Latest KFF Health News Stories
Little Evidence to Back Texas Abortion Law, According To Official Records
Texas has strict new regulations on abortion facilities and the doctors performing them. But a Texas Tribune review of state inspection records turned up little evidence to suggest the facilities were putting patients in danger.
Individuals With Medical Conditions Will Not Pay A Penalty On Premiums
Older people will pay more than the young, and smokers could face a surcharge.
Pa. Governor Proposes Private Sector-Driven Medicaid Expansion
The broad framework of Gov. Corbett’s proposal is similar to plans advanced by Arkansas and Iowa, neither of which has been approved by the federal government.
States Balk At Terminating Medicaid Contracts Even When There’s Fraud Or Poor Patient Care
Officials won’t use “nuclear option” for fear of disrupting services to patients.
Long-Term Care Panel Releases Recommendations But Fails To Offer Plan To Help Pay For Services
The group tackles wide-ranging list of concerns, but the lack of a financing plan raises strong objections from some members.
The Overlooked Obamacare Sales Force: Hospitals
Nobody has a bigger financial stake in the success of Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges than hospitals. And few may work harder to sign up consumers than hospitals themselves.
Local Uninsured Programs Face Uncertain Times As Obamacare Ramps Up
Some enrollees will have to pay more for coverage in new exchanges, while others may lose out in states that do not expand Medicaid.
Campaign To Enroll LGBT Community In Health Coverage Launched At White House
The White House hosted a summit on Thursday to promote Out2Enroll – a campaign that began today to connect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to health coverage. The Obama administration and community advocates touted the effort to reach out to those communities about new online health insurance marketplaces, where people can compare insurance […]
Selling Marketplace Plans To Medicare Beneficiaries Will Be Illegal
The administration ramps up its message that seniors with Medicare coverage do not need plans from the exchanges.
Each Marketplace Plan Must Offer 10 ‘Essential Benefits’
These include prescription drugs, emergency and hospital care and mental health services, among others.
Insurance Exchange Outreach In Connecticut Goes Far Afield
Across Connecticut, you can see billboards and television ads, hear radio spots and get pamphlets, all about how to get insurance under the new federal health law starting Oct. 1. But the state also is spending big bucks on less traditional ways to get the word out. So at beaches this summer, outreach workers handed […]
Consumer, State Officials Warn Buyers To Be On the Lookout For Fake, Look-Alike Exchange Sites
The alternate Web pages may be created by interest groups, private insurance companies and sometimes scammers.
Obamacare Insurance Co-ops At The Starting Gate
The health law created 24 nonprofit, insurance company startups that will compete with long established companies starting next month.
Two Types of Subsidies To Help Cover Costs Will Be Available
Lower-income buyers may get help paying the premium and help on covering expenses such as deductibles and co-payments.
A Road To Health? Rural Alaska Town Argues For Access
A road in King Cove, Alaska would give 1,000 residents better access to emergency health care, but it would slice through a wildlife refuge. The decision rests with new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who toured the town in late August.
Health Insurance Ads Range From Weighty To Whimsical
The federal health care law is taking on unique personalities in states that have opted to run their own health insurance marketplaces. Some states are cracking wise in ads about the exchanges, where people will be able to shop for insurance starting in October. Others are rolling out catchy jingles. Some are all business. Stephanie O’Neill […]
Pennsylvania Governor Weighing Medicaid Expansion If Tied To Changes
Corbett’s spokeswoman indicates he might support the health law’s expansion if he could make alterations to how the existing program works.
Rx For Docs: AMA Answers Obamacare Questions
As we get closer to 2014, consumers are being surrounded by news coverage, ads and opinions about the health law. And many of them are turning to their doctors for advice. The American Medical Association wants to help doctors with answers. Today, the AMA is launching a new website to help answer frequently asked questions that physicians might hear from […]
‘Peers’ Seen Easing Mental Health Worker Shortage
Peer programs such as Georgia’s “certified peer specialist” licenses could become especially important once the Affordable Care Act takes effect early next year.
Draft Report: Missourians Favor Medicaid Expansion
This story was produced in partnership with the JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — They traveled to six, far-flung Missouri cities. They held marathon public hearings. They got detailed state briefings. So what did the 52-member House Citizens and Legislators Working Group on Medicaid Eligibility and Reform conclude? That people want both Medicaid expansion and reform. A seven-page […]