Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Uncertain Fate Of Health Law Giving Health Industry Heartburn
The effect of “repeal and replace” could have greatest consequences for hospitals. They accepted lower federal funding under the law because their uncompensated care was expected to fall as more people became insured.
Obamacare ‘Replacement’ Might Look Familiar
Republicans want to jettison the health law, but some features are already hardwired into the system.
After Colorado, ‘Right To Die’ Movement Eyes New Battlegrounds
Colorado’s approval of a ballot measure sets the stage for efforts in other states.
Big Hospital Network Cracks Down On The Right To Sue
Some networks of hospitals, doctors and medical services are now so dominant in their region that they can hike their prices and force patients to waive the right to sue when things go wrong.
Blue Shield Again Owes Californians Millions In Health Care Rebates
The insurer is on the hook for $25 million in refunds to about 240,000 enrollees with employer coverage.
Are Blues’ Plans Benefiting Unfairly From Program To Offset Cost Of Sicker Patients?
Other insurers complain that Blue Cross Blue Shield plans have bloated overhead costs and reap too much from the Obamacare risk-adjustment fund, paid for by insurers. The companies deny it.
Expert Panel Recommends Expansion Of Services With No Cost Sharing For Women
The list of preventive services that insurers must cover without a co-pay could grow to include mammograms for younger women, testing that follows an irregular screening and birth control for men.
In Arizona, Health Law’s Gains And Losses Play In Presidential Race
Clinton has offered detailed plans to preserve and expand the law, while Trump has vowed to “repeal and replace Obamacare so quickly.”
