Latest KFF Health News Stories
5 Things To Remember About Shopping On The Health Insurance Marketplaces
Consumers should start now thinking about their options and should weigh the total costs, not just premiums, as well as the network of doctors and hospitals associated with each plan.
First Edition: October 4, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizatons, including continued status reports on state and federal health exchanges as well as the ongoing Capitol Hill budget drama.
Experts Suggest Software Problems, Not Just Demand, May Be Behind Marketplace Glitches
Insurance companies confirm a small number of successful signups through the federal website.
Insurance Brokers Look For Relevance As Health Exchanges Grow
Health Insurance brokers, once worried the health law would put them out of business, are now planning on flexing their expertise muscles to help guide people through the process of buying and getting the most out of their coverage.
A Former ‘Young Invincible’ Looks Forward to Health Insurance
Brad Stevens, 54, learned the hard way that being uninsured was risky as accidents and illness took a toll. Soon, he’ll qualify for California’s expanded Medicaid program.
What’s In A (Domain) Name? Lookalike Site In Wash. Raises Concerns
Washington Healthplanfinder is the name of the state’s online insurance exchange. But a private insurance agency is using the domain name “washingtonhealthplanfinder.org” to sign people up for policies. Confused? State officials want to make certain consumers won’t be. “We are aware of this site and … forwarded to our Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner […]
Day 2: Consumers Shopping For Insurance On Exchanges Continue To Confront Delays, Challenges
Interest and demand appeared to overload websites and clog phone lines. Federal officials, who were taking steps to build additional capacity into the system, said traffic to the website exceeded expectations.
States Seek Ways To Address Marketplace Trouble Spots; Also Report Progress
News outlets report on the fits and starts of state online health insurance marketplaces in Maryland, New York, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, California and Colorado — just to name a few.
President Says He’ll Negotiate Budget Only After Gov’t Reopens Without Changes To Health Law
President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he will only compromise on the federal budget — including addressing long-term Medicare and Medicaid costs — after Republicans agree to reopen the federal government without changing the health law. Republicans may shift their focus to these budget battles and seek savings in entitlement programs and tax reform.
The Parts Played By Boehner And Reid In The Shutdown, The Health Law Defunding, And Party Dynamics
Media outlets examine how House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have contributed to the Capitol Hill tensions surrounding the government shutdown and Obamacare fight– both in their relationship with each other and their places within their respective parties.
People Without Insurance Seek New Options From Insurance Marketplaces
For consumers who are seeking insurance through the new law, the marketplace’s technical problems have been frustrating, but many remain eager.
Calif. Legislator Seeks To Move All State Lawmakers To Marketplace
Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande doesn’t like the health law but says state legislators should have to live with it. Meanwhile Gov. Jerry Brown signs a bill easing secrecy around the state agency overseeing the health law. In Virginia, Fairfax’s water authority says taxes on generous health plans will cause it to drop coverage for workers.
Security Specialists Say Obamacare Glitches Not Caused By Online Attack
The New York Times reports that the technical problems plaguing the federal exchange websites are not the work of hackers. Meanwhile, Politico looks at the playful security questions that some state exchanges are using.
States’ Refusal To Expand Medicaid Will Prevent Millions From Getting Coverage
The New York Times reports that the decision by about half the states to not expand Medicaid coverage will prevent two-thirds of poor black consumers and single mothers and more than half of low-wage workers from getting insurance.
State Highlights: Texas Ads To Target Wendy Davis
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Florida and Oregon.
Commentators offer a range of opinions as pressure builds over the closing of the government.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
First Edition: October 3, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about how the federal and state health exchanges worked on their second day of operations. In the background, the congressional budget stand off continues.
Small Businesses May Find Relief In Health Insurance Exchanges Designed For Them
The health law provides new marketplaces for employers with 50 or fewer full time workers, designed to offer more affordable insurance to mom-and-pop businesses that have long had to pay more than large companies.
Back To Work After A Baby — But Without Insurance This Time
Pardit Pri, 29, is among the 5 million uninsured people in California. Insurance would give her peace of mind, but she worries whether she can afford it.