Latest KFF Health News Stories
Where There’s Willingness, There’s A Way For Congress And Trump To Fix Health Law
After the collapse of the Republican replacement plan, there may be a way to find consensus and repair the law.
Insurers May Notch Bigger Profits From Fewer Customers In ‘Trumpcare’
As Congress and the White House try to strike a bargain on an Obamacare repeal plan, the insurance industry likes what it’s seeing.
Late Move To Dump ‘Essential’ Benefits Could Strand Chronically Ill
Republicans seek lower cost and more choice for health insurance sold to individuals, but cutting coverage standards could leave fewer comprehensive plans, analysts say.
A Fact Check Finds Many Misleading Letters From Lawmakers On Health Care
Four news organizations read through letters sent by 51 senators and 134 members of the House dealing with the health care debate.
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.
KHN On Call: How Retooled Health Law Might Treat Those With A History Of Illness
People with preexisting conditions will still be able to buy coverage under the GOP plan, but it’s not clear there will be plans anyone can afford.
To Save On Drug Costs, Insurer Wants To Steer You To ‘Preferred’ Pharmacies
Blue Shield of California is hoping to steer consumers to “preferred” pharmacies where drugs are cheaper and copays lower.
Five Ways The GOP Health Bill Would Reverse Course From The ACA
From Medicaid funding to paying for over-the-counter drugs, the legislation offered by House Republicans offers a far different pathway to coverage than Obamacare.
Faring Better Than Many ACA Insurers, Molina Backs Health Law ‘Tuneup’
The health insurance company, which operates in 12 states plus Puerto Rico, grew out of a network of Southern California clinics founded in 1980. Molina’s track record of working with low-income patients has served it well under Obamacare.
New Rules Try To Shore Up Individual Health Insurance Market In 2018
The Trump administration’s first health regulation would shorten the enrollment periods and make it harder for patients to get coverage outside of that annual signup period.
California Regulator Slams Health Insurers Over Faulty Doctor Lists
A new report finds that major insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealth submitted conflicting lists to the state that were off by thousands of doctors.
‘Massive Confusion’ Abounds For Insurers As GOP Wavers On Obamacare Redo
Republicans’ delay in finding common ground to repeal and replace the health law raises risks that coverage could shrink and rates rise even more, the industry says.
Employers Fret Job-Based Coverage Vulnerable To Fallout From GOP Health Overhaul
Employer medical insurance still covers more people than any other kind. A Republican replacement for Obamacare could spread instability beyond the health law’s shaky marketplace plans.
Preserving Fertility When It Is Threatened By Life-Saving Medicine
A bill recently introduced in the California legislature would require insurance companies to cover fertility-preserving services for patients at risk of infertility because of necessary medical treatments.
21 Medicare Health Plans Warned To Fix Provider Directory Errors
Federal officials release names of insurers who ranked poorly in a recent review of their online directories’ accuracy.
Los Angeles Doctor Sues Molina Healthcare Over Medi-Cal Reimbursements
A high-profile whistleblower attorney representing the physician is seeking class action status.
Federal Judge Denies Request To Delay EEOC Rules On Wellness Programs
AARP had sought a preliminary injunction because it argued the new regulations – which allow employers to tie participation to 30 percent of the cost of individual health coverage – could be coercive.
In Towns That Lost Most Obamacare Insurers, Rate Increases Still Competitive
Premiums on 2017 plans are rising by comparable amounts both in counties where multiple insurers still compete and in those where only one insurer remains after several companies stopped selling individual plans under the health law, according to Avalere, a consulting firm.
Leading Republicans See A Costly Malpractice Crisis — Experts Don’t
The incoming HHS secretary wants to boldly reform the malpractice system, saying hundreds of billions are wasted on “lawsuit abuse” and defensive medicine. Industry experts say premiums and claims are down and “it’s a wonderful time for doctors.”
Worries About Health Insurance Cross Political Boundaries
The uncertainty over what could replace Obamacare has left many uneasy about what will happen with their medical care.
