Latest KFF Health News Stories
Late Move To Dump ‘Essential’ Benefits Could Strand Chronically Ill
Republicans seek lower cost and more choice for health insurance sold to individuals, but cutting coverage standards could leave fewer comprehensive plans, analysts say.
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.
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.
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.
One In Three Women With Breast Cancer Treated Unnecessarily, Study Concludes
Mammograms find many slow-growing cancers that aren’t life-threatening and shouldn’t be treated, a Danish study said.
¿Sin anticonceptivos y gastando más?, qué le espera a las mujeres con el Trumpcare
La idea de que las mujeres perderían el acceso gratuito a anticonceptivos si la ley de salud se deroga o reemplaza es sólo la punta del iceberg del problema. Hay otros beneficios para la salud de las mujeres que también están en riesgo.
Beyond Birth Control, Women Could Pay More For Insurance Again Under TrumpCare
The federal health law offered new coverage guarantees for women, and some advocates fear they could change under Republicans’ efforts to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act.
Health Law Targets Women’s Preventive Services, But It Offers Help To Men, Too
A number of preventive services used by both men and women are now available at no cost to consumers.
Cardiac Rehab Improves Health, But Cost And Access Issues Complicate Success
Research shows exercise-based cardiac rehab programs help heart patients heal faster and live longer. But fewer than a third take part. Time and cost are the main barriers, doctors and patients say.
‘Digital Health’ Not Just For Well-Heeled Fitness Fiends
A small group of advocates and entrepreneurs is using mobile phones and digital scales to make a difference in the health of poor people, too.
Colon Cancer Screening: Five Things To Know
The U.S Preventive Services Task Force recently expanded the list of approved colorectal cancer screening tests. Here’s a primer on these various tests and how they might be covered now and in the future by health insurance.
Gaps In Women’s Health Care May Derail Zika Prevention In Texas, Florida
In these two high-risk states, public health workers face challenges in educating women about the virus and minimizing its impact.
Medicare Proposes Expansion Of Counseling Program For People At Risk Of Diabetes
A study finds that the program, developed by the YMCA, helped beneficiaries improve their diets, get more exercise and lose weight.
Prevention Experts, Eye Doctors Disagree On Vision Tests For Seniors
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says there is not enough evidence to know whether vision screening given by primary care doctors benefits patients.
Study: 29 Percent Of Colonoscopy Patients May Have Unneeded Pre-Screening Visits
Primary care doctors can do the initial screening and recommendations for a colonoscopy, the researchers write in JAMA.
N.Y., Minn. Opt For Low-Cost Plans To Help Some Residents Afford Coverage
Both states are offering “basic health programs” that provide policies to consumers with low monthly premiums and copayments, and low or no deductibles.
Medicare Payment Changes Lead More Men To Get Screening Colonoscopies
The health law waived Medicare’s Part B deductible and dropped the 20 percent copayment for the preventive tests.
New Guidelines Boost Diabetes Screening For Overweight Adults
The prevention task force also recommends that patients with high blood sugar levels be referred to nutrition and exercise counseling. Under the health law, the services would be covered by insurance without cost sharing.
