State Insurance Officials Approve Rules For Descriptions Of Health Policies

KFF Health News Original

Under the health overhaul law, insurers will be required to provide their benefits information on a standardized chart using the same plain English terms as other companies to help shoppers understand and compare complicated policies.

Growing Number Of Patients Find A Hospital Stay Does Not Mean They’re Admitted

KFF Health News Original

The use of observation care is rising as hospitals cope with increasing constraints from Medicare, which is under pressure to control costs. But the decision can mean more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Rating System For Medicare Advantage Plans Slated For Upgrade

KFF Health News Original

A few years ago, federal officials began rating Medicare Advantage plans – using a scale of one to five stars – but seniors’ advocates, policy analysts, insurers and some top Medicare officials agree the ratings are flawed. Even so, the star system is about to become more significant.

Medicare Steps Up Efforts To Monitor Seniors’ Prescriptions

KFF Health News Original

Medicare is expanding a program to make sure that some older adults use the right drugs and take them correctly to prevent harmful side effects or interactions. A similar program helped Irene Mooney, who was taking 13 medications and developed some serious side effects.