Latest KFF Health News Stories
Michigan Health Systems Seek Cure For Dearth Of Doctors
Michigan’s medical schools, doctors offices and health care networks are tackling a shortage of primary care doctors that is expected to worsen under the Affordable Care Act.
Abortion Coverage Details Hard To Find On Marketplace Plans
Both opponents and supporters complain that consumers cannot easily see whether the policies will pay for abortion services.
Patients Often Win If They Appeal A Denied Health Claim
The health law set national rules for appealing a denied claim, and advocates say consumers should take advantage of them.
Internet Startup Offers Californians Quick Assessments Of Some Insurance Plans
Stride Health, which began operations last month, seeks to provide on-demand, personalized results that people have come to expect on the Web from the likes of Google and Amazon.
Permanent ‘Doc Fix’ May Be On Hold As House Passes Short-Term Patch
In a voice vote Thursday, the House passed yet another short-term patch to the Medicare physician payment formula. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss what that means for the effort to make long-term changes to how providers are paid.
Doctors Say Obamacare Rule Will Stick Them With Unpaid Bills
If a patient falls behind on premiums, insurers can hold off paying their doctor bills, and deny them altogether if the patient fails to make good.
Lend Us Your Ears: Note Takers Help The Elderly At The Doctor
Several groups dedicated to helping seniors stay in their homes provide the service for members who may need a record of the doctor’s office visits.
New ACA Insurance Causes Headaches In Some Doctors’ Offices
Employees in some Texas practices spend hours on hold trying to verify that patients have new insurance.
Health Centers See Threat From ‘Private Option’ Medicaid
Shifting Medicaid enrollees into private plans could mean less money for clinics treating the poor.
Technology Helps Bridge Gap In Michigan’s Mental Health Care
Overwhelmed mental health professionals are using telephone consultations and other approaches to reach patients in underserved communities.
Experts: Moving New Medicaid Patients Out Of ER Will Take Time
The health law seeks to change how the poor get routine care, moving them into doctors’ offices where more consistent supervision may improve their health.
From Ethiopia To West Virginia, Community Health Workers Help Close Access-To-Care Gaps
Outreach efforts in remote places like Ethiopia could offer models for medically underserved areas in the U.S.
Wash. Hospital CEO Gets Pay Cut – To Just Over $1M A Year
Rich Roodman, Valley Medical Center’s chief executive, has won a new two-year employment contract that will pay him more than $1 million annually in salary and bonuses.
In Hollywood, Health Coverage Presents Unique Challenges
The entertainment industry relies heavily on freelancers and independent contractors who rarely are able to gain health insurance through their employers. Though the health law might help some, people in this industry still sometimes face difficulties in the health care system.
Insurers Question Health Benefits Of Some Genetic Tests
When a test is covered, typically genetic counseling is, too — to make sure the patient is a good candidate and to explain the results.
Some California Insurance Plans Narrow Doctor, Hospital Choices
In an effort to reduce costs, Blue Shield sent thousands of cancellation notices informing customers that the company will begin to offer newer, more limited plans at the beginning of the year.
Websites Step Up To Fill Federal Void
Several sites are helping consumers compare policies and figure out whether they are eligible for federal subsidies.
Hispanics Interested In ‘Having Providers Who Can Appreciate Their Culture,’ Medical Leader Says
Elena V. Rios, the president of the National Hispanic Medical Association, tells KHN that the U.S. needs more diversity in medical education at all levels.
Prevention Programs For People Without Insurance Still Play Key Role
Although the health law could expand coverage to millions, many low-income people and others will not have insurance and will still have to rely on these programs for preventive care.
Doctors Treat New Condition: Questions About Health Law
Health officials are counting on physicians to help educate patients about new insurance options under the health law. But like everyone else, doctors have differing opinions about Obamacare.
