Latest KFF Health News Stories
Why Some State Health Exchanges Worked
The most successful exchanges kept things simple, amply tested systems
Sebelius Asks Inspector General To Probe Website Problems
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, which included updates on steps officials are taking to repair the health law’s online insurance exchange.
West Virginia, Virgin Islands, Work Together On Medicaid
West Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands don’t have much in common. It was 82 degrees and sunny today in St. Thomas, while Charleston, W.Va., saw snow and a high of 32. But when it comes to Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, the Mountain State and Caribbean territory are now joined […]
More Than 110,000 Signed Up For Coverage Through Healthcare.gov In November
Navigators report a surge in consumer interest since the website became easier to use.
Iowa Wins Approval To Expand Medicaid By Using Federal Funds To Buy Private Plans
The Obama administration Tuesday granted Iowa much of what it requested to move forward with a Medicaid expansion through the use of private insurance plans but refused to allow the state to charge premiums for those who earn less than the federal poverty level. If the state accepts the terms of the agreement, it would […]
Medicare Beneficiaries Have Good Access To Doctors, Study Finds
As key congressional committees consider legislation to repeal Medicare’s physician payment formula, a new study shows that the program’s beneficiaries have generally good access to doctors. The report, prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found that 96 percent of beneficiaries report having access to a doctor’s office or clinic, and about 90 percent of beneficiaries […]
Obamacare Benefits Elusive For Many Working Poor In Northern Florida
In rural panhandle towns, people know little about the health law, and what they know they don’t like. Still, many could benefit from the law’s subsidies to buy insurance, while others will be left out because the state is not expanding Medicaid.
Report: Most States Do A Poor Job Informing Consumers About Physician Quality
When it comes to providing consumers with easily accessible information about physician quality, a report out today gave most states grades of ‘D’ or ‘F,’ often because they compile data only about primary care doctors, not specialists. Washington state and Minnesota were the only states that got an A from the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute, a […]
A Test For The Health Law In Scandal-Plagued Cities Of Southeast Los Angeles
Overcoming distrust of government won’t be easy in Bell and Cudahy, and neither will signing up 60 percent of the residents for Covered California insurance.
Insurers Question Health Benefits Of Some Genetic Tests
When a test is covered, typically genetic counseling is, too — to make sure the patient is a good candidate and to explain the results.
Some California Insurance Plans Narrow Doctor, Hospital Choices
In an effort to reduce costs, Blue Shield sent thousands of cancellation notices informing customers that the company will begin to offer newer, more limited plans at the beginning of the year.
For HIV Patients In Texas, Expanded Coverage Is Elusive
Many people with HIV live below the poverty line and therefore won’t qualify for Obamacare subsidies to buy private insurance, or for Medicaid since Texas officials opted against expanding that program under the law.
Rehospitalization Rates Fell In First Year Of Medicare Penalties
During the first eight months of this year, fewer than 18 percent of Medicare patients ended up back in the hospital within a month of discharge, the lowest rate in years, the government reported Friday. This drop occurred during the first year that Medicare financially penalized hospitals for their readmission rates, and the government seized […]
New York’s Insurance Exchange Readies For Holiday Rush
There is a Dec. 23 enrollment deadline for insurance that starts Jan. 1, and New York is staffing up its call center and smoothing out the rough spots on its application to meet growing demand.
Coverage Options For Young Adults Who Have A Mental Illness
A reader asks: Where can my son with a mental illness find coverage once he turns 26 and can’t be on our family insurance anymore?
Minnesotans Who Think They Signed Up For Health Insurance May Not Be Enrolled
Insurance companies say information they’re getting from MNsure, Minnesota’s insurance exchange, is inaccurate and incomplete – and that time is running out to fix the problems.
Does Knowing Medical Prices Save Money? CalPERS Experiment Says Yes
The fact that the cost of a hip replacement can ring up as $15,000 or $100,000 — depending on the hospital — makes a lot of people uncomfortable. But that’s only if they know about the wide price tag variations. In an effort to raise awareness and rein in what can seem like the Wild […]
Judge’s Medicare Advantage Order Could Have National Impact
UnitedHealthcare will appeal a federal judge’s order temporarily blocking the insurer from dropping Connecticut providers, while doctors’ groups in Ohio and New York look at bringing similar lawsuits.
What Happens If My Income Changes After I Receive An Insurance Subsidy?
KHN consumer columnist Michelle Andrews says a reader may have to repay some of the subsidy and describes how this would typically work.
Canceled California Customers Coveting New Insurance Plans
This comes from our partner, KQED’s State of Health blog. Some Californians whose policies have been canceled are finding relief in a surprising place: from insurance companies that aren’t offering plans on the new Covered California marketplace. Earlier this year, Aetna announced it would bow out of the state’s individual market, effective Dec. 31. Cigna […]