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Idaho state officials insist that the CMS' rejection last week of their effort to let insurers sell health plans that don't comply with the Affordable Care Act's coverage mandates was not a rejection. That position has both ACA supporters and critics scratching their heads. Observers are wondering if behind the scenes, Idaho officials are negotiating with the Trump administration to meld their proposal for cheaper, leaner individual-market plans with the administration's proposed rule to let insurers offer short-term products for up to 364 days. The key issue may be adding some form of guaranteed renewability for short-term plans. (Meyer, 3/12)

A federal judge on Monday rejected a lawsuit by Massachusetts' attorney general challenging new rules by President Donald Trump's administration that make it easier for employers to avoid providing insurance that covers women's birth control. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston dismissed a lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey that sought to block rules that provide exemptions from an Obamacare mandate requiring such coverage on moral or religious grounds. (Raymond, 3/12)

A health insurer in Alaska and Washington State is crediting the Republican tax law for its decision to participate in ObamaCare markets next year. Premera Blue Cross said in a statement Monday that because of a one-time refund the company is getting under the GOP law, it will be able to make new commitments. (Sullivan, 3/12)