Latest KFF Health News Stories
Under-26 Coverage: Does It Matter If My Child Just Got Out Of Jail?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about keeping your children on your health plan until they turn 26, even if they were recently released from jail.
The President’s Impassioned Health Law Speech: ‘We’re Going To Keep Fighting’
President Barack Obama was unusually detailed in his defense of the law, emphasizing the scope of insurance coverage for many Americans.
Competition Spurs 2 Oregon Insurers To Lower Proposed Rates
Maybe competition among health insurance plans can lead to lower rates. As soon as Oregon this week became the fourth state to publicly list health insurers’ proposed 2014 rates for individual and small group coverage, two plans moved to cut their suggested prices, the Oregonian reported Friday. Providence Health Plan and Family Care Health Plans […]
Obama: ‘The Law Is Here To Stay’
President Barack Obama gave a speech Friday on the health law, and he emphasized his administration’s commitment to moving forward with a full rollout of all the law’s provisions.
Competition Spurs Oregon Insurers To Lower Proposed Rates
As soon as Oregon this week became the fourth state to publicly list health insurers’ proposed 2014 rates for individual and small group coverage, two plans moved to cut their suggested prices.
Oregon’s Medicaid Lottery: A Participant’s View
Amid the cacophony of expert views about the implications of a landmark study, a Medicaid beneficiary weighs in on the values and shortcomings of public health assistance.
Community Health Centers Get $150M To Help Uninsured Enroll In New Coverage
The funding is to hire staff, train existing staff and perform outreach and educational activities. The idea is to help consumers sign up for coverage sold through new online insurance marketplaces that are scheduled to open on Oct. 1 under the Affordable Care Act.
Obama To Talk Health Law’s Benefits For Women, Families
In an effort to rally public support for the overhaul, President Barack Obama will talk about provisions that benefit women as part of a Mother’s Day-themed event.
Four States That Snubbed Health Law Gaining Jobs From It
Four states that have snubbed the federal health law by defaulting to the federal government to build new online insurance marketplaces and not agreeing to expand Medicaid are getting new jobs at call centers that will help consumers understand their new coverage options this fall. Up to 9,000 jobs are expected to be created at call centers to support […]
GOP Leaders Refuse To Name Candidates For Medicare Cost Control Board
House Speaker John Boehner tells reporters that he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will not nominate anyone to serve on the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
Who Is Responsible For Retired Football Players’ Medical Costs?
The Washington Post reports on how many NFL players fall through the cracks.
Viewpoints: The Threat From ‘Contagion Exhaustion;’ An Economist Sees Humor In Hospital Pricing
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Senate Bill On FDA Oversight Of Compounding Pharmacies Gets Broad Backing As Hearings Move Closer
A bill to give the FDA greater authority over compounding pharmacies like the one behind a deadly meningitis outbreak gets broad — including bipartisan — backing, and a key committee chairman readies a hearing on the legislation.
Older Americans Fare Well With Budget Impasse Regarding Medicare, Other Entitlements
The Associated Press explores the generational issues in play regarding Medicare and other entitlement program.
State Highlights: Feds Sue Fla. Senate President’s Former Co. Over Medicare Billing
A selection of health policy news from Florida, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina and Oregon.
In States That Opt Against Medicaid Expansion, Rural Areas Could Miss Out
Also in the news, updates from Kentucky, where Gov. Steve Beshear announced he will proceed with the expansion; Michigan, where lawmakers advance a plan to expand Medicaid — with conditions; and California, where a compromise proposal continues to be a hot topic.
Feds Offer Positive Signals About Progress On Health Exchanges
USA Today reports that federal officials say the government is meeting deadlines, testing systems and putting the infrastructure in place to get these online insurance marketplaces up and running. Also, Modern Healthcare reports that the National Association of Health Underwriters is urging extensive training for the exchange navigators.
Research Roundup: Out-Of-Pocket Costs On Individual Market
This week’s studies come from Health Affairs, JAMA Internal Medicine, the Urban Institute, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and news sources.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about efforts by the Obama administration to boost health exchange enrollment.
Colorado Exchange Board Spars Over Federal Funding
Statehouse Republicans say the board has asked for too much money for Colorado’s online insurance marketplace.