OVERNIGHT HEALTHCARE: O-Care’s next big ruling?

by Ferdous Al-Faruque - 07/07/14 6:55 PM ET

After last week’s Hobby Lobby ruling, attention is turning to another case challenging implementation of ObamaCare that could have major consequences for how people are subsidized under the law.

In Halbig v. Burwell, the plaintiffs claim that the Affordable Care Act doesn’t allow the Internal Revenue Service to provide tax credits for insurance purchased through exchanges that are not managed by a state.

{mosads}The plaintiffs include the states of Indiana and Oklahoma, dozens of public-school systems, some private employers, and several individual taxpayers.

They argue the ACA specifically says that only “an exchange established by the State” is eligible for subsidies. They say the language was intended to encourage states to create their own exchanges but the administration has ignored the law by expanding tax credits.

If the court agrees, that could reverse subsidies for millions who purchased insurance in the federal marketplace.

The case is before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and a verdict is expected as early as Tuesday. Read more: http://bit.ly/1j9AVzh

PLANNED PARENTHOOD HELPLINE: Planned Parenthood unveiled a text helpline Monday for women who have lost or will lose contraception coverage in their health plans after last week’s Supreme Court Hobby Lobby ruling.

The pro-abortion rights group says women who have lost birth control coverage or have questions about their healthcare can text the helpline to learn about their options.

Eric Ferrero, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson, told The Hill the group can help direct women to the nearest health center where they can get access to contraception and abortions.

He also said many women are too afraid to ask their bosses directly if they have or will lose coverage. In such situations Planned Parenthood is asking employers on behalf of the worker so they can remain anonymous. Read more: http://bit.ly/1n8NjQ1

GETTING DUMPED ON O-CARE: Workers worry their bosses will move them over to insurance plans under ObamaCare instead of keeping them on employer-provided insurance, according to a new poll.

A study by the Morning Consult found 63 percent of workers are worried they will be pushed off their employer-provided health insurance plans and onto the federal marketplaces.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they were not concerned or just a little concerned that would happen.

The poll also found half of workers were worried that being pushed onto the new exchanges would negatively affect their coverage. The other half said it would not have any effect or would have a positive effect.

Fifty-two percent of workers said they would seriously consider changing jobs if they lost their employer-provided health insurance, while 48 percent said they wouldn’t. Read more: http://bit.ly/1qEPJXw

CASSIDY VS. LANDRIEU: Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is again focusing on ObamaCare in his newest ad, attacking the law for providing what Republicans argue amounts to an “exemption” for federal lawmakers and their staffs.

It’s Cassidy’s second ad in his fierce challenge to Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who’s seen as one of this cycle’s most vulnerable Democrats, in large part due to the unpopularity of President Obama and his healthcare law in her state.

The ad, obtained first by The Hill, features many of the same themes as his first: Cassidy again speaks direct to camera in his white doctor’s coat, knocking the healthcare law.

The claim that some staff and lawmakers are exempt from the law has been a focal point of GOP attacks on ObamaCare, but it’s also been criticized by members of both parties as overly simplistic. http://bit.ly/VTqGVC

TUESDAY SCHEDULE:

Rep. Trent Franks, (R-Ariz.), is holding a press conference with Jase, Missy, and Mia Robertson from A&E’s show “Duck Dynasty,” to talk about Mia’s experiences after being born with a cleft lip and palate. They will also talk about the Mia Moo Fund which is meant to raise awareness and money for research.

The Center for American Progress is holding a discussion titled, “Social Security Disability Insurance: What Does It Mean to American Workers and Their Families?”

STATE BY STATE:

Florida Medicaid adds a new plan tailored for people with mental illness: http://bit.ly/1zkSkKn

Ariz. Health Net vows to improve health-care coverage, service: http://bit.ly/1oc2J2c

Six months into Obamacare, some DC insurance brokers still wait to be paid: http://wapo.st/VB2rv0

New York governor signs medical marijuana bill into law: http://reut.rs/1n1CsT3

LOBBYING REGISTRATION:

Mr. John Coster/ AmeriSource Bergen

Heather Podesta + Partners, LLC/ ZocDoc

Federal Science Partners LLC/ Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Hogan Lovells US LLP/ Accuray Incorporated

Off Hill Strategies LLC/ 2017 Project

Barbour Griffith & Rogers, LLC (DBA BGR Holding)/ Allergan, Inc.