Michelle Andrews

From The ER To Inpatient Care — At Home

KFF Health News Original

Some health systems are encouraging selected ill emergency department patients who are stable and don’t need intensive, round-the-clock care to opt for hospital-level care at home.

Cut In Federal Subsidies Threatens Basic Health Programs In N.Y., Minn.

KFF Health News Original

President Donald Trump’s decision to stop paying cost-sharing reduction subsidies means the federal government will reduce its funding of the Basic Health Program that provides low-cost coverage to more than 800,000 low-income people in those two states.

Bonus Tucked Into GOP Tax Bill For Those Aiming To Deduct Medical Expenses

KFF Health News Original

The House sought to eliminate the tax deduction, generally used by people with serious illnesses or those who need long-term care services but it was eventually restored in the final bill — and expanded.

No Sweeteners Added To Tax Bill To Spread Use Of Health Savings Accounts

KFF Health News Original

These accounts are exempt from taxes and linked to high-deductible health plans. Republicans tried last summer in their unsuccessful efforts to replace the health law to make the accounts more enticing for consumers, but they didn’t make those changes in the current tax bill.

Sign-Up Deadline Is Friday, But Some People May Get Extra Time

KFF Health News Original

Although in most states the insurance marketplace deadline is Friday, some consumers might be entitled to a special enrollment period if their 2017 plan is being discontinued or they are from states designated by the federal government as hurricane disaster areas.

For Marketplace Customers Who Delay, Auto-Enrollment Could Be Nasty Wake-Up

KFF Health News Original

People who have a plan from the health law’s marketplace and who don’t actively shop for a new one will be auto-enrolled on Dec. 16. But unlike past years, most people won’t be able to change those plans if they don’t like them.

Your Plumber Offers A Money-Back Guarantee. Should Your Doctor?

KFF Health News Original

Even though consumers don’t expect to pay for faulty service or goods, they are often forced to pay for bad health care. But a small number of hospitals and doctors are seeking to change that practice.