Phil Galewitz

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pgalewitz@kff.org
@philgalewitz

Should Health Insurance Companies Be Allowed To Sell Individual Policies Across State Lines?

KFF Health News Original

With health care legislation stalled, the GOP is touting its plan which includes allowing Americans to buy health coverage from another state. Democrats include a version in their bills. Critics say this would erode consumer protections.

The Debate Over Selling Insurance Across State Lines

KFF Health News Original

With health care legislation stalled, the GOP is touting its plan which includes allowing Americans to buy health coverage from another state. Democrats include a version in their bills. Critics say this would erode consumer protections.

The House, Senate and You: A New Guide to Health Reform

KFF Health News Original

Now that the Senate has passed a hotly debated health care bill, Congress is headed to the next step: House-Senate negotiations in January to try to hammer out a final version. Here’s where things stand and how you might be affected.

Requirement For Americans To Get Insurance Is Central To Health Overhaul

KFF Health News Original

Both the House and Senate health care overhaul bills require most Americans to carry health insurance or pay a penalty. Yet government mandates don’t necessarily ensure compliance: Not all Americans buckle up, or get their children vaccinated.

Seniors Often Reluctant To Switch Medicare Drug Plans

KFF Health News Original

Comparing plans can save hundreds of dollars for some consumers but many people are overwhelmed at the prospect of making such a change. Seniors have until the end of the year to revise their coverage.

Tulsa Hospital Gives Medicare Patients Cash Back For Surgery

KFF Health News Original

At Hillcrest Medical Center, which is testing a “bundled” Medicare payment system, some seniors get paid up to $1,157 for having surgery. The pilot program aims to save money and improve care by paying doctors and hospitals a lump sum and rewards the patients with part of the savings.

Generic Drug Makers Say ‘No’ To Health Reform Tab

KFF Health News Original

Makers of generic drugs say it’s unfair to make them pay $460 million to help fund health care overhaul legislation. They warn consumer prices could rise if Congress approves the 10 years of increased Medicaid discounts included in the bill passed by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Health Bills In Congress Won’t Fix Doctor Shortage

KFF Health News Original

Even as Congress moves to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, it’s doing little to ensure there will be enough primary care doctors to meet the expected surge in demand for treatment. One prediction: the shortage of family doctors will reach 40,000 by 2019, as medical schools send about half the needed number of graduates into primary care medicine.