Latest KFF Health News Stories
For Doctors Who Take A Break From Practice, Coming Back Can Be Tough
A handful of programs around the country aim to ease physicians’ reentry into clinical practice, but they can take months and cost thousands of dollars.
Is The Uninsured Rate The Lowest Ever?
President Obama touts the health law’s success in driving the uninsured rate “to its lowest level ever.” But it’s hard to prove that.
Too Soon To Deride High Obamacare Rate Hikes
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.
Medicare Drug Plans Favor Generic Opioids Over Those Designed To Avoid Abuse, Study Finds
The Part D plans have cut back coverage of a newer version of OxyContin that has been formulated to make it tougher for people to snort or inject it. That new version is 20 times more expensive than the generic.
New St. Louis Dental Clinic Looks To Close Gaps In Coverage
The state Legislature approved funding this year to allow about 250,000 low-income adults with Medicaid to receive dental services.
Adult Dental Coverage Expanding Slowly in Medicaid
The health law mandated dental care for children, but not for adults. Still, some states are slowly making more services available.
Some Insured Patients Still Skip Care Because Of High Costs
Georgia resident Renee Mitchell is generally pleased with her insurance — a silver-level Obamacare plan. But she still struggles to keep up with her part of the bills.
Burwell Says It’s Up To States, Congress To Help Consumers If Court Strikes Down Subsidies
The HHS secretary’s remarks on Capitol Hill came as both Democrats and Republicans await a Supreme Court decision on the issue this month.
Texas’ Tough Abortion Restrictions Mostly Upheld By Appeals Court
Abortion rights groups say the ruling would leave only eight clinics open statewide.
Organ Donation: State Efforts Have Done Little To Close The Supply Gap
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that most state-based policies to encourage organ donation in the United States have fallen flat.
Obama, Championing The Health Law, Says It Shows The Country ‘We Want To Be’
As he awaits a decision from the Supreme Court on federal subsidies to help cover the cost of premiums in three dozen states, the president points to the millions who have gained insurance and decries efforts by political opponents.
Consumers In Grandfathered Plans Can Face Higher Costs For Preventive Benefits
The plans, which were in existence when the health law was enacted in 2010 and have not changed significantly, cover about a quarter of insured workers.
Pa., Del. Move To Maintain Health Insurance Subsidy Access
A soon-to-be-announced Supreme Court ruling could threaten health insurance subsidies for millions of people in about three dozen states. But many state officials aren’t sharing contingency plans lest they be seen as supporting Obamacare.
Insurer Uses Patients’ Personal Data To Predict Who Will Get Sick
A Philadelphia health insurance company analyzes its clients’ health data and other factors to find the frailest and assign them health coaches. That may improve health, but is it a breach of privacy?
Study: Highest-Charging U.S. Hospitals Are For-Profits, Concentrated In Florida
Most of the 50 hospitals with the highest charges are in the South and about half are owned by for-profit Community Health Systems.
What Health Law? Many Poor People Still Unaware Of Obamacare Options
State policies are found to have big impact on residents’ awareness of the health care law and sign-up rates.
Bill To Speed FDA Approvals Includes Rewards For Drugs Designed For Kids
The 21st Century Cures bill now being considered by Congress would extend a program that promotes pediatric drug research.
What’s At Stake When The Supreme Court Rules On Health Plan Subsidies
A decision in King v. Burwell is expected by the end of the month.
Anti-Abortion Activists See Mixed Results In Texas Legislature
Legislation tightening rules for minors seeking abortions passes in Texas and is expected to become law. Another bill favored by abortion opponents fails.
New Preventive Health Services Approved For No-Cost Coverage
Two new procedures have been added to the list of what should be covered by insurance without charge to consumers under provisions of the health law.