Latest KFF Health News Stories
Republicans On Health: Is There An Echo In Here?
In their blueprint for governing should they win in November, House Republicans called for repeal of the health law.
A Guide To Sept. 23: Health Law’s Big Day
The national health reform that was signed into law six months ago contained an ambitious timetable for changing elements of the health care system.
Retroactive Cancellation Now Banned
Among the provisions of the new law is a ban on the industry practice of revoking an insurance policy retroactively-after a policy holder has racked up hefty medical bills. But consumer advocates worry the practice could continue.
New Health Law’s Protections For Adult Children Begins
The new federal health law requires that insurers, when they renew their plans, give parents the option of keeping adult children who are under 26 years old on their plans.
Kids With Preexisting Illness Get New Protection For Coverage But Hurdles Remain
As of today, insurers can’t deny coverage to children with medical problems. But an important question is: How much will the coverage cost?
Transcript: Michelle Andrews On What Sept. 23 Could Mean For Health Consumers
For the past few months, health reporter Michelle Andrews has written about various aspects of the new law for her weekly feature “Insuring Your Health.” Today, the six-month anniversary of the signing of the health bill, a number of key provisions officially kick in and Jackie Judd sat down with her to discuss them.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – Sept. 21, 2010
The Obama Administration and supporters of the new health law have planned a series of events this week to commemorate the law’s six-month anniversary and a package of consumer protections that go into effect Thursday as Republicans plan to unveil their plans Thursday to overhaul the nation’s health care system.
Check your BMI to see if you are overweight or obese.
Few Insurers Provide Coverage For Weight Loss Treatment
Millions of Americans battling excess fat find that their insurers refuse to pay for obesity treatments but instead cover its expensive consequences.
GOP Plan To Change Or Repeal Health Law Could Bring New Complications
Even if Republicans increase their numbers on Capitol Hill, experts say pushing through changes to the law will be difficult and could bring unintended consequences.
Aging in Place – A Graceful Living Option for Seniors
Communities and companies are devising innovative ways to help older Americans work longer, and age gracefully and affordably in their own homes.
A Timeline of Kennedy’s Health Care Achievements And Disappointments
Over more than half a century of working on health legislation, Edward Kennedy scored many victories, missed some opportunities and never realized his dream of universal health care.
Uninsured Rate Soars, 50+ Million Americans Without Coverage
In a reflection of the battered economy, the rate of uninsured Americans rose to 16.7 percent last year from 15.4 percent in 2008, according to a new Census Bureau report.
The Census Bureau’s Annual Insurance Coverage Status Check
With this collection of resources, KHN provides a Census Bureau summary of key findings, the chapter on health insurance coverage and access the full report, “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2009.”
A Consumer’s Guide To The Health Law, Six Months In
The new health reform law could affect people who get their coverage at work, buy their own health insurance or are enrolled in Medicare.
Small Cost Benefit for Tort Reform, More Primary Care
Two new studies show that neither tort reform nor an increase in primary care physicians will bend the health care cost curve as proponents believe.
Health Overhaul Brings Ban On Lifetime Benefit Caps
Among the new provisions of the health law that take effect later this month is a ban on something most people don’t even know they have – a lifetime limit on benefits covered by their health insurance.
For-Profit Hospitals Performing More C-Sections
Private medical centers in California are more likely to perform C-sections compared with nonprofit hospitals.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 13, 2010
As Congress returns from its August recess, the Senate is expected to debate amendments to a package of small business tax breaks that would repeal a provision in the health care law requiring businesses to submit a 1099 form to the IRS for yearly purchases of $600 or more from a vendor.
Researchers Say Access To Primary Care Doesn’t Always Guarantee Better Health
Dartmouth researchers examining records of Medicare patients found that having access to a primary care doctor didn’t always result in the best health outcomes.
