Latest KFF Health News Stories
News outlets report on the ambitious plans of a handful of health insurance co-ops starting from scratch after being funded by the law, how smokers may be charged higher premiums if they don’t take cessation classes and the challenge of explaining the law in multiple languages.
Feds To Pa.: Shift Some Kids On CHIP To Medicaid
Federal officials denied a request by Pennsylvania to keep more than 50,000 children on the state CHIP program and have instead instructed officials there to shift the kids’ coverage to Medicaid ahead of implementation of Obamacare.
For Small Companies And Self-Employed People, Health Law Raises Questions
This pair of stories from The Associated Press outlines how confusing the health law can be for both small business owners as well as the self-employed with high income.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Marketing Of Health Law Goes Mainstream
The Associated Press reports that applying for coverage in new online insurance marketplaces will feel like a combination of doing your taxes and making a big purchase. Other media outlets describe how insurers are opening stores to pitch directly to consumers, while a few companies are creating look-alike exchange websites — some of which may be scams.
State Highlights: Nation’s Older Population Strains Budgets In Northeast
A selection of health policy stories from Michigan, Alaska, Texas, Oregon and California.
Longer Looks: Understanding the Mind; Facebook Depression; Planning For A Successful End Of Life
This week’s selections come from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, NBC News and The New Yorker.
AFL-CIO Ramps Up Criticism Of Health Law
The labor federation approved a resolution Wednesday urging changes to parts of President Barack Obama’s health care law that it says would drive up the costs of union-sponsored health plans to the point that workers and employers would abandon them.
First Edition: September 12, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a range of stories related to the politics and policies in play as Oct. 1 — the health law’s big day — quickly approaches.
Consumer, State Officials Warn Buyers To Be On the Lookout For Fake, Look-Alike Exchange Sites
The alternate Web pages may be created by interest groups, private insurance companies and sometimes scammers.
Obamacare Insurance Co-ops At The Starting Gate
The health law created 24 nonprofit, insurance company startups that will compete with long established companies starting next month.
Two Types of Subsidies To Help Cover Costs Will Be Available
Lower-income buyers may get help paying the premium and help on covering expenses such as deductibles and co-payments.
A Road To Health? Rural Alaska Town Argues For Access
A road in King Cove, Alaska would give 1,000 residents better access to emergency health care, but it would slice through a wildlife refuge. The decision rests with new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who toured the town in late August.
Health Insurance Ads Range From Weighty To Whimsical
The federal health care law is taking on unique personalities in states that have opted to run their own health insurance marketplaces. Some states are cracking wise in ads about the exchanges, where people will be able to shop for insurance starting in October. Others are rolling out catchy jingles. Some are all business. Stephanie O’Neill […]
Pennsylvania Governor Weighing Medicaid Expansion If Tied To Changes
Corbett’s spokeswoman indicates he might support the health law’s expansion if he could make alterations to how the existing program works.
Rx For Docs: AMA Answers Obamacare Questions
As we get closer to 2014, consumers are being surrounded by news coverage, ads and opinions about the health law. And many of them are turning to their doctors for advice. The American Medical Association wants to help doctors with answers. Today, the AMA is launching a new website to help answer frequently asked questions that physicians might hear from […]
‘Peers’ Seen Easing Mental Health Worker Shortage
Peer programs such as Georgia’s “certified peer specialist” licenses could become especially important once the Affordable Care Act takes effect early next year.
Draft Report: Missourians Favor Medicaid Expansion
This story was produced in partnership with the JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — They traveled to six, far-flung Missouri cities. They held marathon public hearings. They got detailed state briefings. So what did the 52-member House Citizens and Legislators Working Group on Medicaid Eligibility and Reform conclude? That people want both Medicaid expansion and reform. A seven-page […]
Some House GOP Lawmakers Take Hard Line Position Against Health Law Funding In Debt Limit Debate
As Republican leaders unveiled a plan to avert a government shutdown, they faced the challenge of building support for the proposal within their own ranks because it does not defund the health law. Some within the caucus reacted with skepticism. But, if enough support can be shored up, a vote could be scheduled as early as Thursday.
Federal Officials, Contractors Give Health Exchange ‘Data Hub’ Thumbs Up
Several contractors gave positive reports about their readiness to launch the health law’s new online marketplaces Oct. 1 at a House hearing Tuesday, although one expert predicted a “rocky start,” and several Republicans said they were not reassured.