Latest KFF Health News Stories
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature.
WellPoint Optimistic On Exchanges Despite Slow Start
WellPoint Inc. and its Anthem Blue Cross plans made one of the biggest bets on selling insurance to individuals and families through the health law’s online exchanges. No regrets, CEO Joseph Swedish said Tuesday, despite the balky beginning. “Despite the near-term uncertainty, we believe exchanges will be growing as a big part of the market […]
New Attack On Obamacare Filed In Missouri Legislature
Missouri would strike another blow against the federal Affordable Care Act under a bill filed by state Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue. The bill would suspend insurance companies’ state licenses if they accepted subsidies offered by the federal government to help pay health insurance premiums for low- and middle-income Missourians. Lamping contends the subsidies are illegal […]
Obamacare Sign-Ups Soar But Confirmed Coverage Is An Issue
Since Jan. 1, thousands of people trying to use their new insurance have been told by caregivers that they are not covered. Many have spent hours trying to clear up the confusion with insurers.
HHS Extends Coverage For Patients In Federal High-Risk Pools
The insurance plan, which serves thousands of people with medical problems who could not get coverage elsewhere, had been slated to end at the end of the month.
Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
New York Consumers Frustrated By Insurance Delays
Last weekend, Rob Cuillo had a severe stomach bug, and he began thinking it might be time for a trip to the emergency room near his home on Long Island. “I was sick as a dog,” he said. “I was so dehydrated, I was thinking if this goes on another day I might need an […]
Some Medical Schools Shaving Off A Year Of Training
The chance to finish medical school early is attracting increased attention from students burdened with six-figure education loans. Medical school administrators and policymakers see it as a way to produce doctors faster and as a response to the looming shortage of primary care physicians.
Emergency Rooms Are Front Line For Enrolling New Obamacare Customers
While it may be a logical place to enroll the uninsured, consumer confusion — and illness — are hurdles for outreach workers.
Health Law Adds Coverage For Services Needed By People With Developmental Disabilities
But advocates are concerned that insurers may find ways around the new requirements.
Nearly A Quarter Of Health Marketplace Enrollees Are Young Adults
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN’s consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
Maryland’s Bold Hospital Spending Plan Gets Federal Blessing
Maryland hospitals have agreed to new spending limits and big changes in the way they are paid, creating what could be a national model.
For High-Risk Women, Some Breast Cancer Drugs To Be Free
Starting next September, women at increased risk for breast cancer will be able to get some drugs shown to help prevent the disease without a co-pay, the Obama administration said Thursday. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended last September that clinicians give medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene to such women to reduce their risk of the disease. […]
Obamacare Giving Big Boost To Georgia’s Health IT Industry
In a state where politicians have said ‘no’ to the Affordable Care Act, the area around Atlanta has a growing number of health IT businesses. Some are benefiting from the law.
New Customer Service Data Available On California Medical Groups
Californians looking for more information about their doctors can now turn to a statewide website that includes new data on 170 physician groups. The website rates medical groups based on patients’ survey responses on access, care and customer service. Patients can compare doctor groups on such criteria as how easy it was to get appointments, […]
Most Small Health Plans Struggle To Thrive In California Insurance Marketplace
Unlike their larger counterparts, small health plans are struggling in the state’s health insurance marketplace to attract new members — with two exceptions.
New Providers Face Obstacles in Texas Women’s Health Program
Physician groups generally don’t have the public financing to pay for services that aren’t expressly covered by the state program — creating difficulties for their low-income patients, as well as for their own practices.
New Insurance Policies Must Cover Mental Illness
Anyone who buys a plan through the new online marketplaces will find mental health services covered as one of 10 “essential health benefits.”
Report: Effort To Curb Health Costs Should Be ‘Led By The States’
Governors and other state leaders have the leverage to slow rising health costs and should not wait for action by the federal government, a commission chaired by two former governors said in a report Wednesday. State leaders can use their clout as large purchasers of health care as well as regulators to set goals for health […]