Weekly Dose of Health News January 20 – 24, 2014

In this issue you will find a couple of new reports on the  NYS health insurance exchange, data from the National Helpline,  a report card from the American Lung Association and updates regarding Governor Cuomo’s budget release this week as well as a notice for an upcoming NYS Senate hearing on out of network health coverage.

This new report by the United Hospital Fund highlights the successes of New York’s State of Health insurance exchange and outlines ten upcoming questions, challenges and concerns.

The American Lung Association gives New York mixed reviews in its annual report card, according to the Troy Record.

The Medicare Rights Center released this report that summarizes call data from their National Helpline.  The report describes the challenges that Medicare recipients face and provides suggestions on ways problems can be addressed.

This recent poll shows that the national uninsured rate is dropping at a modest rate as the new health law rolls out and the New York Times provides additional coverage here.

More than 6.3 million people nationally have been determined eligible for Medicaid and Child Health Plus since the open enrollment period began in October, according to Politico.

Coverage of health-related items in Governor Cuomo’s budget release can be found here, here and here.

Senator Kemp Hannon is holding a hearing on out of network health coverage on Monday January 27.  Here’s the notice.