Latest KFF Health News Stories
NJ Hospital Fight Foreshadows Health Reform Challenges
A battle over whether to build a new hospital in northeastern New Jersey illustrates the formidable obstacles confronting President Obama and Congress as they try to mine savings from the $2.5 trillion health care system.
Big, Small or Nothing At All? Three Scenarios For Health Reform
With the health care debate about to erupt on Capitol Hill, a look at three ways it could turn out.
Message From Massachusetts: Insurance Requirement Can Provoke Anger
If Congress wants all Americans to get health insurance, it will have to win over people like Gary Cloutier, owner of Cloots Auto Body Shop in Westfield, Mass. He says he just can’t afford it.
New College Grads Scramble For Insurance In Faltering Economy
Young adults who are ousted from their parents’ health plans are among the largest and fastest-growing groups of uninsured.
Health Reform Controversy: Opening Medicare to People Under 65
Will allowing younger people to buy coverage ease a health-care problem or break an already overburdened program?
Growing Immigrant Population Spurs Demand For Medical Interpreters
Language barriers complicate immigrants’ medical problems.
Paying for COBRA, Waiting for Discount
Some people who qualify for the economic stimulus package’s COBRA subsidies are still waiting for the “lifeline.” Reporter Rick Schmitt, who was laid off in November, writes about the hurdles he has experienced while trying to get the subsidy.
New Jersey Program Finds Alternatives for ER ‘Super Users’
Emergency room doctors noticed the difference. Many of their “super user” patients weren’t coming around much anymore.
People young and old crowd the hallway outside the locked door of the Arlington Free Clinic. They grip small pieces of paper that will determine whether they get in — or give up and go home.
Americans Ensnared By Medical Debt
The rising costs of care and a failing economy drive more Americans into medical debt.
Bankrupted by nearly $100,000 in medical debt, the Eaker’s are now barred from a large clinic.
Salary: $52,000. Debt: $55,000
One woman’s medical bills and debt from an emergency hospitalization exceed her annual salary.
The Single Mother and Bad Credit
For single mom, credit card was no panacea for an Orthodontist’s Bill.
Jim and Jackie Eyler, of Westminster, Md., are employed, insured and unable to pay down a $10,000 credit card balance.
The Clifford’s struggle to pay for treatment of their serious medical problems.
