This is a critical time for HHS. With just days left before the exchanges open for enrollment on Oct. 1, we shouldnt be surprised to see HHS highlight what sound like positive results.

Community groups are hustling to meet an Oct. 1 deadline to launch a new health insurance marketplace in Nebraska, a key piece of the federal health care law designed to steer users toward a coverage plan.

Missouri is one of 26 states ceding control of the insurance program to Washington, which is also teaming up with seven other states to run joint programs.

It's safe to say that the medical loss ratio provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are among the least favored facets of the law. Here, the answers to seven critical questions to help you understand their ins and outs: