Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Bill Would Extend Health Coverage To All Residents
In a push to cover immigrants excluded from the nation’s health reform law, a California state senator has proposed legislation that would offer health insurance for all Californians, including those living here illegally. The bill would extend state-funded Medi-Cal to low-income immigrants who, because they are in the country without permission, are now eligible only for emergency and […]
Some Plans Refuse To Cover Medical Costs Related To Suicide Despite Federal Rules
Under the health law and 2006 regulations, insurers can’t deny medical coverage for an individual’s injuries because they resulted from medical condition such as depression, even if it was not diagnosed before the injury.
Tips For New Obamacare Coverage: Stay In Network, Avoid Out-Of-Pocket Costs
Consumers who obtain insurance through the health law’s marketplaces will now have to figure out their plans’ specifics.
A Reader Asks: If I Am On COBRA, Do I Have To Buy A New Marketplace Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist says cheaper deals may be available on the state exchanges, but consumers don’t have to ditch their COBRA policies.
Libraries Serve As Health Insurance Info Hubs
In Philadelphia and across the country, librarians are digging into the details of the Affordable Care Act to help patrons sign up for health insurance.
It’s Hot Springs Vs. Ski Slopes In Colorado Insurance Battle
The county with the highest health insurance premiums in the country is drafting a lawsuit against Colorado, saying the state’s approval of the rates violates anti-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act. Garfield County Attorney Frank Hutfless says county commissioners told him “to prepare a lawsuit to be filed against the state, and particularly the department of […]
The 10 Least Expensive Health Insurance Markets In The U.S.
Areas that offer the least expensive exchange premiums are marked by robust competition, salaried doctors and health systems that organize care.
Florida Moves To Manage Health Care For Foster Kids
Plan seeks to close gaps for more than 30,000 kids in the state’s child welfare system.
Regional Breakdown Of Florida Children Eligible For New Managed Care Plan
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Map shows there are 31,600 children eligible for the new specialty plan designed for those in the child welfare system across 11 regions.
Report: Nearly 3.3 Million Americans Have Enrolled in Private Obamacare Plans
The number of young adults still lags, but the pace of signups has increased.
Technology Helps Bridge Gap In Michigan’s Mental Health Care
Overwhelmed mental health professionals are using telephone consultations and other approaches to reach patients in underserved communities.
Telemedicine Bolsters ICU Care In Rural Maryland Hospitals
A new telemedicine technology, Maryland eMedicare, allows critical care physicians to monitor ICU patients hundreds of miles away.
Report: Latinos Could Be Big Winners From Obamacare
Latinos make up a disproportionate share of the nation’s uninsured and most could get coverage from the Affordable Care Act or existing programs if every state expanded Medicaid, according to a federal report released Tuesday. The report said that if all states expanded Medicaid, as many as 95 percent of eligible, uninsured Latinos might qualify for […]
Questions And Answers On The Latest ACA Delay
The administration pressed the pause button on part of the health law again. Here’s what the new timeline for the employer mandate means for businesses, workers — and for politicians.
Once limited to filling and dispensing drugs, pharmacists in California are increasingly providing direct care to patients.
Some Same-Sex Couples Denied Family Policies On Insurance Marketplaces
Being allowed to purchase a family policy is tougher in states that don’t recognize gay marriage.
Pharmacists Increasingly Take On Clinical Roles
They work with doctors to assess patients, spot medication errors and even write prescriptions.
States Accelerate Shift Of Nursing Home Residents Into Medicaid Managed Care
Insurers say that safety is their No.1 concern, but consumer advocates and nursing home owners are wary.
Gov. Beebe: ‘It’s Ideology Versus Pragmatism’
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe discusses his state’s experiment expanding Medicaid using a so-called “private option” strategy.
Arkansas’ Medicaid Experiment, Key To Obamacare Expansion, On Ropes
A decision to end the plan would cost tens of thousands of enrollees their coverage and have a chilling effect on other states.