News From Around the Web
> Nearly 80,000 Massachusetts residents have used the state's insurance exchange to shop for coverage, but fewer than 1 percent have paid their first month's premiums, according to the Boston Globe. State officials aren't worried, as payments aren't due until Dec. 23. Article
> Due to historically inclement weather, New York state has extended the enrollment deadline on its state insurance to Dec. 20, according to BenefitsPro. Article
> Republicans face a key question as they await next year's Supreme Court ruling on subsidies for health insurance offered on the federal marketplace, according to the Wall Street Journal: Wait for the decision, and hope that the Affordable Care Act collapses under its own weight, or attack unpopular parts of the ACA one by one? Article
Healthcare IT News
> The average estimated cost of a telehealth visit saves about $100 or more compared to the estimated cost for in-person care, according to a recent study. Article
> The Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed Congress over the weekend will fund the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT at the same level as last fiscal year with a budget of just under $60.4 million. Article
And finally … New York City cat lovers, rejoice. Article