Making lists: Parts of the health law to note

Jan 6 2014

A variety of lists detail important provisions of the overhaul and how they might impact the public's feelings about it.   

Kaiser Health News: Six Things That May Move Public Perception Of Obamacare
Now, though, most of its major provisions are in effect, and arguments may hinge less on ideology and more on how the law is actually working for millions of people – for instance, how many get coverage through online marketplaces; whether they're able to see doctors when they need them; how they rate that care; and perhaps most important, whether having that coverage improves their lives in tangible ways. … No question that partisans on both sides will keep spinning, especially in the run-up to the 2014 midterm elections. To help make sense of the challenges ahead, here are six things that are likely to be important measuring sticks of the law in 2014 and beyond (Galewitz, 1/3).

Medpage Today: 6 Things Docs Should Know About The ACA
MedPage Today reached out to a handful of experts to see what they think doctors should know and be aware of as the law's coverage expansion starts. 1. Many new plans will carry extremely high deductibles: Consumers who purchased coverage through the ACA's health insurance exchanges or marketplaces quickly found the cheapest option for them in many cases was "bronze"- or "silver"-level plans. However, those plans have the highest amount of cost-sharing via deductibles and copayments (Pittman, 1/2).

Politico Pro: 5 Key Questions About The Legal Issues Of The Contraception Mandate
The contraceptive coverage issue is already heading to the Supreme Court in two cases brought by for-profit companies. But dozens of religious-affiliated groups, from universities to social welfare organizations, have also petitioned federal courts to eliminate the requirement as well. In all, more than 90 legal challenges have been filed around the country. A Supreme Court decision against the contraceptive rule, whether in a case brought by a religious-affiliated plaintiff or for-profit company, would undercut but not cripple the ACA. Here are five questions and answers on the latest developments (Haberkorn, 1/3).