Latest KFF Health News Stories
Live Blog: Exchanges Launch, Government Shuts Down
It’s Oct. 1, which means that the online insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act are launching. But it also means that the start of the new federal fiscal year was marked by a government shutdown. KHN helps you make sense of the day’s developments on this live blog and with our coverage of […]
As Missouri Marketplace Opens, Focus Is On Recruiting Young Adults
They can expect to be bombarded by messages from both proponents and critics of the law.
Options For Young Adults: Stay On The Folks’ Plan, Move To The Marketplace Or Go Without
Children no longer “age out” of their families’ plans so quickly, but for some moving to the health law’s marketplaces will offer new options.
Marketplace Shoppers Must Pay 1st Premium By Dec. 15
Correction: An earlier version of this item misstated the forms of payment insurers are required to accept for plans sold on insurance marketplaces. The only required forms of payment are personal checks, electronic fund transfers, prepaid debit cards, cashier’s checks and money orders. Insurers may also opt to accept other forms of payment, such as credit […]
Millions Previously Denied Insurance Coverage Because Of Health Problems Look To Online Marketplaces
Many are relieved they can no longer be rejected by insurers but anxious about whether they will be able to afford the new policies.
Start Your Exchange Shopping Early, But Don’t Rush To Buy
Health insurance is a complicated product. Understanding how the plans work and picking one that suits someone’s needs will take time.
Answering Your Last Minute Questions On Online Health Insurance Exchanges
KHN’s Phil Galewitz was on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal Monday morning taking questions about tomorrow’s launch of the health law’s online health insurance exchanges. See related stories: In Kentucky, Confusion And Misinformation Abound KHN reporters will be returning to C-SPAN’s Washington Journal each Monday throughout the summer. Tune in each week to stay informed about the […]
In Kentucky, Confusion And Misinformation Abound On Eve Of Obamacare Rollout
The only state-run exchange in the South faces challenges from political opponents and an uninformed, skeptical public.
Q&A With Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, was an early supporter of building a state exchange where residents without group coverage could buy health insurance. He spoke with KHN correspondent Phil Galewitz last week.
Three Critical Measures Of Marketplaces’ Impact Could Take Several Years To Assess
Initial reports on enrollment, premium prices and breadth of benefits likely will not reflect long-term prospects.
Monthly Premiums For A ‘Benchmark’ Silver Plan In Federally Run Insurance Marketplaces
This chart lists sample premiums in the 36 states where the federal government is running the online insurance marketplaces.
Where You Live Determines How Much You Pay For Health Insurance
In several states, consumers in high-cost areas will pay at least 50 percent more for the same type of coverage as those in lower-cost areas.
Poll Finds Most Unaware of Tuesday Opening of Health Insurance Marketplaces
A new poll finds a majority of the public — especially those lacking health coverage — is unaware that new insurance marketplaces created by the health law are slated to open this week. The poll also found deep skepticism of media coverage of the law, with more than half the public saying they don’t trust […]
Purchasing Health Insurance After Oct. 1
As part of the Washington Post’s continuing series of online discussions about the health law’s new insurance marketplaces, Insuring Your Health columnist Michelle Andrews answered readers questions today. A transcript of today’s discussion follows. READER QUESTION: Can you explain the difference between purchasing insurance via a state exchange versus the open market? Will there be major differences […]
Medicare To Delay Enforcement Of New Observation Rule
Medicare officials announced Thursday that they will delay enforcement of controversial new rules that define when hospital patients should receive observation care, rather than being admitted, a distinction that makes beneficiaries ineligible for follow-up nursing home coverage. The new rules take effect Tuesday, but officials said they will not be enforced until at least Jan. […]
A Very Quick Guide To Health Insurance Exchanges
For those who are uninsured, the key to satisfying Obamacare’s requirement to have health insurance could be the new online marketplaces, which are set to open Oct. 1. Here is a quick guide to what you need to know about them.
Video: Health Law Changes, Seniors And Medicare
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey appeared on PBS Newshour Thursday night to answer questions from seniors uncertain of how the Affordable Care Act will affect people older Americans and what changes are coming for Medicare recipients. Watch the video below.
Houston Embraces Obamacare Outreach, Despite Cruz and Perry
A coalition of the city’s health department, county clinics and groups like the Urban League and Enroll America is trying to get the word out to Houston’s 800,000 uninsured residents about the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces, which will open Oct. 1.
A Reader Asks: What Happens To My Coverage If I Move?
A move to a different area qualifies for a “special enrollment period” to buy a new policy.
Lessons From The Obamacare Data Dump
Among the insights: Competition lowers prices, options vary widely by location, and insurers think consumers prefer low premiums to low copays and deductibles.