Too Soon To Deride High Obamacare Rate Hikes
By Eric Whitney, Montana Public Radio
June 12, 2015
KFF Health News Original
Prices for plans sold on the health law exchanges won’t be final until the fall, and some of the highest rate increases may be for plans that do not have very many people enrolled in them.
Republicans Spearhead $2B Bump For NIH Funding In Spending Bill
December 17, 2015
Morning Briefing
A letter to GOP leadership, signed by more than 100 Republicans in the House of Representatives last month, advocated for an even higher increase of $3 billion. And public health groups celebrate the boost in funding to medical research programs and agencies.
How Much Is That Eye Exam? Study Probes The Elusive Quest For Health Care Prices
By Martha Bebinger, WBUR
August 14, 2015
KFF Health News Original
A study done in Massachusetts highlights the difficulties consumers face in trying to find out how much health care services cost.
In Ohio, New Abortion Clinic Opens, Bucking National Trend
By Sarah Jane Tribble, Ideastream
August 31, 2015
KFF Health News Original
Since the Roe v. Wade decision, Ohio has been a trendsetter in passing laws that restrict abortion. That’s why it is especially unusual that in a small Ohio town just south of Cleveland, a new clinic that performs abortions opened its doors.
Detailing New Medicare Part B Premium Help
November 30, 2015
Morning Briefing
Changes signed into law by President Barack Obama will help shield some 17 million Americans from steep premium hikes. Elsewhere, longer wait times — and administrative appeals — make some with Social Security disability benefits wait.
When Turning 65, Consumers With Marketplace Plans Need To Be Vigilant In Choosing Health Coverage
By Susan Jaffe
June 25, 2015
KFF Health News Original
Seniors can opt to stay in their marketplace plans when they become eligible for Medicare, but most lose their access to subsidies and failing to move into Medicare promptly results in premium penalties.
How Vandalism And Fear Ended Abortion In Northwest Montana
By Corin Cates-Carney, Montana Public Radio
July 23, 2015
KFF Health News Original
When Zachary Klundt broke into All Families Healthcare he destroyed the only clinic providing abortions in the Flathead Valley of Montana. More than a year later, the clinic remains closed.
5 Challenges Facing Medicaid At 50
By Phil Galewitz
July 27, 2015
KFF Health News Original
The federal-state health care program covers nearly half of all births, one-third of children across the country and two-thirds of people in nursing homes.
Puerto Rico Fiscal Relief Bill Proposes To Tap $12B Public Health Fund
December 10, 2015
Morning Briefing
The Republican measure would help Puerto Rico avoid a bond default on Jan. 1, but to get to the $3 billion price tag, the bill would use money for research and preventive medicine programs nationwide. The bill summary says the money was as yet “unobligated” and could be “repurposed.”
How Will The Health Care Subsidies Decision Affect Everyday Americans?
June 18, 2015
KFF Health News Original
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on healthcare subsidies soon. As the country awaits the decision, NewsHour interviewed people who would be personally affected by the ruling, and Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News answers their concerns.
How Four Words In Huge Health Law Divide The Supreme Court
By Stuart Taylor Jr.
June 17, 2015
KFF Health News Original
Here’s a breakdown of the King v. Burwell arguments that challenge and support whether the health law’s tax subsidies can be used to buy insurance through the federal government’s online marketplace.
Burwell Says There Is Still ‘Work To Do’ On Health Law
By Mary Agnes Carey
June 26, 2015
KFF Health News Original
After Supreme Court’s ruling, the HHS secretary says the administration faces challenges to enroll more people in marketplace plans and expand Medicaid.
King V Burwell Special Report: Using As TEST Page
June 11, 2015
Page
King v. Burwell Supreme Court case will decide future of health law’s subsidies 5 Things To Know 1 What is this case about? 2 What happens if the court rules against the Obama administration? 3 When could subsidies disappear? Would those who lose subsidies still be required to buy health insurance? 4 Will Congress fix […]
2015 Home Health Agencies Ratings: 1-Star And 1.5-Star Facilities
By Jordan Rau
July 16, 2015
KFF Health News Original
KHN also lists the six home health agencies that received Medicare’s lowest rating of one star and the 195 agencies rated one and a half stars. These ratings, released July 2015, are based on performance from fall 2013 through last year.
California Law Will Allow Pharmacists To Prescribe Birth Control
By April Dembosky, KQED
June 18, 2015
KFF Health News Original
As soon as this fall, pharmacists in California will be able to prescribe birth control. While some doctors’ groups are skeptical, lawmakers say pharmacists can fill a need for primary care providers, especially in rural areas.
Medicare Raises Part B Deductibles $19, Sets Premium Increases For Some Beneficiaries
November 11, 2015
Morning Briefing
Congressional action last month thwarted a much higher premium increase for new beneficiaries and those with higher incomes.
Cancer Spawns Construction Boom In Cleveland
By Sarah Jane Tribble, Ideastream
May 8, 2015
KFF Health News Original
When the Cleveland Clinic opens its new cancer center, it will be five minutes away from a competitor’s new cancer hospital.
Even As Obamacare Seeks To Expand Women’s Coverage, Some Still Face Key Gap
By Michelle Andrews
June 16, 2015
KFF Health News Original
Coverage for labor and delivery for young women who are on their parents’ health plan is not guaranteed under key health laws.
Research Roundup: Mental Health Parity; Kids’ Food Ads; Medicare Part B Premiums
November 13, 2015
Morning Briefing
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Millions On Medicare Face Unprecedented Premium Increases
October 15, 2015
Morning Briefing
Congress has so far failed to find a way to stave off 2016 Part B premium hikes that could reach 52 percent for more than 30 percent of Medicare recipients.
