Michelle Andrews

Laws Spreading That Allow Terminal Patients Access To Experimental Drugs

KFF Health News Original

Five states have approved the measures this year, but critics note that they don’t address the issues of patient costs and don’t mean the drug makers will necessarily make the medications available.

Lack Of Understanding About Insurance Could Lead To Poor Choices

KFF Health News Original

A recent poll points out that while three-quarters of Americans say they are confident about understanding their health coverage options, only 20 percent could calculate what they owed for a routine doctor’s appointment.

More Plans Setting Spending Limits For Some Medical Services

KFF Health News Original

Insurers cap how much they will pay for certain routine procedures, such as knee replacements and lab tests, and if patients opt for an in-network facility that charges more, they must pick up the extra cost.

Long-Acting Contraceptives Still Often Not Free For Women

KFF Health News Original

The health law called for all FDA-approved birth control methods to be completely covered by insurance, but research suggests that many women still pay for some of the costs for options such as IUDs and injectable contraceptives.

How Will Taxes Be Reconciled With Premium Subsidies?

KFF Health News Original

KHN consumer columnist Michelle Andrews examines how subsidies for health insurance can be divvied up among family members choosing separate plans and how a miscalculation of the premium will be handled on your taxes.