Latest KFF Health News Stories
Tax Day Is Zero Hour For Health Insurance, Too
People who don’t have insurance coverage or get federal assistance to pay their insurance premiums need to take a little extra care when completing their tax forms.
While Washington Fiddles, Calif. Leaders Forge Ideas For Universal Health Care
But it could take years to achieve coverage for everyone — if it happens at all.
Treatment Gaps Persist Between Low- And High-Income Workers, Even With Insurance
People earning low wages are more likely than those with higher incomes to go to an emergency room or be admitted to the hospital for avoidable conditions, a study in Health Affairs finds.
Despite Prevention Guidelines, Few Smokers Seek CT Scans To Check For Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening rates have not changed much even though the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that smokers get checked, according to a new study.
Georgia Legislative Panel Hears Concerns About Surprise Medical Billing
Insurers and care providers say efforts to fix how consumers are notified also raise concerns.
If Obamacare Is Being Repealed, Do The Uninsured Still Face Penalties?
People who think the change in administrations may save them from having to pay a fine for not having insurance in 2016 could be in for a rude surprise.
Demand For Popular Short-Term Insurance Plans Could Surge If Health Law Is Relaxed
Consumer advocates warn that these policies don’t have important safeguards that customers need.
Repeal Ripples: Five Obamacare Exchange Chiefs Contemplate An Uncertain Future
Despite political peril, Obamacare business is brisk in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado.
Health Law Coverage Has Helped Many Chronically Ill — But Has Still Left Gaps
New research finds that the Affordable Care Act — especially the Medicaid expansion — helped about 4 million people with chronic health problems get coverage. Researchers say their findings could help Republicans planning a replacement.
Got A Raise? Congrats, But It Could Wreak Havoc On Your Subsidy Calculation
Health insurance subsidies are pegged to income estimates, but if those are too low, the customer may have to make a repayment to the government.
Only 20 Percent Of Americans Support Health Law Repeal Without Replacement Plan
A new poll shows that GOP lawmakers’ strategy lacks widespread support and most people are more concerned that health care is affordable and available.
New Special Enrollment Rules Will Shift Paperwork Burden To Consumers
Federal officials provide details about a pilot project starting in June that will delay some consumers’ mid-year marketplace enrollment until they produce documentation proving eligibility.
Amid Sign-Up Surge, Covered California Extends Enrollment Deadline
Despite health law uncertainty, more than 25,000 new consumers chose new plans in just two days this week.
Marketplace Enrollment Still Important Despite Plans For Health Law Repeal
Republicans’ plans to overhaul the federal health law are not expected to take effect immediately, so consumers can still sign up for 2017 coverage.
Many Parents With Job-Based Coverage Still Turn To Medicaid, CHIP To Insure Kids
Researcher says the reliance on public programs is a lesson for lawmakers who will be considering renewing CHIP next year.
Retired Coal Miners At Risk Of Losing Promised Health Coverage And Pensions
A fund guaranteeing health coverage and pensions to retired mine workers is about to run dry. Congress has been reluctant to pick up the tab. Democrats from coal country say it’s time to act.
Beyond Birth Control, Women Could Pay More For Insurance Again Under TrumpCare
The federal health law offered new coverage guarantees for women, and some advocates fear they could change under Republicans’ efforts to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act.
Uninsured In Coal Country: Desperate Americans Still Turn To Volunteer Clinics
Dire dental needs and other health problems keep Remote Area Medical’s pop-up free clinics busy in states like Virginia that haven’t expanded Medicaid.
Healthy Customers, And Those With Major Medical Needs, May Want Bronze Plans
The bronze plans’ lower premiums — coupled with the health law’s out-of-pocket-spending protections — may make these policies an attractive option.
As Insurers Cut Brokers’ Commissions, Consumers May Have One Less Tool For Enrollment
Some major insurance companies are opting not to pay commissions for plans sold on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. Will this decision make enrollment season more difficult for consumers?
