Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Changes Could Limit Patient Access To ALS Communication Tools
Patient advocates say that, because of an official coverage reminder “the door is closing” for ALS patients who depend on Medicare to get speech-generation devices.
The Lowdown On Open Enrollment For Medicare Advantage And Part D
Kaiser Health News’ Julie Rovner hosted a webinar Tuesday to provide background to reporters covering Medicare Advantage and Part D issues through open enrollment and beyond.
Hepatitis C Patients May Not Qualify For Pricey Drugs Unless Illness Is Advanced
Many insurers are restricting access to new drugs that promise higher cure rates because the price tags can run $95,000 or more.
Reno Finds Medicaid Expansion Tough Hand To Play
The community saw its Medicaid enrollment nearly double under the health law, and many new enrollees are experiencing long waits for care.
Disabled Vt. Senior Who Led Class Action Suit Sues Medicare — Again
The landmark settlement was supposed to be a victory for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions and disabilities who had been denied coverage for skilled care because they didn’t meet “the improvement standard” — meaning they were unlikely to improve. But when Glenda Jimmo was denied coverage this spring for that same reason, her lawyers filed a second lawsuit.
L.A. County Officials Allegedly Reduced Penalties In 3 Nursing Home Deaths
The cases appear to flesh out an auditor’s finding in August that citations recommended by inspectors were downgraded without explanation.
Family Doctors Push For A Bigger Piece Of The Health Care Pie
Eight physician groups have launched a multi-year campaign to win public and governmental support for a larger role.
Forget Ebola And Get A Free Flu Shot
Under the health law, insurers cover the immunizations with no out-of-pocket costs to consumers.
The Latest In Public Health Funding: Tapping Investors
An asthma prevention program in California hopes to offer returns based on savings from reduced hospital visits.
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Hospitals Struggle To Beat Back Serious Infections
KHN reporter Jordan Rau spoke on NPR about data that say about 75,000 patients per year die from infections they got in the hospital. Nearly 700 hospitals around the U.S. have higher than expected infection rates.
Hospitals’ Struggles To Beat Back Familiar Infections Began Before Ebola Arrived
Each year about 75,000 patients die from infections they caught in the hospital. A KHN analysis of federal data shows that nearly 700 hospitals have higher than expected rates of infection for at least one condition.
California Nurses’ Union Pulls Ebola Into Contract Talks
The powerful California Nurses Association has put Ebola on the bargaining table in its negotiations for a new contract with Kaiser Permanente.
Uninsured Still Know Little About Health Law As 2nd Enrollment Period Draws Near
Almost nine of 10 uninsured Americans – the group most likely to benefit — don’t know that the law’s second open enrollment period begins Nov. 15, according to a poll released Tuesday.
More Plans Setting Spending Limits For Some Medical Services
Insurers cap how much they will pay for certain routine procedures, such as knee replacements and lab tests, and if patients opt for an in-network facility that charges more, they must pick up the extra cost.
North Carolinian Credits Early Cancer Diagnosis To New Health Coverage
In March, after Kimberly Tonyan got health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange, she spoke at a news conference urging others to enroll. Her 11-year-old twins stood at her side in Raleigh, N.C. “You have nothing to lose,” the Cornelius woman said, “but your life.” Little did she know. This copyrighted story comes from […]
Missouri Sees Urban, Rural Divide In Obamacare Signups
A lot of mistrust’ of the health law hampers enrollment in rural areas.
What CDC Can Do To Fight Ebola
The Ebola epidemic in Africa and fears of it spreading in the U.S. have turned the nation’s attention to the federal government’s front-line public health agency: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But as with Ebola itself, there is much confusion about the role of the CDC and what it can and cannot do to prevent and contain the spread of disease.
Consumers Whose Income Drops Below Poverty Get Break On Subsidy Payback
People who suffered a drop in earnings and fall below the poverty line don’t have to repay subsidies, but others who underestimated their income could be in for a surprise at tax time.
California’s Insurance Exchange Gears Up For Round Two
California’s insurance exchange began mailing renewal notices this week to more than 1.1 million people already enrolled in health plans, officials announced Thursday.