News
National Journal | Report: Obama Fears Social Security Checks May Halt
Lawmakers from both parties are using that deadline to work out a broader package on long-term deficit reduction, with Republicans looking to cut trillions of dollars in federal spending and Democrats pushing for both spending cuts and increased revenue through higher taxes.
Politico | Health reform rule unveiled
The administration released a proposed regulation Monday that sets the standards for new marketplaces — health insurance exchanges — that are supposed to launch in every state by 2014. They’re supposed to be where individuals and small businesses can browse a wide selection of easily comparable health plans and pick the one that’s best for them.
National Journal | Feds Exchange Rules Give States Wiggle Room
The federal government released the first details on Monday of what state insurance exchanges might look like in 2014, giving states considerable flexibility to choose which insurance plans will qualify for an exchange.
Econ Comments
AEI | Triggering a Policy Response to the Medicare Funding Warning
Because of Medicare's complicated structure, it can be difficult to ascertain fully the program's financial status. The date at which the Hospital Insurance (HI, or Part A) trust fund is exhausted is one easily-understood indicator but it focuses on only a portion of Medicare that accounts for less than half of program spending.
Cato @ Liberty | O’s 159th Report on Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Finds Anti-Fraud Measures ‘Inadequate’
Today, the Government Accountability Office will release a new report on fraud in Medicare and Medicaid. By my count, it is the 159th report the GAO has issued on fraud in these programs since 1986.
Blogs
Heritage Foundation | Less Than Meets the Eye: The Obamacare Exchange Regulations
Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its proposed regulations for the Obamacare version of health insurance exchanges. State lawmakers are a key audience for these regulations, which is why HHS wrapped its announcement in talk of “state flexibility.”
