Latest KFF Health News Stories
Polls Show Continued Confusion Over Health Law
New surveys show public confusion persists over many health law provisions, including the role of health insurance exchanges which open for enrollment Tuesday, and the financial assistance that will be available to many people to help them buy coverage.
People who live in states where officials were less enthusiastic about the health law’s new online marketplaces will likely have to look harder to find information about them. Meanwhile, coverage costs will vary widely, not just from state to state, but sometimes among cities and regions within the same state.
Arkansas’ Medicaid Expansion Plan To Cover 200,000 Through Private Coverage Approved
The federal government on Friday approved Arkansas’ plan to take federal Medicaid expansion dollars to buy commercial health coverage for more than 200,000 people. Six other states may go similar routes.
Despite Objections To Health Law, Insurers Work Hard To Make It Succeed
The Wall Street Journal looks at how these critics of the law are key to making it work. Also, Politico examines how large and small businesses are affected by Obamacare changes.
States Prepare For Medicaid Coverage Changes — Even Those Not Expanding
States grapple with Medicaid expansion issues — even in states like South Carolina that aren’t using the health law’s provision to expand coverage. In Texas, 1 million people may fall into a Medicaid “doughnut hole,” and Ohio Gov. John Kasich waits to see how his push for expansion will affect his re-election chances.
Concerns About Technical Snags On Marketplace Opening Day
Advocates and foes of health law agree that technical glitches could create some problems.
As the country lurches toward a government shutdown, opinions about options vary.
Tips For Shopping On New Obamacare Exchanges
Media outlets offer guides to the uninsured and to those who buy their own coverage on the eve of the startup of new online marketplaces under the federal health law. The marketplaces, which launch Oct. 1., are designed to allow millions of people to shop for insurance and to find out whether they qualify for tax credits to buy private insurance, or an expanded Medicaid program.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Open-Enrollment, Obamacare Seasons Bring Employer Health Coverage Changes
The New York Times examines trends in this year’s insurance open-enrollment season while Politico looks at what coverage requirements employers can expect from the health law. In the meantime, insurers are wary of covering some intensive psychiatric care and employer health coverage choices move to private insurance exchanges.
State Highlights: Calif.’s Drug Medi-Cal Program Probed
A selection of health policy stories from California and Texas.
First Edition: September 30, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the readiness of the health law’s online marketplaces and other key provisions the day before their Oct. 1 launch date even as the looming government shutdown becomes more of a reality.
In Kentucky, Confusion And Misinformation Abound On Eve Of Obamacare Rollout
The only state-run exchange in the South faces challenges from political opponents and an uninformed, skeptical public.
Q&A With Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, was an early supporter of building a state exchange where residents without group coverage could buy health insurance. He spoke with KHN correspondent Phil Galewitz last week.
Three Critical Measures Of Marketplaces’ Impact Could Take Several Years To Assess
Initial reports on enrollment, premium prices and breadth of benefits likely will not reflect long-term prospects.
Monthly Premiums For A ‘Benchmark’ Silver Plan In Federally Run Insurance Marketplaces
This chart lists sample premiums in the 36 states where the federal government is running the online insurance marketplaces.
Where You Live Determines How Much You Pay For Health Insurance
In several states, consumers in high-cost areas will pay at least 50 percent more for the same type of coverage as those in lower-cost areas.
House Votes To Delay Health Law, Repeal Medical Device Tax
Senate Democrats say they cannot accept the provisions in House GOP’s newest bill to fund the government. Without agreement between Senate and House, the government could shut down Tuesday.
Poll Finds Most Unaware of Tuesday Opening of Health Insurance Marketplaces
A new poll finds a majority of the public — especially those lacking health coverage — is unaware that new insurance marketplaces created by the health law are slated to open this week. The poll also found deep skepticism of media coverage of the law, with more than half the public saying they don’t trust […]
Purchasing Health Insurance After Oct. 1
As part of the Washington Post’s continuing series of online discussions about the health law’s new insurance marketplaces, Insuring Your Health columnist Michelle Andrews answered readers questions today. A transcript of today’s discussion follows. READER QUESTION: Can you explain the difference between purchasing insurance via a state exchange versus the open market? Will there be major differences […]