Controversy is heating up over the health reform law's package of essential health benefits -- specifically, over the law's requirement of coverage of co-pay free contraception and other women's reproductive health benefits. Seven state attorneys general have filed suit in federal court, calling that provision a violation of the First Amendment.
In other big news, the administration released its proposed rules for the next stage of meaningful use of health IT. The proposal would provide more flexibility for doctors, but also a bit more work.
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Finally, the Obama administration touted the success of its Pre-existing Conditions Insurance Plan, another part of the Affordable Care Act. Since PCIP's implementation, 50,000 people have gained coverage. Although getting into the program requires being uninsured for 6 months and then paying a hefty premium, the administration said it was receiving 8,000 applications per month by the end of last year.
For more on that, listen to this week's Policy & Practice Podcast.