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What We're Reading: Congress Leaves on Spring Recess Without Zika Funding Vote

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What we're reading, March 25, 2016: Congress went on its spring recess without voting on Zika emergency funding; HealthCare.gov has more than 300 cybersecurity incidents; and Indiana's Medicaid expansion model has caught the attention of other conservative states.

Despite a request for emergency funding to combat the Zika virus, Congress went on its spring recess without voting on the measure. According to STAT, some top Democrats, such as Nancy Pelosi, suggested staying in Washington, DC, to vote on the Zika virus funding measure. Republicans support efforts to combat Zika, but insist the administration uses funds that have already been appropriated before approving more funding. The House will return April 12 and the Senate will return April 4.

HealthCare.gov has had more than 300 cybersecurity incidents, according to investigators. None of the incidents have resulted in the release of sensitive data, such as names, birth dates, addresses, etc, but the site remains vulnerable to hackers, reported AP. The investigators also found weaknesses in the health insurance sites that are operated by the states but connect to the HealthCare.go data hub.

A report by Kaiser Health News highlights the Medicaid expansion program in Indiana, which has caught the attention of other conservative states. The program acts more like commercial insurance in that beneficiaries have to share financial responsibility for their care by making small monthly contributions to health spending accounts. Although Kentucky and Ohio are considering the Indiana plan as a potential model for their own Medicaid expansion, the Obama administration is considering Indiana a test and that no other state will be allowed to require health spending accounts.

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