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The real impact of reform will ultimately be measured by the health of the nation -- and by that measure, few decisions are more important than what is included in the essential benefit package. How this package takes shape will determine whether health reform delivers on its promise.
Current "one-size-fits-all" health plans, in which beneficiaries face the same out-of-pocket payment for every doctor visit, test and prescription drug, should be be replaced by plans based on the health benefit gained in the particular clinical circumstance. By using this nuance, health plans can offer more comprehensive and effective coverage while addressing the affordability of health insurance.
As implementation of the 2010 health law unfolds, one of the most important questions surrounds how he essential benefits package will be determined. The answer will have a significant impact on the cost of coverage, both inside and outside the law's insurance exchanges.
KHN asked the National Partnership for Women and Families' Debra Ness, Republican Utah State Rep. James Dunnigan and Dr. A. Mark Fendrick from the Center for Value-Based Insurance Design what they think should steer the development of the health law's essential benefits package. Read their perspectives.
Stuart Taylor puts the chances at about 25 percent to 33 percent that the health law's individual mandate will be overturned, and adds that the court seems even less likely to sweep away the rest of the 975-page law.
Leading hospital systems didn't apply for Medicare reform tailor-made by the Obama administration to reward such organizations.
Jackie Judd talks to KHN's Mary Agnes Carey about the "getting down to business" atmosphere at the joint debt panel's Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday.
Young adults, Hispanics fare better but Asians worse.
Monday night's CNN/Tea Party Express debate among the Republican presidential candidates included discussion of Medicare, the health law, costs, the individual mandate and vaccines.
In Monday's Republican debate, the presidential contenders were quizzed about health costs, the individual mandate and - in one of the evening's most controversial exchanges - moderator Wolf Blitzer asked Rep. Ron Paul a hypothetical question about who should pay for someone uninsured and in a coma. (Video courtesy CNN)
With an early expansion of health coverage this summer, former inmates in California will be covered for preventive care, prescription drugs, specialty visits and mental health and substance abuse, including at clinics like Healthy Oakland.
Critics say there is little evidence of benefit -- and considerable risk -- from common screening tests for colon, breast and prostate cancer, particularly in people older than 70, especially those with other serious health problems.
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