Latest KFF Health News Stories
Network Blues: Big Bills Surprise Some E.R. Patients
Even when using hospitals in their insurance network, people often find that the doctors are not covered and they are responsible for those charges.
Medicare Proposes Coverage Of Low-Dose CT Scans To Detect Lung Cancer
Beneficiaries who have a 30-year, pack-a-day smoking history would be eligible for this screening test.
Viewpoints: Court Could Undermine Health Enrollment; Losing Control Of Mental Hospitals
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
State Highlights: Judge Skeptical Over Partners Deal In Mass.; S.C. Gets New Medicaid Director
A selection of health policy stories from Massachusetts, North Carolina, Louisiana, Oregon, Ohio, South Carolina and California.
VA Chief Pushes Overhaul, Firings At Agency
A day before Veterans Day, VA Secretary Robert McDonald announced a complete restructuring of the agency in the wake of the scandal over excessive wait times and poor care that critics blamed for patient deaths.
Pain Doctors Profit From Drug Tests On Seniors
The Wall Street Journal reports that some Medicare doctors are making more from testing their patients for drug abuse than for treating them for pain. Another story looks at the need for better information to help seniors compare traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans to figure out which is best for them.
Kansas Hospitals Continue Push For Medicaid Expansion
Despite the re-election of Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican who has been opposed to the health law’s expansion of the low-income health insurance program, hospitals hope to advance a plan to state legislators. Also in the news, a new report says Florida hospitals will lose billions of dollars as a result of that state’s decision not to pursue the expansion.
Kentucky Offers Range Of Ways To Enroll In New Coverage
Meanwhile, Washington state officials are promising more options and, potentially, lower costs. In Colorado, no glitches have surfaced regarding the exchange, which is now open for “early shopping,” but a big jump in the cost of keeping its call center operating is also expected.
The Countdown Is On To Nov. 15 Enrollment
News outlets are reminding consumers that the health law’s second open-enrollment season will begin Saturday, and that they can already begin “window-shopping.” In addition, there are a lot of details for consumers and employers to pay attention to.
HHS Lowers Estimate For Health Law Sign-Ups
On Monday, Obama administration officials projected that between 9 and 9.9 million people would enroll in health insurance during the upcoming Obamacare open season. This range is below the 13 million projected earlier by the Congressional Budget Office.
First Edition: November 11, 2014
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How Employers Are Getting Ready For Open Enrollment
Some large employers will face penalties if they don’t offer workers health insurance in 2015. In addition, workers can expect to see increased cost-sharing and employers pushing them to “private exchanges” to save money.
Pay Close Attention To The Enrollment Calendar To Avoid Penalties
Consumers can sign up on the health insurance marketplace from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15 but waiting can leave them exposed to not only medical bills but also the health law’s penalties.
Consumer Guide On Health Law Enrollment: Is The Second Time The Charm?
Starting Nov. 15, consumers can sign up for health insurance on the federal or state health exchanges. Officials say they have worked out many of the technical problems that plagued last year’s enrollment.
Kidney Dialysis Company Expands Into The Hospital Business
DaVita HealthCare Partners, a kidney dialysis company, is picking up on a new way insurers and the government are paying for health care — by keeping people healthy through primary care.
Cigna Agrees To Reduce Costs Of HIV/AIDS Drugs In Florida
The health insurer signs a consent agreement saying it would cap the amount consumers must pay for four popular HIV drugs.
Viewpoints: GOP Win Bolsters Health Law Foes; Ill. Cuts Medicaid Costs; CDC’s Ebola Blunders
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
The surprise announcement by the court Friday elicits a number of opinions.
State Highlights: Ohio Medicaid Costs Lower Than Expected; Fla. Gets $1.2M For Mental Health
A selection of health policy stories from Ohio, Florida, New York, California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Hawaii.
Cigna Cuts HIV Drug Costs To Settle Discrimination Case
The health insurer agreed to restructure HIV prescription drug benefits, making them less costly to patients in Florida.