfortable retirement."
"Social Security must be expanded—everyone should be able to have a comfortable retirement and everyone should be able to get full retirement benefits at 65 (or younger). If we can find the money to piss away away on two wars, then we can find the money ensure that every American can have a comfortable retirement."
1/3/14
The right’s Obamacare misinformation bubble: A visual representation
The right’s Obamacare misinformation bubble: A visual representation
"If you’re a regular here, then you’ve probably read a story or two about how the right’s ongoing war against Obamacare prevents most conservatives from acknowledging that anyone has benefitted, is benefitting, or will benefit from the Affordable Care Act — and that this unwillingness to grapple with any Obamacare success stories is inflating a conservative misinformation bubble. On the right it’s an article of faith that the law has done nothing but harm innocent people. That’s the only way to keep the repeal fantasy animated."
"If you’re a regular here, then you’ve probably read a story or two about how the right’s ongoing war against Obamacare prevents most conservatives from acknowledging that anyone has benefitted, is benefitting, or will benefit from the Affordable Care Act — and that this unwillingness to grapple with any Obamacare success stories is inflating a conservative misinformation bubble. On the right it’s an article of faith that the law has done nothing but harm innocent people. That’s the only way to keep the repeal fantasy animated."
1/2/14
Americans Can Now Start Using Their New Obamacare Coverage
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/02/3110271/americans-obamacare-coverage-january/
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
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