Readers Ask: Are Insurance Premiums Capped? Do Doctors Have To Accept Medicare?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers inquiries from readers.
A Reader Asks: As An Immigrant In The U.S. Illegally, Can I Buy Insurance?
KHN’s consumer columnist explains that the health law’s online marketplaces are not an option, but other private insurance may be.
School Nurses’ Role Expands With Access To Students’ Online Health Records
In a few districts, doctors and hospitals are making their records available to school health officials to help provide better care for children with chronic conditions.
A Reader Asks: Where Can My Daughter Who Turns 26 Mid-Year Get Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist offers several suggestions to a mother worried about her adult child “aging off” the family’s work-based insurance.
Rape Victims May Have To Pay For Some Medical Services
Federal law seeks to keep sexual assault victims from paying for forensic exams, but in some states they may have to cover tests and treatment for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
A Reader Asks: Can I Cancel My Marketplace Plan If My Boss Decides To Offer Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist notes that consumers can drop a plan from the online exchanges anytime, but there are some important factors to consider.
States Consider Using Medicaid To Pay College Health Plan Premiums
Advocates say that the option will provide more flexibility for students who are eligible for the state-federal health program for low-income people.
A Reader Asks: Are Insurers Required To Cover HIV Prevention Medication Recently Recommended By CDC?
Federal health officials urge anyone at substantial risk of HIV to start an expensive prescription drug regimen that can prevent infection. But that doesn’t mean it qualifies for coverage without any cost sharing under the health law.
What Happens To A Consumer Who Gets Exchange Plan Buyer’s Remorse?
KHN’s consumer columnist looks into issues raised by readers about health law coverage.
A Reader Asks: Will Using Electronic Cigarettes Affect My Insurance Rates?
Whether e-cigarettes are subject to the tobacco surcharge is a matter of debate.
Defining What ‘Defined Contributions’ Mean For Work-Based Health Insurance
KHN’s consumer columnist examines the pros and cons of this trend, which could give employees more responsibility for their health coverage.
A Reader Asks: Where Can I Find Insurance Options Between Open Enrollments?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers a reader’s question about what happens when, because of special circumstances, one must shop for health coverage through the online insurance marketplaces even though it’s not open enrollment season.
Health Law Requires Medicare To Cover Dementia Evaluation
But an influential panel of experts says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend screening tests for the public.
Emanuel: Although ‘Not A Perfect Law,’ ACA Is Protecting Patients
The former White House adviser talks about his new book and some of his surprising predictions about health care in the next decade and beyond.
A Reader Asks: If Our Income Changes, Can We Change Plans?
KHN’s consumer columnist says people who qualified for premium and cost-sharing subsidies but later have earnings that put them over that limit can switch to less expensive plans.
KHN’s consumer columnist looks into issues raised by the health law.
A Reader Asks: How Do We Prove We Have Insurance?
KHN’s consumer columnist says details about reporting insurance status have yet to be released by the government but will be part of federal tax returns next year.
Abortion Coverage Details Hard To Find On Marketplace Plans
Both opponents and supporters complain that consumers cannot easily see whether the policies will pay for abortion services.
A Reader Asks: Do I Face A Penalty If My Kids’ CHIP Coverage Starts In April?
KHN’s consumer columnist says new federal guidance says as long as you applied during open enrollment you will not face a penalty.
Nevada Offers Rare Bet: Year-Round Sales Of Health Plans
It is the only state to mandate that insurers who sell individual plans outside the online marketplace must keep sales open throughout the year. The health law allows insurers to offer individual plans even outside the open enrollment period, but in most areas few companies appear interested.
