Latest KFF Health News Stories
GAO: Postal Health Plan Could Add To Retired Workers’ Costs, Impact Medicare
The proposal to opt out of the federal health plan would save billions of dollars but could bring uncertainties for employees.
Keeping NYC Hospitals Open Becomes New Issue In Mayoral Race
In the meantime, New York state health officials have posted a plethora of data online about the state’s hospitals and doctors.
State Highlights: Mental Health Contract Raised Costs In La., Audit Says
A selection of health policy stories from California, Louisiana and the District of Columbia.
More States Release Prices For Obamacare Plans
The Associated Press reports that Montana released monthly premiums for health insurance plans that will be sold on that state’s exchange while the Connecticut Mirror reports on rates in that state and how the exchange will enable consumers to comparison shop. Also in the news, Kansas insurance agents are encouraged to take an online course so they can sell plans that will be available in Kansas’ online marketplace.
Sebelius Urges Texas Leaders To Pitch Plan To Cover Poor
Speaking in Texas, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said it was up to state leaders to propose alternative ways to expand health coverage to the poor. Meanwhile, in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott raised privacy concerns related to so-called navigators, who will be trained to walk people through their insurance options under the health law.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Missouri Consumers In The Dark As Health Insurance Exchange Nears
The administration of Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has walked a political tightrope as the state gets ready for a federal initiative that the Republican-led Legislature strongly opposes and state voters have weighed in against – twice.
First Edition: August 20, 2013
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the continued efforts by the Obama administration and some states to raise awareness about the health law’s new insurance options.
New Online Markets For Small Businesses May Offer Some Workers Greater Choices
The SHOP exchanges are intended to make it easier for small businesses to offer their employees a variety of good plans, but that option is being delayed for a year in 33 states.
Answering Your Questions About The Latest Obamacare Delays
KHN’s Julie Appleby was on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal Monday morning taking questions about the latest Obamacare implementation delay — this one delaying a provision of the law that limits some consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses for one year. Read more: Consumer Groups Fear Patients Could Be Hit With Large Out-Of-Pocket Costs and Federal Rule Allows Higher Out-Of-Pocket Spending […]
Pa., N.J. Insurers Gearing Up For Obamacare Business
This story was produced in partnership with With new federal rules and mandates, you’d think that health insurers would be beating the loudest drum in the repeal-the-Affordable Care Act band. But they’re not, and there are a couple of reasons why. The first is pretty obvious. Millions of uninsured people will be flooding the online […]
Taking A New Tack To Persuade ‘Young Invincibles’ To Buy Health Insurance
The health insurance premiums of younger, healthier adults will be important to balancing the cost of covering older, sicker Americans, but the challenge is to convince them they need the coverage.
Detailing The Health Law’s Implementation Hurdles
Continued opposition to the overhaul is one of the administration’s biggest challenges. In addition, many consumers eligible to buy insurance in new online marketplaces still don’t understand their benefits and obligations under the law. Meanwhile, insurance companies are gearing up to sell policies.
Rates Released For Colorado’s Online Insurance Marketplace; MNsure Launches Paul Bunyan Ad Campaign
The Wall Street Journal explains to readers about the two types of health exchanges – run either by the state or federal government – which are scheduled to begin operating on Oct. 1. Other news outlets report on developments regarding these marketplaces in Minnesota, Colorado, Alabama, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia.
Colorado Exchange Releases Health Insurance Rates
Colorado released its Obamacare insurance rates on Friday, joining 13 states and the District of Columbia in making rates public. The state earlier made the call to be a clearinghouse exchange, rather than an active purchaser, and so, it has approved all 242 health plans submitted for sale on its marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. Thirteen carriers will […]
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Insurers Seek Clarity On Who’s Responsible If Consumers Who Receive Subsidies Don’t Pay Their Share
Insurance officials are asking the Obama administration to make clear who is responsible financially if people who get federal subsidies to buy health insurance don’t pay their premiums.
Docs Prescribe More Radiation If They Have Financial Interest In It
Doctors who have a financial interest in prescribing radiation treatment do it more, a congressional study says. In the meantime, new Medicare payment incentives drive a rise in e-prescribing.
State Highlights: Fort Worth To Move Retirees Into Medicare Advantage Plans
A selection of health policy stories from Texas, California, Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois and Oklahoma.
In Arkansas Race, Candidates Spar Over Who Hates The Health Law More
Meanwhile, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., says during the Sunday talk shows that he expects modifications to the health law to iron out its kinks will be necessary at some point down the road.