Latest KFF Health News Stories
Federal Exchange: Expectations Were Rosy, But Consumer Frustration Taking Root
The Washington Post reports that visits to healthcare.gov dropped 88 percent between Oct. 1 and Oct. 13. In an interview, President Barack Obama said the glitches consumers have experienced must be addressed.
What’s In? What’s Out? Tracking The Health Law Changes And The Budget Talks
After playing a central role in the negotiations, two health law tax provisions — one related to reinsurance and the other a levy on medical devices — appear to be off the table.
California Exchange Draws Strong Interest, While Hawaii’s Finally Opens
Media outlets report on the progress of state-run exchanges, ranging from the nearly 100,000 application starts in California, to Hawaii’s two weeks-delayed launch, to Oregon officials’ concern about sites using sound-alike names.
Sebelius Gets ‘Full Confidence’ From Obama Despite Shaky Exchange Rollout
Amid a Republicans chorus calling for her to be fired, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius got the “full confidence” of President Barack Obama Tuesday.
State Highlights: Calif. Gov. Vetoes ‘Biosimilars’ Bill
A selection of health policy stories from California.
Where Seniors Live Affects Their Health Care And The Medications They Get
The Associated Press examines how geography can make a key difference in the treatments that Medicare beneficiaries receive. Other outlets look at the annual open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans. USA Today reports that thousands who rely on nursing home trust funds have had their savings mismanaged or stolen.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 16, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including stories detailing how certain health law provisions are factoring in to the continuing congressional budget stalemate.
9 Things Millennials Need To Know About Obamacare (But Likely Don’t)
It may not be as fun as planning that backpacking trip around Europe, but buying health insurance will soon be its own rite of passage. Here’s what you need to know.
Rocky Opening Leaves Health Law’s New Co-Ops Jittery
Nothing is more important for a startup burning through cash than winning customers and revenue. So problems with the Affordable Care Act’s online marketplaces, also known as exchanges, aren’t just an inconvenience for the likes of Evergreen Health Co-op. They’re a threat. “It’s slowly getting better. Some people have gotten to the enrollment stage before […]
Rocky Opening Leaves Health Law’s New Co-Ops Jittery
Nothing is more important for a startup burning through cash than winning customers and revenue. So problems with the Affordable Care Act’s online marketplaces aren’t just an inconvenience for new insurance co-ops; they’re a threat.
Advocates Target Latinos in ACA Enrollment Outreach
Texas community groups are relying on promotoras – health counselors, often women, who offer one-on-one counseling about coverage options in Spanish-speaking communities.
FAQ: What Is The ACA’s ‘Reinsurance Tax’?
This little-known provision of the health law has been –at times — in the Senate negotiations on the budget.
Colorado Insurance Exchange Week One: Few Enrollments, Lots Of Interest
Despite a relatively low number of people buying coverage in its first week, the board in charge of Colorado’s health insurance exchange is generally pleased with how it’s running. Connect for Health Colorado, which is branding itself as C4HCO, says it had 162,941 unique visitors to its website October 1-7. Of those, 226 purchased health […]
Senate Leaders Close In On Deal That Leaves Health Law Intact
The agreement could include a one-year delay in the health law’s reinsurance tax, as well as a measure to tighten income verification standards for qualifying for health insurance subsidies.
Data Suggest State-Run Online Insurance Marketplaces Making Progress
Meanwhile, headlines across the country offer updates on specific state exchanges in California, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota and Colorado.
Obamacare Enrollees Become Urban Legend
This story was produced in partnership with the Will the Floridians who have enrolled for Obamacare please stand up? Nearly two weeks after the federal government launched the online Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov, individuals who have successfully used the choked-up website to enroll for a subsidized health insurance plan have reached a status akin […]
Forms Not Ready For Those Seeking Exemption From Health Law Mandate
News outlets also report that e-brokers cannot offer exchange plans right away, and that some people may try to use the online marketplaces to mislead consumers.
Ohio Board Readies Decision On State’s Medicaid Expansion
A seven-member state committee holds the fate of Ohio’s Medicaid expansion in its hands as it prepares to vote on the proposal, and none is talking about how they plan to vote.
Medicare Open-Enrollment Begins: Seniors Should Carefully Consider New Options
Officials are cautioning seniors to closely consider their options — and to stay away from the health law’s new online marketplaces — as open-enrollment season begins for Medicare managed care and prescription plans.