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October
What Does the Health Insurance Marketplace Mean for You?
Posted October 1, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Today the Health Insurance Marketplace opened for business, creating a new and better way for Americans to shop for insurance. ....Continue Reading →
September
Moms Champions
Posted September 30, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
I want to make sure moms across the country understand the new opportunities for their families as we approach the beginning of open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
Find Local Help
Posted September 30, 2013
There’s a new way to get help with your application for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
Delivering on the Affordable Care Act: Marketplace Premiums Lower than Expected
Posted September 25, 2013
By Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant, White House Office of Health Reform
At the center of the ACA is the premise that we need to make health care more affordable and accessible, and a new report demonstrates just how affordable insurance will be. ....Continue Reading →
Countdown to Coverage
Posted September 23, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Today we’ve reached yet another milestone on the road to affordable health care: 100 days to coverage. ....Continue Reading →
Protecting Consumers Against Fraud in the Health Insurance Marketplace
Posted September 20, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
As we observe Healthcare Fraud Prevention and Awareness Month in September – and beyond – let this be crystal clear to everyone: Consumer fraud has no place in the Health Insurance Marketplace, which opens for enrollment in October. ....Continue Reading →
Obamacare and LGBT Health
Posted September 17, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
The health care law prevents insurance companies from charging anyone a higher premium just because they happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. ....Continue Reading →
Improving the Public’s Health through the Affordable Care Act
Posted September 11, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Administration is helping to ensure every American has the opportunity to be healthy because we know that the nation’s public health affects and connects us all. ....Continue Reading →
Working with Pharmacies across America
Posted September 9, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Pharmacies across America are stepping up to help you understand and get ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
August
Invest in Yourself, Get Coverage
Posted August 27, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education
We never know when we’ll need insurance. An injury, illness or accident can strike anyone, at any time. ....Continue Reading →
Our 'Fierce Urgency of Now'
Posted August 26, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the March on Washington, he described a “fierce urgency of now.” He reminded a divided nation that we need one another, and that we are stronger when we march forward, together. ....Continue Reading →
The Affordable Care Act and American Indians and Alaska Natives
Posted August 22, 2013
By Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Acting Director, Indian Health Service
We encourage every American Indian and Alaska Native to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace starting October 1, 2013 to see what benefits are available to them. ....Continue Reading →
What the Affordable Care Act Means to Communities of Color
Posted August 21, 2013
By Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health
There are many ways we can measure the impact of the ACA – from the more than 500,000 previously uninsured African American young adults who have gained coverage from a parent’s health plan, to the 10.2 million uninsured Latinos who will be eligible for coverage through the Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act: Creating Health Access for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Posted August 20, 2013
By Howard K. Koh, M.D., MPH Assistant Secretary for Health
Every one of us knows someone- a friend, a relative, or maybe a patient- who couldn’t receive the care they needed because they lacked insurance. Thankfully, this will start to change on October 1, 2013, when people can sign up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace , with benefits beginning as early as January 1, 2014. ....Continue Reading →
The Marketplace is Only a Call, Click, or Conversation Away
Posted August 15, 2013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Marketplace is training information specialists, known as Navigators, assistance personnel, or certified application counselors, to answers your coverage questions. ....Continue Reading →
The Affordable Care Act: Speaking to Women’s Unique Health Needs
Posted August 7, 2013
By Nancy C. Lee, M.D. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health – Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health
More than three years ago, the most important women’s health legislation in my lifetime was passed into law—the Affordable Care Act. This law lowers the costs of health care for women, increases access to quality health care, and pays attention to the distinct health needs of women and families. As women, we often make health care decisions for ourselves and for our families, so it is important that we know how the health care law benefits us. ....Continue Reading →
A Mom’s Trusted Voice on Health Insurance
Posted August 6, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
As a mother and grandmother, I know how a mom’s voice is critical to maintaining the health of her family—and that’s true even after her kids have grown up into young adults. ....Continue Reading →
Next Steps in Implementation of the Health Insurance Marketplace
Posted August 5, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working every day to implement the health care law that’s already helping millions of Americans. And come October 1, it will help millions more when the Health Insurance Marketplace opens in every state. ....Continue Reading →
Health Care Changes: A New Tool for Small Business Owners
Posted August 1, 2013
by Karen Mills, SBA Administrators
We’re excited to announce a new, streamlined health care tool for businesses -- Business.USA.gov. ....Continue Reading →
July
Strengthening Medicare and Medicaid Today and for Tomorrow
Posted July 30, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
My 92-year-old father first ran for public office after he finished his military service in World War II. ....Continue Reading →
Marketplace Competition at Work: Examples of the Health Care Law Lowering Premiums
Posted July 17, 2013
By Richard Kronick, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy
The ACA brings an unprecedented level of transparency and competition to the health insurance market by requiring insurers to justify rate increases of 10 percent or more. ....Continue Reading →
The Affordable Care Act is on Track
Posted July 15, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Here’s a great graphic about how we’re on track with the Affordable Care Act. It’s signed, sealed, and it’s delivering – on time. ....Continue Reading →
Myth vs. Fact: Health Insurance Marketplace on Track
Posted July 9, 2013
by Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Last Friday, we put out final regulations on how the eligibility for the Health Insurance Marketplace will work. These regulations aim to streamline your experience enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace and ensure your state can more easily verify your employer-based coverage and income levels for the first year of operations. ....Continue Reading →
The Health Care Law and Progress in Prevention
Posted July 8, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Three years ago, the Affordable Care Act ushered in a new day for health care, especially for prevention. Americans have gained stronger, more reliable health care coverage to help them get healthy and stay healthy. For those with private insurance coverage, which is more than 100 million Americans, cancer screenings, blood pressure readings, flu shots, and other essential preventive care services are now available without any out-of-pocket costs. ....Continue Reading →
4 ways to stay healthy on the Fourth of July
Posted July 3, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to remember that the health care law gives you independence to choose a plan that meets your needs in the Health Insurance Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
Strengthening Our Commitment to Veterans’ Health
Posted July 3, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
As Americans gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, we wanted to share how honored we are to have recently met with more than 200 veterans and their families in Missouri. ....Continue Reading →
Families: Get Together This Summer and Talk Health
Posted July 3, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Your next summer reunion not only offers the opportunity for great food and catching up, it also is a great time to learn how the health care law can help everyone in your family. ....Continue Reading →
Connecting Kids to Coverage
Posted July 2, 2013
by Cindy Mann, Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Director of the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services
Today, I’m thrilled that we are awarding nearly $32 million to support Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants ....Continue Reading →
June
Improving Health for LGBT Americans
Posted June 26, 2013
by Jason Young, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs/Health Care
HHS is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all Americans, including LGBT Americans. And the ACA provides a foundation for achieving that goal. ....Continue Reading →
Get Ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace
Posted June 24, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary Of Health And Human Services
This is an historic time for millions of Americans who don’t have health insurance or need better and more affordable options. ....Continue Reading →
On Target for Opening the New Health Insurance Marketplace
Posted June 19, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary Of Health And Human Services
We are on target for open enrollment, and looking forward to several milestones over the coming months to accomplish this important task. ....Continue Reading →
Men: Don’t Wait for a Wakeup Call When it Comes to Your Health
Posted June 14, 2013
by Bill Corr, Deputy Secretary Of Health And Human Services
National Men’s Health Week is a good time for us to start taking responsibility and doing what’s needed to stay healthy and active. ....Continue Reading →
Commentary: On Being Young and Wanting Health Insurance
Posted June 14, 2013
by Malik Hassan
When you're young and healthy, you don't think about insurance - or you don't think about it until something goes wrong and you need it. ....Continue Reading →
Black men: Here’s your wake-up call
Posted June 12, 2013
By Anton J. Gunn, Director of External Affairs
For too many of us, it takes a sudden wake-up call to make us realize we’re not invincible. And tragically, for some, that call comes too late. ....Continue Reading →
Celebrating Innovation at the Fourth Annual Health Datapalooza Conference
Posted June 3, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Three years ago, the Department of Health and Human Services kicked off the Health Data Initiative with 45 people gathered in a conference room. This week marks the fourth edition of what has come to be known as ‘Datapalooza,’ which has grown to include nearly 2,000 tech developers, health care professionals, researchers, policy makers, and business leaders from around the world. ....Continue Reading →
May
Affordable Care Act saves young adults millions in emergency room care
Posted May 31, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 3.1 million previously uninsured young adults have health coverage through their parents’ plans. The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a first look at how health insurance coverage is protecting young adults and their families from the costs of a serious medical emergency. ....Continue Reading →
Good News on Innovation and Health Care
Posted May 28, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Data that supports medical decision-making and collaboration are spurring innovation necessary to deliver improved health care. ....Continue Reading →
Class of 2013: Graduate with Peace of Mind
Posted May 22, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
This is a time when you’re making big decisions about the future. You might be embarking on a new career, transitioning to a different city, and thinking about the start of this next exciting stage in life. ....Continue Reading →
Privately Insured Americans to Learn about the Health Insurance Marketplaces
Posted May 8, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
April
A Simpler Way to Apply for Health Care
Posted April 30, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
The FY2014 Budget: Strengthening Health and Opportunity for all Americans
Posted April 10, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
A Healthy Choice For America’s Small Businesses
Posted April 5, 2013
by Meredith K. Olafson, Senior Policy Advisor, SBA
In 2014, employers will be able to choose a plan through a new Health Insurance Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
March
Affordable Care Act at 3: Looking Forward and Expanding Access
Posted March 22, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act at 3: Increased Savings for Seniors
Posted March 21, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act at 3: Paying for Quality Saves Health Care Dollars
Posted March 20, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act at 3: Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Posted March 19, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act at 3: Abby’s Story
Posted March 19, 2013
by Abby Schanfield
I remember the day the health care law passed three years ago. The law made history, and changed the course of my life. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act at 3: Consumer Protections
Posted March 18, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act, Jobs, and Employer-Sponsored Insurance: A Look at the Evidence
Posted March 15, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Affordable Care Act is Working to Bring Down Health Care Costs
Posted March 12, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
Good News on Health Care Spending
Posted March 7, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
How the Health Care Law Protects You
Posted March 4, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
New Report Shows Slower Medicaid Spending Growth
Posted March 1, 2013
by Richard Kronick, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy
The 2012 Medicaid Actuarial Report released today contains good news. It shows that Medicaid benefits spending is estimated to have decreased by 1.9% from 2011 to 2012. ....Continue Reading →
February
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable for High Premium Increases
Posted February 22, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
A new report released today shows that the health care law is helping to moderate premium hikes. ....Continue Reading →
States Prepare for the Health Insurance Marketplace
Posted February 19, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
No matter where a qualified consumer lives, he or she will have access to coverage through a Marketplace. ....Continue Reading →
HealthMap Vaccine Finder: Helping Adults Find the Vaccines They Need
Posted February 14, 2013
by Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health
The HealthMap Vaccine Finder helps you locate nearby providers that offer the flu vaccine and 10 other vaccinations routinely recommended for adults. ....Continue Reading →
Health Care Law Saves Seniors Billions on Prescription Drugs
Posted February 7, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
More than Valentine’s Day: Taking Care of Our Hearts
Posted February 4, 2013
by 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. ....Continue Reading →
January
Help From the Affordable Care Act to Quit Smoking and Live Longer
Posted January 25, 2013
by Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health
Quitting smoking by age 35 may add 10 years to your life, according to a new article in the New England Journal of Medicine. And quitting even in middle age can increase your life expectancy by as many as six years. In fact, non-smokers are twice as likely to live to age 80 compared to smokers. ....Continue Reading →
Countdown to Affordable Health Insurance
Posted January 16, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
January is the perfect month for looking forward to new and great things around the corner. I’m feeling that way about the new Health Insurance Marketplace. Anticipation is building, and this month we start an important countdown, first to October 1, 2013, when open enrollment begins, and continuing on to January 1, 2014, the start of new health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. ....Continue Reading →
More Good News on Medicare
Posted January 10, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
We continue to get good news on Medicare. Today, a new analysis shows the growth in Medicare spending per beneficiary has continued at a historically slow pace. ....Continue Reading →
Growth of Health Care Spending Remains at Historic Low
Posted January 7, 2013
by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Today, we got some very good news when the official numbers for health care spending were released. ....Continue Reading →
