Warning: Opting Out Of Your Insurance Plan’s Provider Network Is Risky
Out-of-pocket spending limits and some other safeguards in the health law may not apply.
Michelle Andrews
Michelle Andrews is a contributing writer and former columnist for KFF Health News. She has been writing about health care for more than 15 years. Her work has appeared frequently in The New York Times, where she wrote the Money and Medicine column and contributed regular news and features. Her work has also been published in Money, Fortune Small Business, National Geographic and Women’s Health magazines, among others. Michelle previously worked as a senior writer at U.S. News & World Report and at SmartMoney magazines. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in journalism from Columbia University.
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A Reader Asks: Would An IRA Withdrawal Count As Income For Exchange Subsidies?
KHN's consumer columnist responds to a reader who is living off savings and wants to find a way to qualify for subsidies on the health insurance marketplace.
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Window Is Closing To Sign Up Or Seek Changes To Obamacare Plans
Some consumers who were stymied by website foul-ups may be able to receive retroactive subsidies or choose different plans.
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A Reader Asks: Can I Buy An Exchange Plan When My Policy Expires In May?
KHN's consumer columnist explains that people can pick an exchange plan if their individual health insurance policies expire after open enrollment ends. Still, it's smart to start shopping now.
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Health Law Provides No Guarantees Of Access To Midwives, Birthing Centers
The overhaul mandated maternity coverage, but some private insurance plans don't include services.
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A Reader Asks: How Do I Apply For Coverage For My Son In Another State?
KHN's consumer columnist explains that parents can get a child-only policy for a dependent living elsewhere while still getting coverage for themselves at home.
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Readers Ask About Whether Some Practices By Doctors, Insurers Are Acceptable
KHN's consumer columnist responds to questions about whether doctors can request to keep a patient's credit card on file, if a woman can sign up for insurance after becoming pregnant and whether an insurer can keep a young man off his parent's policy.
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A Reader Asks: Can My Doctor Charge Me For ‘Chronic Disease Management’ In My Annual Physical?
KHN's consumer columnist says that even though many preventive care services are covered without cost to the patient, "evaluation and management services" can be billed separately.
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Some Plans Refuse To Cover Medical Costs Related To Suicide Despite Federal Rules
Under the health law and 2006 regulations, insurers can't deny medical coverage for an individual's injuries because they resulted from medical condition such as depression, even if it was not diagnosed before the injury.
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A Reader Asks: If I Am On COBRA, Do I Have To Buy A New Marketplace Plan?
KHN's consumer columnist says cheaper deals may be available on the state exchanges, but consumers don't have to ditch their COBRA policies.
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Some Same-Sex Couples Denied Family Policies On Insurance Marketplaces
Being allowed to purchase a family policy is tougher in states that don't recognize gay marriage.
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A Reader Asks: Can Foreign Visitors Buy Health Insurance Exchange Plans?
KHN's consumer columnist says policies are limited to people who reside in a state.
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Advocates Worry That Drug Company Assistance Programs Will Be Banned From Helping Patients With Marketplace Policies
Some specialty drugs can cost consumers -- even those with insurance -- thousands of dollars a year, but manufacturers often provide aid for those who meet specific income and program requirements.
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Can I Get My Insurance To Pay For An IUD Removal?
KHN's consumer columnist says the procedure is considered preventive and should be covered by most health plans.
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Readers Ask How Divorce, Student Status Will Affect Marketplace Applications
KHN's consumer columnist reassures a consumer who is divorcing that subsidies can be based on new income projections, not what was earned jointly the year before and offers suggestions about what exchange out-of-state students should use.
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Consumers Expecting Free ‘Preventive’ Care Sometimes Surprised By Charges
Patients sometimes find that they are expected to pay for associated services, such as facility fees or anesthesia, and health law advocates say more federal guidance is needed for billing the procedures.
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A Reader Asks: Do Couples Have To Buy The Same Level Health Plan?
KHN's consumer columnist reports family members can opt for separate plans and still qualify for premium subsidies, but they need to consider some other important details.
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Health Law Adds Coverage For Services Needed By People With Developmental Disabilities
But advocates are concerned that insurers may find ways around the new requirements.
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A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN's consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
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