And while 9 percent of American children remain uncovered, the study shows that at least half of them are eligible for Medicaid through SCHIP. Most of them just don't know it. So it still comes down to education and enrollment, even in the public sector.

And back in Washington — drowned out by the crescendo of the debt ceiling debate — the Department of Health and Human Services weighed in with another of its executive decisions, insisting carriers cover basic birth control methods without that pesky copay.

The department argues its coverage not unlike other basic preventative measures such as flu shots, and they make a pretty convincing case.

(And, as one broker pointed out last night, you can give it to anyone you want, but you can't make 'em take it.)

And it would be nice for this issue to be resolved without the usual political rancor, which is (surprisingly) a little slow in coming this time around. But, again, what still nags at me about these particular rulings are the ivory tower from which they're issued. There's no representative democracy, no legislative transparency or even old-fashioned simple debate. Sebelius just gets to sit back and issue her edicts, like some kind of modern-day King George.

Seems likes the Tea Party should be protesting against her, not a president who many argue has sold out his own fringe base.

And, in a nod to my eight-month-old daughter, this week's blog has been brought to you by the number 14. That's the approval rating of Congress right now. Which kinda makes Barack Obama's 40 percent look pretty lofty, huh? Anybody else expect a Harry Truman-like campaign where he forgets his opponent altogether and simply runs against Congress next year? Stranger things have happened.