http://www.healthcare.gov An updated feed of HealthCare.gov blog posts. Sat, 18 May 2013 07:59:45 -0400 Percussion CM System http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/05/marketplace-notices.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Over the course of the year, businesses and health insurers will send Americans information about coverage through the Marketplace. Wed, 8 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152689 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/04/marketplace-application.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services We have finalized the application that identifies what insurance programs you are eligible for and discounts to help pay for it. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152686 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/04/2014-budget.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The budget for HHS provides investments that create healthier and safer families, stronger communities and a thriving America. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0400 guid152684 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/04/small-businesses.html Meredith K. Olafson, Senior Policy Advisor, SBA In 2014, employers will be able to choose a plan through a new Health Insurance Marketplace. Fri, 5 Apr 2013 14:00:00 -0400 guid152683 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-looking-forward.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Thanks to the health care law, qualified individuals will have access to quality insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152669 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-savings-for-seniors.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Thanks to the health law, more than 6.3 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare saved over $6.1B on prescriptions. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152668 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-quality.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act includes steps to improve the quality of health care and lower costs for you and for our nation as a whole. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0400 guid152667 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-insurance-accountability.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Before the Affordable Care Act, premiums rose rapidly, straining budgets of families and businesses. The health care law is working to bring affordability and fairness to the marketplace. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:25:00 -0400 guid152665 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-abby.html Abby Schanfield I remember the day the health care law passed three years ago. The law made history. On a personal level, it fundamentally changed the course of my life. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152664 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/anniversary-consumer-protections.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The health care law brings an end to some of the worst insurance industry practices that have kept affordable coverage out of reach for millions of Americans. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152662 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/jobs-and-cost.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Since the Affordable Care Act became law in 2010, health care cost growth has been lower than in the past – and lower than was projected when the law passed almost three years ago. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 guid152661 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/bring-down-costs.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The law includes innovative tools to drive down health care costs. It incentivizes efficient care, supports a robust health information technology infrastructure, and fights fraud and waste. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0400 guid152660 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/health-care-spending.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services For years, health care costs rose faster than inflation. Now, the slowing growth of health care spending is being recognized by independent analysts. Thu, 7 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 guid152659 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/consumer-protections.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services National Consumer Protection Week starts today, so it’s the perfect time to talk about new rights and protections under the health care law. Mon, 4 Mar 2013 18:00:00 -0500 guid152658 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/03/medicaid-report.html Richard Kronick, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy The 2012 Medicaid Actuarial Report shows that Medicaid benefits spending is estimated to have decreased by 1.9% from 2011 to 2012. Fri, 1 Mar 2013 17:36:15 -0500 guid152657 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/02/effective-rate-review.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10% or more. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:45:00 -0500 guid152654 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/02/states-prepare-for-marketplace.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Starting in October 2013, customers in every state will be able to shop in their Marketplace for coverage that would begin in January 2014. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:46:00 -0500 guid152652 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/02/vaccine-finder.html Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health The HealthMap Vaccine Finder helps you locate nearby providers that offer the vaccinations routinely recommended for adults. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 guid152648 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/02/aca-saves-seniors-billions.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act provides lower costs on prescription drugs and improved benefits for millions seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare. Thu, 7 Feb 2013 01:36:15 -0500 guid152647 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/02/heart-health020413.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services February is American Heart Month, which makes this a good time to talk about the ways the Affordable Care Act helps us take better care of our hearts. Mon, 4 Feb 2013 11:04:00 -0500 guid152644 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/01/quit-smoking012513.html Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Americans have more access than ever to the resources they need to quit smoking. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:50:00 -0500 guid152640 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/01/affordable-insurance-countdown.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services This month we start the countdown to Oct. 1, 2013, when you’ll be able to shop for health insurance that meets your needs at the new Marketplace. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0500 guid152631 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/01/good-news-medicare011013.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services As highlighted in the analysis, the Affordable Care Act is helping to put Medicare on a sustainable path for the years ahead so that seniors and people with disabilities can continue to receive quality care. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:45:00 -0500 guid152633 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2013/01/health-care-spending-low010713.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services New statistics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show that the overall growth in health spending was at a historic low for the third year in a row. According to the annual Report of National Health Expenditures, total U.S. health spending grew 3.9 percent in 2011. Mon, 7 Jan 2013 17:40:00 -0500 guid152637 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/12/coverage-for-young-adults122012.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The Affordable Care Act has resulted in substantial increases in health insurance coverage for young adults, according to a new report in Health Affairs. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid152560 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/12/states-moving-forward121712.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Many states are making impressive progress and we are committed to working with all states as we approach open enrollment in October 2013. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid152559 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/12/marketplaces121012.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Ten months from today, Americans in every state can begin to choose health insurance in new state marketplaces where they will have access to affordable coverage. Many will have never had health insurance, or had been forced to make the decision to go without insurance after losing a job or becoming sick. It is a groundbreaking time for health care in our country. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid152565 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/12/medicare12312.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services If you haven’t made up your mind yet about a health or drug plan, remember that Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7, 2012. Mon, 3 Dec 2012 08:04:05 -0500 guid152495 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/11/mycare_chris.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Because of the health care law, Dr. Lillis says his patients can get affordable health coverage and are better able to pay for their prescriptions. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:31:00 -0500 guid152492 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/11/marketrules112012.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services A new rule would prohibit some of the worst insurance industry practices that have kept affordable health coverage out of reach for millions of Americans. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:35:54 -0500 guid152490 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/10/communitycorps101112.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Today we are celebrating the work of the National Health Service Corps in communities across the country. This year’s theme is “Healthier Patients, Stronger Communities,” and that theme is reflected in the work that our NHSC providers do every day. Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:30:00 -0400 guid152439 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/mycare_isbah.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Isbah is now covered by her father’s health plan and will be until she’s 26, because of the health care reform law. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:11:08 -0400 guid152427 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/communityhealthcenters.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services One great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to visit a community health center like First Choice Community Health Care in Albuquerque which I visited last week. Community health centers are the backbone of our health care system, especially for Latinos, who make up 62 percent of health center patients in New Mexico. Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:26:56 -0400 guid152426 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/SBC092412.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Thanks to the health care law, starting today, millions of consumers will have access to a new consumer-friendly summary to help them understand their health insurance and compare health coverage options. This new tool, called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage—or SBC—has a uniform format that shows you basic information about your health insurance plan and how much it costs. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:45:00 -0400 guid152422 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/medicarefraud092012.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services President Obama is making unprecedented strides in cracking down on health care fraud – already over $10.7 billion has been recovered since he took office. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we have even more tools to stop fraud – including more law enforcement boots on the ground and more time in prison for criminals. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:00:00 -0400 guid152406 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/mycare_ashley.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Because of the Affordable Care Act's under 26 provision, Ashley was able to be added to her parents’ health insurance plan. Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152358 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/aca_community_living.html Kathy Greenlee, Administrator, Administration for Community Living The Affordable Care Act is helping seniors and people with disabilities get the supports and services they need. Learn more about community living. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:00:31 -0400 guid152312 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/ratereview091112.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act holds insurance companies accountable and puts more money back into the pockets of Americans across the country. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152309 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/09/hfpwmcc090712.html Anand K. Parekh, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS More than two out of three people with Medicare have two or more chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Fri, 7 Sep 2012 15:40:01 -0400 guid152280 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/08/mycare_jill.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) helped Jill find affordable health insurance coverage. Learn more about Jill's story and the PCIP. Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152248 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/prevention073112.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services It's a new day for women’s health when, for the first time ever, women will have access to eight new services at no out-of-pocket cost. Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:53:27 -0400 guid152236 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/prevention73012.html Julia Eisman, HHS New Media Communications Director To talk about new benefits becoming available for women, we are teaming up with WebMD to take your questions on what this means for women and their families. Please join HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Annic Jobin, WebMD’s Director of News and Partnerships, on Wednesday, August 1st at 1:30pm EST, for a live online discussion. Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152235 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/rebatetool071312.html Michael Hash, Interim Director, CCIIO Want to know whether your health insurance company is required to provide a rebate? Today, on HealthCare.gov, we’re launching a new tool that will allow you to enter your state and health insurance company information and see the average rebate your insurer is required to pay. Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:59:52 -0400 guid152234 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/exchanges07112012.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services In 2014, we can look forward to Affordable Insurance Exchanges and governors are committing to building these new state-based marketplaces. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:30:00 -0400 guid152228 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/aco07092012.html Jonathan Blum, Acting Principal Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicare The Affordable Care Act is helping create new groups where doctors, nurses and specialists will work together to coordinate your care. Mon, 9 Jul 2012 15:44:55 -0400 guid152211 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/07/diabetes07092012.html Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for Health CDC released its Diabetes Report Card 2012, which provides a snapshot of the impact of diabetes on our nation. Mon, 9 Jul 2012 13:00:00 -0400 guid152210 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/mycare_alycia.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs As a parent, Alycia says she shouldn’t have to worry that an insurer would deny coverage due to her child’s pre-existing condition. Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:03:33 -0400 guid152195 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/mycare_carolandjustin.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Carol Metcalf’s son, Justin, has a rare genetic lung disease, primary ciliary dyskinesia, but while he needs medical care for it, he hasn’t let the disease define him. He’s thinking about going to law school, or possibly graduate school in international studies. Justin, 23, is able to do so because of the health care law, Carol says. Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152193 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/mycare_virginia.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The health care law’s tax credit for small businesses is making it more affordable for Virginia’s company offer health coverage to its employees. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:59:45 -0400 guid152190 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/mycare_kiersten.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The health care tax credit for small businesses made it possible for Kiersten to offer health insurance to her employees. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:00:00 -0400 guid152186 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/mycare_ashley.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Ashley, born with a life-threatening disease, is able to stay on her parents insurance plan thanks to the health care law. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:30:00 -0400 guid152184 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/health-spending061212.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services A new report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services includes good news for consumers and our health care system. Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152175 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/seniors-health-town-hall.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs You're invited to participate online in a Seniors Health Town Hall on Monday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m., streamed live from The White House. Fri, 8 Jun 2012 18:00:00 -0400 guid152167 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/cap060712.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act includes resources to help states strengthen existing Consumer Assistance Programs or start new ones. Thu, 7 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152137 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/06/womens-health-townhall.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs You're invited to participate online in a Women's Health Townhall on Thursday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m., streamed live from The White House. Tue, 5 Jun 2012 13:30:00 -0400 guid152136 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/medicare052412.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare while providing important relief to seniors and people with disabilities. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 -0400 guid152128 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/mycare_louisa.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Louisa says that the small business tax credit is making health care more affordable for her family-owned business. Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 -0400 guid152127 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/mycare_judy.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Judy no longer has to worry about lifetime limits on her insurance coverage or being denied due to a pre-existing condition thanks to the health care law. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:00 -0400 guid152125 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/outofpocket051712.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services A new study released today shows that the Affordable Care Act will help people in the individual health insurance market even more. In 2014, individual health insurance is likely to be more generous and more similar to employer-based coverage. And this means Americans will save money. The study compared how much people in the individual market would have saved in out-of-pocket spending alone, had the Affordable Care Act already been implemented. Thu, 17 May 2012 09:56:08 -0400 guid152118 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/healthsystems051512.html Sherry Glied, HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation The Health System Measurement Project tracks the progress of America's health care system. Tue, 15 May 2012 10:05:13 -0400 guid152112 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/medicallossratio051112.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Today, we’re finalizing a notice for insurance companies to send you if they meet or exceed the standard. If your insurance company is providing fair value for your premium dollars, you should know that too. You’ll be able to see your plan’s medical loss ratio on HealthCare.gov starting this summer. Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152057 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/advancing-innovation.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services The Health Care Innovation Awards provide our most creative minds with the backing they need to build the health care system of the future. Tue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152056 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/mycare_annie.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Annie, a nurse and chief executive of a Community Health Center in Miami, talks about the important role of community health centers. Thu, 3 May 2012 14:50:22 -0400 guid152055 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/aapi050112.html Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health Each May during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of the AAPI community to the fabric of our nation. The good news is that the President’s health care law -- the Affordable Care Act – provides us with the opportunity to increase access to care, and vastly improve health outcomes for AAPIs. Tue, 1 May 2012 17:42:41 -0400 guid152053 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/05/healthcenters050112.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Community Health Centers deliver primary care and preventive services to millions of Americans in the communities where they live. Tue, 1 May 2012 08:00:04 -0400 guid152048 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/quality043012.html Carolyn Clancy, Director, AHRQ and Marilyn Tavenner, Acting Administrator, CMS High quality care is about more than getting better when you are sick. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:11:28 -0400 guid152044 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/value042712.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services A new report provides estimates of insurer rebates under the Medical Loss Ratio provision of the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:39:25 -0400 guid152043 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/communityliving042611.html Henry Claypool, HHS Senior Advisor for Disability Policy The Community First Choice Option gives states the resources to make community living a first choice, and leave nursing homes and institutions as a fall back option. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152042 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/mycare_tracy.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tracy's son Sami can no longer be denied coverage for his pre-existing condition thanks to the health care law. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152040 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/minorityhealthtownhall042012.html Sherice Perry Dillard, HHS Special Assistant for Specialty Media and Broadcast As part of our observation of National Minority Health month, we would like to invite you to participate online in a Minority Health Townhall on Tuesday, April 24th at 12:30 p.m., streamed live from The White House. The event will be an interactive, open dialogue with stakeholder groups and the media to highlight what the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, is doing to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152039 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/quality041812.html Chris Dawe, Director of Delivery System Reform, HHS Office of Health Reform The Affordable Care Act is saving you money through new initiatives like the durable medical equipment competetive bidding program. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:55:49 -0400 guid152032 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/mycare_abby.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Born with a rare congenital disease, Abby tells us of many reasons why she cares so passionately about the new health care law. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152031 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/disability041812.html Henry Claypool, Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary on Disability Policy The health care law is helping people with disabilities get better access to care and better coverage. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152038 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/mycare_robyn.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Robyn is a remarkable woman from Maryland who shared her story of how the Affordable Care Act is affecting her family’s life. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:26:56 -0400 guid152028 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/mycare_nancy.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Nancy is mindful of her business’ expenses, but one thing that she never considered cutting was the health insurance she offers to her employees. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:10:18 -0400 guid152022 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/latinohealth04102012.html Leon Rodriguez, HHS Director, Office for Civil Rights Across the country, more than 50 million Latinos are part of our communities, classrooms and workplaces. And thanks to the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, an estimated 5.4 million Latinos will gain insurance coverage by 2016 under the new law, according to an issue brief released by HHS today. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:39:46 -0400 guid152006 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/kickingoffacos.html Rick Gilfillan, Director of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovations Accountable Care Organizations reward doctors, hospitals, and other providers based on the quality of care they provide for patients. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid152005 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/twitterchat040612.html Mayra Alvarez, HHS Director of Public Health Policy To talk about Minority Health Month and what the health law means for Latinos, we’ll be hosting a Spanish language twitter chat on Tuesday, April 10th at 2pm EST. You can follow along at our Spanish language twitter handle: @HHSLatino, and also by following the hashtag: #LaSaludLatina. Between now and then, think of the question you might have about Latinos and health, and then ask via twitter during the chat. Fri, 6 Apr 2012 10:20:39 -0400 guid151992 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/04/mycare_myrna.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Myrna, a breast cancer survivor from Cleveland, shares her story about her struggle to get health insurance. Learn more about Myrna-Care. Mon, 2 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid151983 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_david.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs David Lutz is a community pharmacist from Hummelstown, PA, and the story he tells of his customers not being able to afford their prescription medications has unfortunately been too common in communities across the nation. But the Affordable Care Act is already helping turn their difficult situation around. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:35:13 -0400 guid151978 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/anniversary032312.html Chris Stenrud, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The President's health law gives hard working, middle-class families the security they deserve. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:38:11 -0400 guid151958 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_anniversary.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Three remarkable women share their stories about how the new health care law is affecting their lives. Learn more about MyCare and share your story. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:05:57 -0400 guid151956 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_mark.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The health care law is giving small businesses like Mark's more affordable options for health coverage. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:51:10 -0400 guid151953 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/costs032212.html Chris Stenrud, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The law’s small business tax credit has lowered health insurance costs for small business owners. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:44:56 -0400 guid151952 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_steven.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The health care law, the Affordable Care Act, is giving young people like Steven the tools they need to fight for their health. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:24:00 -0400 guid151950 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/youngadults032112.html Chris Stenrud, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs The health care law is giving young people like Steven Giallourakis the tools they need to fight for their health. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:29:41 -0400 guid151949 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/women032012.html Chris Stenrud, HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Thanks to the health care law, over 20 million women with private health insurance are receiving expanded preventive services with no cost-sharing. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:05:00 -0400 guid151945 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_vanessa.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Vanessa, a nurse in Tampa, knows firsthand what it’s like to go up against insurance companies on behalf of her child. Learn more about Vanessa-Care. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:43:18 -0400 guid151946 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare_Helen.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Helen from PA can count on the Affordable Care Act to get the care she needs at an affordable cost. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:25:00 -0400 guid151923 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/medicare031912.html Chris Stenrud, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs For Seniors, the health care law means important new benefits like free preventive services and more money in your pocket. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid151922 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/mycare031612.html Dori Salcido, HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs To help explain what different parts of the health law mean for people, we are launching “MyCare”. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 guid151920 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/youngadults030712.html Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, Acting Director of the Office of Minority Health Recently, we reported that 2.5 million additional young adults have gained health coverage because of the health care law. It allows young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans through age 26. And this week, we announced that of this number, 1.3 million are racial and ethnicity minorities: approximately 736,000 Latinos, 410,000 Blacks, 97,000 Asian Americans, and 29,000 American Indian/Alaska Natives have gained coverage because of the law. Wed, 7 Mar 2012 19:30:00 -0500 guid151890 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/ncpw030712.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services This week is National Consumer Protection Week, an excellent time for you to learn more about your new health insurance rights and the resources offered by the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act. Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151889 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/03/ncpw030612.html Marilyn Tavenner, Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare is helping you become an informed Medicare consumer. Tue, 6 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151888 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/pcip0223212.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services PCIP is making a difference in many people’s lives. A new report out today shows that while many PCIP enrollees have serious and expensive illnesses, they were likely to delay receiving needed care due to lack of insurance. PCIP has worked quickly to help connect Americans with the health insurance and medical care they need. Unlike many existing high risk pools, which have waiting periods before coverage of pre-existing conditions begin, PCIP enrollees can receive needed care right away. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151884 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/nhsc021712.html Keith Maley, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The National Health Service Corps’ Students to Service Loan Repayment Program, made possible by the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, provides financial support to fourth year medical students who are committed to a career in primary care in exchange for their service in communities with limited access to care. This program provides loan repayment assistance of up to $120,000 to medical students (MDs and DOs) in their last year of education. In return, they commit to serve in a health professional shortage area upon completion of a primary care residency program. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151873 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/latinohealth021512.html Julia Eisman, HHS New Media Communications Director We want to talk to you about the law’s impact on the Latino community. On Tuesday, February 21st, at 3:00pm EST Mayra Alvarez, Director of Public Health Policy at HHS, will be available on Twitter at @HHSgov to answer questions about how the law helps the Latino community get a fair shot at better care and lower costs. We’ll also be teaming up with National Council of La Raza, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and Families USA. We will be accepting and responding to questions in English and Spanish, depending on what language the question is asked. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151871 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/medicarefraud021411.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Today, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) released an updated annual report showing that, for the second year in a row, anti-fraud efforts have recovered more than $4.1 billion in fraudulent Medicare payments. Compare this to just $2.14 billion recovered in FY 2008. Prosecutions are way up too: the number of individuals charged with fraud increased from 821 in fiscal year 2008 to 1,430 in fiscal year 2011 – nearly a 75 percent increase. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151868 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/healthymothers020812.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Many children born preterm require additional medical attention and early intervention services, special education and may have conditions that affect their productivity as adults. To help reduce the rising number of premature births and ensure more babies are born healthy, HHS announced the Strong Start initiative, designed to reduce preterm births and improve outcomes for newborns and pregnant women. Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151857 http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2012/02/medicare02022012.html Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services In 2011 about 3.6 million people with Medicare benefited from donut hole discounts—saving a total of $2.1 billion, or an average of $604 per person. And a new report released today finds that these discounts and other parts of the Affordable Care Act will lead to even bigger savings in the years ahead. According to the report, the average person with Medicare will save approximately $4,200 from 2011 to 2021, while those with high prescription drug costs will save much more – as much as $16,000 over the same period. This is especially good news for people with chronic conditions such a diabetes and high blood pressure who must take their medication every day for many years. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 guid151848