Latest KFF Health News Stories
Addressing A Dangerous Epidemic: Abuse Of Painkillers And Other Prescription Drugs
About 50 Americans die every day from a prescription drug overdose — a tally that, in most states, turns out to be more than deaths from car accidents. In a new report, “Prescription Drug Abuse: Strategies to Stop the Epidemic,” researchers at the Trust for America’s Health found that rates of overdose and addiction doubled […]
Report: Even States Not Expanding Medicaid Will See Surge In Spending, Enrollment
Medicaid enrollment is expected to surge by nearly 12 percent next year in states expanding the program under the health law, but even states that will not expand eligibility project a 5 percent jump in the number of people enrolled in the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, according to a new report issued Monday. Total federal and state […]
In North Carolina, Medicaid Managed Care Companies Finding New Opportunities
Since Gov. Pat McCrory has proposed privatizing Medicaid, managed care companies from out of state have been increasing their presence in North Carolina.
Seattle Hospital Sues State Over Exclusion From Exchange Plan Networks
This story was produced in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital filed suit Friday over the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s “failure to ensure adequate network coverage” in several of the health plans sold on the state’s new online insurance marketplace, called Washington Healthplanfinder. Most health plans now being sold through the state’s new health-insurance […]
A Reader Asks: If I Don’t Have Insurance, How Can I Pay For A Colonoscopy?
The health law expands coverage for preventive services, but it only applies to those who have insurance policies.
Federal Insurance Marketplace Can’t Yet ‘Talk’ To State Medicaid Agencies
The health law’s online insurance exchanges were supposed to be a one-stop shop where consumers browsing for coverage could enroll in a private health plan or in Medicaid if they qualified. But that won’t happen with the federal exchange being relied upon by consumers in 36 states, at least not initially. The federal website won’t be […]
Marketplace Plans Vary Widely In Costs, Within Counties And Across The Country
Even the same plan can carry dramatically different price tags in different areas
Part-Time Workers Search Obamacare’s New Exchanges For Health Insurance
Many will find better coverage with smaller monthly premiums on the exchanges set up under the Affordable Care Act, insurance specialists say. But some low-income part-timers are finding they don’t qualify for federal health insurance subsidies.
5 Things To Remember About Shopping On The Health Insurance Marketplaces
Consumers should start now thinking about their options and should weigh the total costs, not just premiums, as well as the network of doctors and hospitals associated with each plan.
Experts Suggest Software Problems, Not Just Demand, May Be Behind Marketplace Glitches
Insurance companies confirm a small number of successful signups through the federal website.
Insurance Brokers Look For Relevance As Health Exchanges Grow
Health Insurance brokers, once worried the health law would put them out of business, are now planning on flexing their expertise muscles to help guide people through the process of buying and getting the most out of their coverage.
A Former ‘Young Invincible’ Looks Forward to Health Insurance
Brad Stevens, 54, learned the hard way that being uninsured was risky as accidents and illness took a toll. Soon, he’ll qualify for California’s expanded Medicaid program.
What’s In A (Domain) Name? Lookalike Site In Wash. Raises Concerns
Washington Healthplanfinder is the name of the state’s online insurance exchange. But a private insurance agency is using the domain name “washingtonhealthplanfinder.org” to sign people up for policies. Confused? State officials want to make certain consumers won’t be. “We are aware of this site and … forwarded to our Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner […]
Small Businesses May Find Relief In Health Insurance Exchanges Designed For Them
The health law provides new marketplaces for employers with 50 or fewer full time workers, designed to offer more affordable insurance to mom-and-pop businesses that have long had to pay more than large companies.
Back To Work After A Baby — But Without Insurance This Time
Pardit Pri, 29, is among the 5 million uninsured people in California. Insurance would give her peace of mind, but she worries whether she can afford it.
R.I. Woman Among First To Enroll In Obamacare Exchange
Uninsured for more than five years, Leslie Peters says she was “chompin’ at the bit” to get coverage to afford regular medical care that she often has gone without. That’s why as soon as HealthSource RI, the Rhode Island online health insurance exchange, went live Tuesday, she enrolled. “I was so excited,” said Peters, who lives […]
On Day 2, Federal Insurance Marketplace Offers Mixed Bag Of Problems, But Also Successes
The federal health insurance marketplace continued to frustrate consumers Wednesday with delays and software failures, but some people also reported progress.
Across The Country, Consumers Carefully Weigh Rollout Of Marketplaces
Many people encountered obstacles when trying to sign on to the online insurance marketplaces Tuesday; others are holding out for later.
People Without Email Addresses Face Difficulty Enrolling In Exchanges
One South Texas health center had 50 people show up to enroll Tuesday, many could prove what they make, but not a single one had an email address required to sign up online.
Obamacare Day One: A Tale Of Two States
There was a party atmosphere at Affordable Care Act events in California, where the law has been embraced, and in Virginia, where it has been resisted. But consumers will have very different experiences in the two states.