Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Center Of Excellence’ Designation Doesn’t Rule Out Complications Of Bariatric Surgery
The risk of serious problems varies widely among bariatric surgery centers, a new study finds.
CHIP Offers Families With Seriously Ill Kids More Financial Protection Than ACA Plans
Out-of-pocket costs can rise dramatically for children with chronic health issues if a family changes marketplace coverage, according to a new study.
For Doctors, A Clamp Down On Visas Could Have An Uneven Effect In The U.S.
New research shows that physicians getting H-1B visas account for just over 1 percent of all doctors, but some areas are much more likely to be seeking their services.
Kids With Hepatitis C Get New Drugs And Coverage May Prove Easier Than For Adults
The drugs, approved by the FDA for children earlier this month, can run $100,000 for a course of treatment.
GOP Bills To Replace Obamacare Do Not Tinker With Lawmakers’ Coverage
Republicans are hoping to overhaul the federal health law. Among the law’s many provisions is a requirement that members of Congress and their staffs buy their health insurance on the law’s marketplaces.
Trump’s Effort To Lure Consumers To Exchanges Could Bring Skimpier Plans
The changes proposed by the administration for the health law marketplaces in 2018 could increase customers’ out-of-pocket costs and reduce the amount they receive in premium tax credits.
Women With Coverage For IVF More Likely To Have Procedure Again, Give Birth
After four cycles of IVF, women with insurance had a 57 percent probability of giving birth while a woman without coverage had a 51 percent chance, a study in JAMA reports.
New Vaccine Recommendation Cuts Number Of HPV Shots Children Need
The vaccine protects kids against infection and several types of cancer but many parents have been reluctant to use it for their children.
House Republicans Recycle Controversial 2003 Bill To Boost Small-Business Insurance
The legislation, passed by the House, would allow nationwide “association health plans.” But consumer advocates have raised serious concerns about such options in the past.
Change In Texas Medicaid Payments Helps Cut Number Of Premature Births
Texas has reduced unnecessary early deliveries by 14 percent since refusing to pay doctors who performed C-sections that weren’t medically necessary.
For New Medicaid Patients, The Doctor Is In (Generally). But You May Have To Wait.
A new study examines whether people newly insured through the Affordable Care Act are adding pressure to primary care access challenges.
Advocates Of Flat-Fee Primary Care See Opening In GOP’s Market-Driven Approach
In direct primary care, a monthly fee covers routine care, limiting insurers’ role. But does it really provide better value?
Health Law’s 10 Essential Benefits: A Look At What’s At Risk In GOP Overhaul
The woman set to run the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told senators last week that maternity coverage should be optional in individual and small group plans. But other services could also be left on the cutting room floor.
Judge Upends Effort To Limit Charity Funding For Kidney Patients’ Insurance
A federal judge in Texas last month issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing a rule allowing insurers to refuse to insure dialysis patients who get premium assistance from charity groups.
People With Medical Debt Most Likely To Be Dunned By Collection Agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports in a new study that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills.
Doctors’ Rights To Ask About Guns Not Affected By Health Law Provisions
The practice, which has been criticized by some gun groups, is not addressed in the health law and federal courts have so far upheld doctors’ rights.
Large Employer Health Plans Could Also See Some Impacts From Obamacare Overhaul
With the future of Obamacare on the line, workers might want to consider what benefits they have gained through the landmark law.
For Some Patients In Marketplace Plans, Access To Cancer Centers Is Elusive
In a number of states, including big ones such as New York and Texas, leading cancer centers aren’t included in insurers’ provider networks.
Concerned About Losing Your Marketplace Plan? ACA Repeal May Take Awhile
Republican efforts to get rid of the federal health law are expected to take some time to work through Congress and leaders have promised to give consumers time to adjust to those changes.
Vietnam Veteran Who Died Of Hepatitis Added To Memorial Wall
Members of the military are more than twice as likely to have contracted hepatitis C than the general population. For many, the effects are felt years after the infection began.
