Latest KFF Health News Stories
Big, Small or Nothing At All? Three Scenarios For Health Reform
With the health care debate about to erupt on Capitol Hill, a look at three ways it could turn out.
Don’t Ignore Long-Term Care During Health Debate
Sen. Ted Kennedy is vowing to make long-term care insurance part of health reform. But even he has an uphill struggle to make sure it’s included in any broad-based bill.
Is Universal Coverage Comparatively Effective?
As congressional Democrats prepare to deliver on President Barack Obama’s goal of “expanding coverage to all Americans” an important question remains unanswered: is universal coverage worth the money? Not only is there “no evidence” to show that universal coverage is the most cost-effective use of our $2 trillion, the benefits may not exceed the costs at all.
Message From Massachusetts: Insurance Requirement Can Provoke Anger
If Congress wants all Americans to get health insurance, it will have to win over people like Gary Cloutier, owner of Cloots Auto Body Shop in Westfield, Mass. He says he just can’t afford it.
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Sen. Max Baucus
This webcast features Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., at a Health Care Reform Newsmaker media briefing sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA and the National Federation of Independent Business.
New College Grads Scramble For Insurance In Faltering Economy
Young adults who are ousted from their parents’ health plans are among the largest and fastest-growing groups of uninsured.
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Sen. Orrin Hatch
This May 7, 2009 webcast features Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, and ranking Republican on the panel’s Subcommittee on Health Care.
Health Reform Controversy: Opening Medicare to People Under 65
Will allowing younger people to buy coverage ease a health-care problem or break an already overburdened program?
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Sen. Chris Dodd
Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee at a newsmaker briefing sponsored by the National Federal of Independent Business, Families USA and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Growing Immigrant Population Spurs Demand For Medical Interpreters
Language barriers complicate immigrants’ medical problems.
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Nancy-Ann DeParle
Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform, appeared as the third guest in a series of Health Care Reform newsmaker briefings sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Paying for COBRA, Waiting for Discount
Some people who qualify for the economic stimulus package’s COBRA subsidies are still waiting for the “lifeline.” Reporter Rick Schmitt, who was laid off in November, writes about the hurdles he has experienced while trying to get the subsidy.
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking Republican member of the Senate Committee on Finance, appeared as the first guest in a new series of Health Care Reform newsmaker briefings sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA and the National Federation of Independent Business.
New Jersey Program Finds Alternatives for ER ‘Super Users’
Emergency room doctors noticed the difference. Many of their “super user” patients weren’t coming around much anymore.
Health Care Reform Newsmaker Series: Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, appeared as the first guest in a new series of Health Care Reform newsmaker briefings sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA and the National Federation of Independent Business.
People young and old crowd the hallway outside the locked door of the Arlington Free Clinic. They grip small pieces of paper that will determine whether they get in — or give up and go home.
Americans Ensnared By Medical Debt
The rising costs of care and a failing economy drive more Americans into medical debt.
Bankrupted by nearly $100,000 in medical debt, the Eaker’s are now barred from a large clinic.
Salary: $52,000. Debt: $55,000
One woman’s medical bills and debt from an emergency hospitalization exceed her annual salary.
The Single Mother and Bad Credit
For single mom, credit card was no panacea for an Orthodontist’s Bill.