The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
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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The SHOP exchanges are intended to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a variety of good plans, but that option is being delayed for a year in 33 states.
The recent ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act didn't address question of tax implications for health care for couples who live in a state that doesn't recognize marriages.
Many policy holders are not aware that the plans, which generally have low premiums and can have high out-of-pocket costs, don't meet the standards set in the health overhaul.
In response to readers' questions, columnist explains that all policies offered on the online exchanges must cover 10 "essential health benefits," but the plans will be classified according to the proportion of costs that consumers will be responsible for paying.
Many states had special programs to provide insurance to people with medical problems. Some of those programs will disappear after January when the federal health law offers guarantees of coverage.
The health law allows insurers to charge smokers 50 percent higher premiums than nonsmokers but some states have decided not to allow that distinction in plans sold on the new online exchanges.
Although much has been made about the tax credits that will help people afford to pay insurance premiums, the cost-sharing assistance can substantially reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
KHN's insurance columnist answers readers' questions about qualifying for help paying premiums under the health law and how student health plans will be treated.
Like other types of birth control, these medications are required to be covered as a preventive benefit without cost sharing in many health plans. But to do so, women must get a prescription for the soon-to-be over-the-counter pills.
With provisions of the health law kicking in, consumers are likely to have more questions. One of the biggest will be where to search for answers and assistance.
The health law sets maximum limits on what consumers are required to pay, but officials are giving a one-year grace period in certain cases.
The National Women's Law Center files complaints with HHS alleging that five institutions discriminate against women by excluding pregnancy coverage from the health insurance benefits that they provide to employees' daughters.
Health insurance columnist answers questions about coverage subsidies for families in the health law, Medigap and rules for workers whose companies operate in more than one state.
Angelina Jolie's announcement about her double mastectomy has raised interest in genetic testing. These expensive tests are generally covered for women with a family history, but other screenings and treatment needs may be limited by plans.
Under these plans, if a policyholder's health costs don't exceed the deductible, that deductible is trimmed the following year. But consumer advocates warn this may discriminate against sick people and run afoul of the health law.
An increasing number of consumers have these plans with lower premiums, but they must cover the first $1,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 of care before insurance kicks in, providing an incentive to haggle with doctors and hospitals.
Despite having access to parents' health policies and new options provided by the health law, this age group faces challenges.
Many former service members have access to health care through the VA, private insurance or other government programs, such as Medicare and Tricare. But having so many choices can also lead to fragmented care.
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