Latest KFF Health News Stories
Advocates Of Flat-Fee Primary Care See Opening In GOP’s Market-Driven Approach
In direct primary care, a monthly fee covers routine care, limiting insurers’ role. But does it really provide better value?
Health Law’s 10 Essential Benefits: A Look At What’s At Risk In GOP Overhaul
The woman set to run the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services told senators last week that maternity coverage should be optional in individual and small group plans. But other services could also be left on the cutting room floor.
Treatment Gaps Persist Between Low- And High-Income Workers, Even With Insurance
People earning low wages are more likely than those with higher incomes to go to an emergency room or be admitted to the hospital for avoidable conditions, a study in Health Affairs finds.
Judge Upends Effort To Limit Charity Funding For Kidney Patients’ Insurance
A federal judge in Texas last month issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing a rule allowing insurers to refuse to insure dialysis patients who get premium assistance from charity groups.
Despite Prevention Guidelines, Few Smokers Seek CT Scans To Check For Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening rates have not changed much even though the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that smokers get checked, according to a new study.
If Obamacare Is Being Repealed, Do The Uninsured Still Face Penalties?
People who think the change in administrations may save them from having to pay a fine for not having insurance in 2016 could be in for a rude surprise.
Demand For Popular Short-Term Insurance Plans Could Surge If Health Law Is Relaxed
Consumer advocates warn that these policies don’t have important safeguards that customers need.
People With Medical Debt Most Likely To Be Dunned By Collection Agencies
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports in a new study that 59 percent of people contacted by a debt collector had outstanding medical bills.
Doctors’ Rights To Ask About Guns Not Affected By Health Law Provisions
The practice, which has been criticized by some gun groups, is not addressed in the health law and federal courts have so far upheld doctors’ rights.
Sin Obamacare, ¿qué pasará con el seguro de salud a través de su empleo?
Si piensas que porque tienes seguro de salud a través de tu trabajo en una gran compañía, no te afectará si los republicanos cambian el Obamacare, piénsalo dos veces. Muchas de las provisiones de la ley también aplican a los planes ofrecidos por grandes empleadores.
Large Employer Health Plans Could Also See Some Impacts From Obamacare Overhaul
With the future of Obamacare on the line, workers might want to consider what benefits they have gained through the landmark law.
Got A Raise? Congrats, But It Could Wreak Havoc On Your Subsidy Calculation
Health insurance subsidies are pegged to income estimates, but if those are too low, the customer may have to make a repayment to the government.
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.
For Some Patients In Marketplace Plans, Access To Cancer Centers Is Elusive
In a number of states, including big ones such as New York and Texas, leading cancer centers aren’t included in insurers’ provider networks.
New Special Enrollment Rules Will Shift Paperwork Burden To Consumers
Federal officials provide details about a pilot project starting in June that will delay some consumers’ mid-year marketplace enrollment until they produce documentation proving eligibility.
After-Hours ER Care May Come With A Doctor’s Surcharge
Patients sometimes find an additional charge, generally between $30 and $200, tacked onto their bill for visiting a hospital emergency room between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Por qué padres con seguro laboral inscriben a sus hijos en el Medicaid
Cada vez más padres de bajos ingresos que tienen seguro de salud a través de sus empleos renuncian a la cobertura familiar e inscriben a sus hijos en el Medicaid o en el Programa de Seguro Médico para Niños (CHIP). Algo que, dicen los expertos, deben tener en cuenta los legisladores.
Marketplace Enrollment Still Important Despite Plans For Health Law Repeal
Republicans’ plans to overhaul the federal health law are not expected to take effect immediately, so consumers can still sign up for 2017 coverage.
Many Parents With Job-Based Coverage Still Turn To Medicaid, CHIP To Insure Kids
Researcher says the reliance on public programs is a lesson for lawmakers who will be considering renewing CHIP next year.
Doctors And Hospitals Say ‘Show Me The Money’ Before Treating Patients
As patients’ share of medical bills has grown with the rise in deductibles, copays and coinsurance, providers have become laser focused on getting payments up front.
