Latest KFF Health News Stories
A Reader Asks: Do Couples Have To Buy The Same Level Health Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist reports family members can opt for separate plans and still qualify for premium subsidies, but they need to consider some other important details.
Explaining Healthcare.gov’s Problems
Gary Cohen, the head of the federal online marketplace, answered questions on Capitol Hill Thursday about the rocky rollout of healthcare.gov. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Melissa Attias discuss.
Congress Is Poised To Change Medicare Payment Policy. What Does That Mean For Patients And Doctors?
Capitol Hill committees appear close to replacing the controversial physician payment system that rewards doctors for volume with one that offers incentives for quality and coordination of care.
Check Your Blood Pressure, (Unwittingly) Sell Your Contact Information
SoloHealth, a company that puts health screening kiosks in supermarkets, partners with insurers looking to sign people up with Affordable Care Act polices.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Soar But Confirmed Coverage Is An Issue
Since Jan. 1, thousands of people trying to use their new insurance have been told by caregivers that they are not covered. Many have spent hours trying to clear up the confusion with insurers.
HHS Extends Coverage For Patients In Federal High-Risk Pools
The insurance plan, which serves thousands of people with medical problems who could not get coverage elsewhere, had been slated to end at the end of the month.
Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
Some Medical Schools Shaving Off A Year Of Training
The chance to finish medical school early is attracting increased attention from students burdened with six-figure education loans. Medical school administrators and policymakers see it as a way to produce doctors faster and as a response to the looming shortage of primary care physicians.
Nearly A Quarter Of Health Marketplace Enrollees Are Young Adults
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN’s consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
Maryland’s Bold Hospital Spending Plan Gets Federal Blessing
Maryland hospitals have agreed to new spending limits and big changes in the way they are paid, creating what could be a national model.
Obamacare Giving Big Boost To Georgia’s Health IT Industry
In a state where politicians have said ‘no’ to the Affordable Care Act, the area around Atlanta has a growing number of health IT businesses. Some are benefiting from the law.
Study: Supplemental Plans Raise Medicare Costs 22 Percent
A new study takes the closest look yet at the relationship between Medigap coverage and Medicare spending.
Former HHS Head Offers His Take On Health Law’s Problems
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law’s insurance marketplaces.
Texas Democrats Say Navigator Rules Are Politically Motivated
Democratic legislators on Monday pushed Texas Department of Insurance officials to justify their proposed regulations for navigators.
Health Law Inspires Hope But Also Worry Among Those With HIV
People with HIV and AIDS can get private insurance, but advocates say that doesn’t guarantee access to high quality care.
Nonprofit Health Centers Go Into For-Profit Insurance Business
A growing number are starting managed care plans to boost revenue and gain more control over patient care.
Millions Of Lower-Income People Expected To Shift Between Exchanges And Medicaid
“Churning” may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
Are There Enough Doctors For The Newly Insured?
With the health law bringing newly insured consumers as of Jan. 1, experts wonder whether some will have trouble gaining access to timely treatment.
