Latest News On Insuring Your Health

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Bonus Tucked Into GOP Tax Bill For Those Aiming To Deduct Medical Expenses

KFF Health News Original

The House sought to eliminate the tax deduction, generally used by people with serious illnesses or those who need long-term care services but it was eventually restored in the final bill — and expanded.

No Sweeteners Added To Tax Bill To Spread Use Of Health Savings Accounts

KFF Health News Original

These accounts are exempt from taxes and linked to high-deductible health plans. Republicans tried last summer in their unsuccessful efforts to replace the health law to make the accounts more enticing for consumers, but they didn’t make those changes in the current tax bill.

Sign-Up Deadline Is Friday, But Some People May Get Extra Time

KFF Health News Original

Although in most states the insurance marketplace deadline is Friday, some consumers might be entitled to a special enrollment period if their 2017 plan is being discontinued or they are from states designated by the federal government as hurricane disaster areas.

For Marketplace Customers Who Delay, Auto-Enrollment Could Be Nasty Wake-Up

KFF Health News Original

People who have a plan from the health law’s marketplace and who don’t actively shop for a new one will be auto-enrolled on Dec. 16. But unlike past years, most people won’t be able to change those plans if they don’t like them.

Some States Roll Back ‘Retroactive Medicaid,’ A Buffer For The Poor — And For Hospitals

KFF Health News Original

The retroactive payments provide protection for poor patients who can be enrolled in Medicaid after becoming seriously ill. That enrollment process takes time, and the look-back provision helps guarantee coverage they would have been entitled to if they had enrolled earlier.

Study Gives Mixed Reviews On Laws To Equalize Cancer Patients’ Out-Of-Pocket Costs

KFF Health News Original

Most states have laws that require that cancer patients who get their treatment orally rather than by infusion in a doctor’s office not pay more out-of-pocket. A new study finds that the impact of those laws is mixed.