Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.”
Remember The ‘Public Option’? Insurance Commissioner Wants To Try It In California
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says a publicly run health plan would bolster competition in the state. But some question whether it would lower premiums.
California Aims To Limit Surprise Medical Bills
The problem, known as balance billing, happens when patients are treated by an out-of-network professional at an in-network facility. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign the legislation.
Number Of Uninsured Falls Again In 2015
The annual Census report finds that the number of uninsured falls to 29 million from 33 million.
Consumer Group Questions Role of Drug Costs In California Premium Hikes
Consumers Union says Anthem Inc. and Blue Shield of California may be exploiting furor over prescription drug prices. State regulators are looking into the issue.
Study Says Concerns About Orphan Drug Spending Are Unjustified
A study in Health Affairs concludes that orphan drugs for rare diseases are not having a widespread or deep impact on health care spending.
Who’s Affected By Insurers’ Pullbacks And What It Could Mean For The ACA’s Future
Health insurance giant Aetna will stop selling insurance through most state exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act. It’s the third major insurer to pull back from Obamacare. Who’s affected and what this means for the future of the ACA.
Obamacare Marketplace Shakeout Rocks Arizona, Southeast
Fewer choices in 2017 health care plans await consumers in dozens of markets where Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Humana are pulling out, but withdrawals may hit Arizona, the Carolinas, Georgia and parts of Florida hardest.
Hidden Plan Exclusions May Leave Gaps In Women’s Care, Study Finds
The research finds that many plans don’t make details about what services are not covered readily apparent.
Administration Paints Rosy Future For Obamacare Marketplaces
Report portrays Affordable Care Act’s individual market as improving with rising enrollments of healthier, lower-risk consumers, a performance that clashes with recent complaints from some large insurers.
Should Big Insurance Become Like Walmart To Lower Health Costs?
Evidence shows dominant insurers hold down hospital prices. Big insurers seeking to get bigger want to take that idea to the extreme.
Depressed Teen’s Struggle To Find Mental Health Care In Rural California
After a teenager attempted suicide, her family searched in vain for therapists who would take their insurance and were accepting new patients. The family paid for therapy with credit cards instead.
Some Seniors Surprised To Be Automatically Enrolled In Medicare Advantage Plans
Concerns raised as health insurers automatically move members of their marketplace or individual plans who are eligible for Medicare.
