Despite Health Law’s Protections, Many Consumers May Be ‘Underinsured’
Experts say that potential trouble spots for out-of-pocket spending include prescription drugs; specialist care, including that provided by academic medical centers; and services such as physical therapy.
A Reader Asks: Will My Son Overseas Have To Buy A U.S. Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist says if he lives abroad at least 330 days per year, he doesn’t, but he will eventually.
Consumer columnist reminds consumers that details make all the difference.
A Reader Asks: Can I Opt Out Of My Retiree Plan To Get Subsidized Insurance?
The health law treats retirees differently than workers getting insurance through their jobs.
Insurers Question Health Benefits Of Some Genetic Tests
When a test is covered, typically genetic counseling is, too — to make sure the patient is a good candidate and to explain the results.
What Happens If My Income Changes After I Receive An Insurance Subsidy?
KHN consumer columnist Michelle Andrews says a reader may have to repay some of the subsidy and describes how this would typically work.
Mental Health Parity Rule Clarifies Standards For Treatment Limits
Jennifer Mathis of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law talks with KHN’s consumer columnist.
Health Law May Offer Part-Time Workers Better Options
Many of these workers are not offered coverage through work and if they are it might be very limited.
A Reader Asks: Will International Students Be Eligible For Health Law’s Subsidized Coverage?
Anyone who is “lawfully present” in the United States may qualify for premium tax credits to help pay for health insurance.
Does The Insurer Have The Right To Cancel A Grandfathered Plan?
Yes, if they cancel everyone in a “block of business” that was buying a particular policy.
As open enrollment continues under the health law, insurance columnist answers questions about issues affecting readers.
Prevention Programs For People Without Insurance Still Play Key Role
Although the health law could expand coverage to millions, many low-income people and others will not have insurance and will still have to rely on these programs for preventive care.
A Reader Asks: Can Adult Children With An Offer Of Family Coverage Instead Get Subsidies?
The answer: Yes, if their parents have not claimed them as tax dependents.
For Many Workers, It’s Time To Consider Insurance Options
Fall is generally the time when many people who get insurance through their job re-enroll. Higher deductibles and dependent care costs, and financial incentives for wellness activities, lead trends.
IHS services don’t meet the requirements of the law, but many Native Americans and Alaska natives are exempted from the individual mandate.
Rep. Ryan And CMS Chief Tavenner’s Exchange Muddles Subsidies For Young Adults
In a contentious House Ways and Means Committee hearing Tuesday about the problem-plagued launch of the federal health insurance exchange, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Marilyn Tavenner, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, managed to agree about one thing: Young adults who have access to their parents’ health insurance can’t get subsidies if […]
Short-Term Plans Can Skirt Health Law Requirements
Some consumers may be attracted to these policies, which can run several months or as long as 364 days, because the premiums are lower.
A Reader Asks: I Don’t Have Children, So Why Do I Have To Buy Pediatric Dental Insurance?
Insurance columnist explains that the essential health benefits that all new individual and small-group health plans must offer reflect a core package that experts thought everyone should have access to.
Readers Ask About HSAs, Infertility Treatment And The Consequences Of Not Buying Insurance
Consumer columnist Michelle Andrews answers questions about the insurance landscape under the new health law.
What’s The Deadline To Avoid A Penalty For Not Having Insurance?
The simple answer is that under the health law’s individual mandate, American must have insurance by March 31. But unfortunately it’s not that straightforward.
