Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health Insurance Prices, Restrictions Now On Federal Consumer Website
Healthcare.gov, the website created by the new health law to be a one-stop consumer resource, today unveiled detailed cost and benefits information about health plans available in the individual insurance market.
Cheap Pill May Save Lives When Given Before Surgery
Doctors could save lives by prescribing cheap beta blockers to surgery patients at risk of heart attacks.
The NAIC’s Effort To Find Balance In Its Medical Loss Ratio Regulation
The development of this draft rule is not a contest with winners and losers, but an effort to create a framework to press insurers to spend less money on bureaucracy and more on health care in a way that benefits consumers and keeps insurance markets viable.
New ‘Innovation’ Chief Comes From ‘Model’ Health Care System
Dr. Richard Gilfillan, the new acting director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, has quite a juggling act to perform.
Phone More Popular Than Internet When Seeking Prices For Health Care
A new survey explores how people shop for health insurance coverage.
Health On The Hill – September 27, 2010
Just weeks before the November elections, new polling shows that four out of 10 adults – no matter whether they supported the law – think the health care law did not do enough to change the health care system in America, and 53 percent of Americans are still confused about health reform.
Congress has promised almost everyone in the country access to a whole slew of preventive services with no copay or deductible. The result could have a dire impact on health care quality and access.
Returning To The Argument: Can Health Reform Reduce Costs?
Health reform critics cite recent developments regarding insurance premium cost increases as proof that their suspicions about the overhaul were on target. But are they right? Don’t be so sure.
As They Consolidate, Hospitals Get Pricier
The health reform law is likely to spur more hospital mergers, fueling a trend that experts say has led to higher hospital prices and insurance premiums.
Health Law’s 8 New Changes To Insurance – With 7 Caveats
A set of new consumer protections went into effect Sept. 23. Here’s a guide to some of the changes
Competition On Access: A Role For Government In Health Care Markets
New reports indicate that some government-owned hospitals are closing while others are being sold to the private-sector. These developments may result from normal market competition. But something important could be lost as a result: access.
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.
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.
Keeping An Eye On The Health Care Prize
Many reformers undoubtedly believe that passage of the health overhaul law laid the issue to rest. But policy’s wheels continue to turn, and the process is anything but over.
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.
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.
Tomorrow’s Medicare: The Efficient Hybrid?
Since Medicare began, how to best pay for beneficiaries’ medical services has been a persistent question.
Don’t Discount The Value of An Agent, They Discount Your Insurance
Janet Trautwein, the CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, dispels recent media reports about the demise of insurance agents.
State Budget Crises Mount as Medicaid Rolls Soar
Florida and other states faced with soaring Medicaid rolls amid a stubborn recession are struggling to balance their budgets.
