Today's Alert
More than 20,000 people enrolled in health coverage through DC Health Link since October 1
Obamacare number look better, but they're still far from good
Young enrollees of Obamacare fall well short of goal
Will keg stands sell Obamacare? (video)
Older pool of health care enrollees stirs fear on costs
CMS replaces executives who departed after HealthCare.gov troubles
5 simple habits can help doctors connect with patients
Why I had to close my preventive healthcare clinic
Some medical schools shaving off a year of training
Almost 50% of people hospitalized for the flu are obese
EVENTS

January 30-31, 2014

HEALTH CENTER 
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Mental Health Therapist II, La Clinica Del Pueblo
Nurse PractitionerMary's Center
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More than 20,000 people enrolled in health coverage through DC Health Link Since October 1

Press Release, DC Health Benefits Exchange Authority, January 10, 2014

20,290 District residents have enrolled in health insurance since the October 1, 2013 launch of DC Health Link.  "We are pleased to be providing quality, affordable health coverage options to over 20,000 people and look forward to continuing to work closely with our business and community partners to continue to educate and enroll District residents and small businesses," said Diane C. Lewis, MPA, chair of the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board.

 

DC Health Link enrollees by age

Obamacare numbers look better, but they're still far from good

By Kent Hoover, The Washington Business Journal, January 13, 2014

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, nearly 9 million Americans now have health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act - 2.2 million who have signed up through exchanges, 3.8 million who have enrolled in Medicaid and 3 million young adults who have been able to retain coverage under their parents' plans.  

Young enrollees of Obamacare fall well short of goal

By Tom Howell, The Washington Times, 

January 13, 2014

Falling short of projections, only 24% of new individuals enrolled in health insurance fall within the targeted 18-34 age group.  

Will keg stands sell Obamacare? (video)

The Washington Post, January 7, 2014

Working to entice more "young invincibles" to enroll in health insurance, some states are getting creative with their marketing strategies. 

Older pool of health care enrollees stirs fear on costs

By Michael D. Shear and Robert Pear, The New York Times, January 13, 2014

According to Obama administration officials, nearly 55% of HealthCare.gov enrollees are 45-64 years old - a troublesome figure when considering that the success of the health care law is tied to having a diverse group of enrollees.  However, there is still time for a shift in enrollment trends.  As Caroline F. Pearson, a vice president of Avalere Health explains, "early enrollment is skewed toward older individuals.  Sicker, older folks tend to sign up first because they are more motivated. They are likely to have health care costs early in the year."

CMS replaces executives who departed after HealthCare.gov troubles

By Josh Hicks, The Washington Post, January 13, 2014

Following the departure of HealthCare.gov's leadership team, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced its new Chief Operating and Chief Information Officers, who will be tasked with overseeing the federal health insurance marketplace. 

5 simple habits can help doctors connect with patients

By John Henning Schumann, NPR, January 11, 2014

New studies show that paying closer attention to and improving bedside manner may improve patient experience. 

Why I had to close my preventive healthcare clinic

By Steven Charlap, The Atlantic, January 13, 2014

Despite the national focus on primary and preventive care services, making a living in this field is not as easy as one would hope. 

Some medical schools shaving off a year of training

By Sandra G. Boodman, Kaiser Health News, 

January 14, 2014

Hoping to encourage more students to pursue medical careers in the face of anticipated health care provider shortages, some medical schools are shortening programs and, as a result, reducing the cost of becoming a doctor. 

Almost 50% of people hospitalized for the flu are obese

By Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, January 13, 2014

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of January 4, 2014, 46% of adults hospitalized for the flu were obese - a number that could increase as flu season peaks. 

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