Latest News On Insuring Your Health

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Telemedicine Opening Doors To Specialty Care For Inmates

KFF Health News Original

Getting prisoners to a medical facility can be difficult, so corrections officials are increasingly setting up telemedicine programs for specialized needs, such as psychiatric, cancer and cardiac care.

4 New Ways You Can Avoid Fines For Not Having Health Insurance

KFF Health News Original

Among changes by the Trump administration, new rules protect consumers living in areas with only one marketplace plan as well as those who oppose abortion and can’t find a plan that doesn’t cover the procedure.

Congress Urged To Cut Medicare Payments To Many Stand-Alone ERs

KFF Health News Original

As free-standing emergency departments multiply, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommends a 30 percent reduction in some federal reimbursements for those within 6 miles of a hospital.

Don’t Get Tripped Up By The IRS Tweak To Health Savings Accounts

KFF Health News Original

A new federal calculation reduces by $50 the amount a family can put aside in 2018 in these accounts to pay medical bills. Anyone who has already funded the account at a higher level will need to adjust or deal with the tax consequences next year.

Tele-Monitoring Can Reduce Medical Appointments For Low-Risk Pregnancies

KFF Health News Original

In a program called OB Nest, Mayo has been using a telemedicine program in its obstetrics clinic in Rochester, Minn., that allows low-risk expectant mothers to forego some standard prenatal visits.

Adults Skipping Vaccines May Miss Out On Effective New Shingles Shot

KFF Health News Original

Federal health officials recommend that adults get a number of vaccinations, including protections against shingles, the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. But immunization rates are generally low.

From The ER To Inpatient Care — At Home

KFF Health News Original

Some health systems are encouraging selected ill emergency department patients who are stable and don’t need intensive, round-the-clock care to opt for hospital-level care at home.