Latest KFF Health News Stories
More States Expected To Expand Medicaid In 2015
Texas and Florida, with their large uninsured populations, are not expected to offer coverage to many low-income patients.
Network Blues: Big Bills Surprise Some E.R. Patients
Even when using hospitals in their insurance network, people often find that the doctors are not covered and they are responsible for those charges.
Medicare Proposes Coverage Of Low-Dose CT Scans To Detect Lung Cancer
Beneficiaries who have a 30-year, pack-a-day smoking history would be eligible for this screening test.
How Employers Are Getting Ready For Open Enrollment
Some large employers will face penalties if they don’t offer workers health insurance in 2015. In addition, workers can expect to see increased cost-sharing and employers pushing them to “private exchanges” to save money.
Pay Close Attention To The Enrollment Calendar To Avoid Penalties
Consumers can sign up on the health insurance marketplace from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15 but waiting can leave them exposed to not only medical bills but also the health law’s penalties.
Consumer Guide On Health Law Enrollment: Is The Second Time The Charm?
Starting Nov. 15, consumers can sign up for health insurance on the federal or state health exchanges. Officials say they have worked out many of the technical problems that plagued last year’s enrollment.
Kidney Dialysis Company Expands Into The Hospital Business
DaVita HealthCare Partners, a kidney dialysis company, is picking up on a new way insurers and the government are paying for health care — by keeping people healthy through primary care.
Cigna Agrees To Reduce Costs Of HIV/AIDS Drugs In Florida
The health insurer signs a consent agreement saying it would cap the amount consumers must pay for four popular HIV drugs.
L.A. County Health Department Allegedly Falsified Nursing Home Probe Records
Two staffers accuse the county of altering the dates when complaints were received amid rising concern over the pace of investigations.
Insurance Marketplaces Offer Options For Consumers Without Job-Based Coverage
But those who fail to enroll in insurance can face penalties and the loss of subsidies to help pay premiums.
Consumer Guide To The Supreme Court’s Action On ACA Subsidy Issue
At issue is whether the federal government can pay subsidies to people living in states that use healthcare.gov, the federal exchange.
In Surprise Move, Supreme Court Will Examine Key Part Of Health Law
Once again, the Supreme Court will decide whether the Affordable Care Act lives or dies.
Missouri Primary Care Doctors Face Substantial Medicaid Cut
The health care law boosted payments for two years to primary care doctors who treat Medicaid patients. But that boost is set to expire, leaving some providers and their patients in a tough spot.
ALS Patients Win Fight Over Medicare Reimbursement For Speech Devices
Medicare announced Thursday it would continue covering devices that patients themselves can upgrade.
Rate Of Premature Births Fall As Health Law Provisions Begin To Take Effect
March of Dimes official says one key factor was early implementation of the Medicaid expansion in some states.
Thinking About Enrolling In Obamacare? Keep These 5 Tips In Mind
The online health insurance marketplaces open on Nov. 15 for three months. Here’s a checklist of several things to consider.
How Much Is That MRI, Really? Massachusetts Shines A Light
A state law now requires insurers to reveal prices of their medical tests, and the variation is amazing, bargain hunters say. An MRI of the back is $614 at one place; $1,800 at another.
Soda Tax Succeeds In Berkeley, Fizzles In San Francisco
The nation’s first tax on sugary drinks aims to combat obesity and diabetes, with a penny-per-ounce levy.
Voters Provide Mixed Messages On Health Ballot Measures
Abortion, insurance regulation and drug options for the terminally ill were among proposals.
Republican Gubernatorial Victories Make Medicaid Expansion Unlikely In 5 States
Advocates hope Republican governors in other states will move to expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act.