Latest KFF Health News Stories
Table: Hospitals Judged Best And Worst For Hip And Knee Readmissions And Complications
Medicare has evaluated how often patients undergoing hip and knee surgery were readmitted or suffered a serious complication. These hospitals did much better or worse than average.
Consumer columnist reminds consumers that details make all the difference.
In California, It’s Not A Done Deal Until You Get The Insurance Card
Even in California, the path to finalizing new insurance coverage can be long and arduous.
How Palliative Care Helps: One Iowa Family’s Journey
‘This is their life. They’re the boss,’ says Dr. Tim Ihrig of the palliative care department at UnityPoint hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. ‘It’s an honor to be on this journey.’
Promises To Fix Mental Health System Still Unfulfilled
Even for those with the will and drive to pursue treatment, the process remains difficult, frightening and full of holes. On the federal level, little has come from the task forces and promises that followed the Newtown shootings.
Some Ski Country Coloradans Angry About Higher Insurance Rates
Health insurance costs more in the famous ski areas of Colorado than in nearby Denver, and residents are crying foul.
New York Data Show Hospital Charges All Over The Map
Consumers should not assume that facilities provide better care because they charge more, experts say.
Why Some State Health Exchanges Worked
The most successful exchanges kept things simple, amply tested systems
More Than 110,000 Signed Up For Coverage Through Healthcare.gov In November
Navigators report a surge in consumer interest since the website became easier to use.
A Test For The Health Law In Scandal-Plagued Cities Of Southeast Los Angeles
Overcoming distrust of government won’t be easy in Bell and Cudahy, and neither will signing up 60 percent of the residents for Covered California insurance.
For HIV Patients In Texas, Expanded Coverage Is Elusive
Many people with HIV live below the poverty line and therefore won’t qualify for Obamacare subsidies to buy private insurance, or for Medicaid since Texas officials opted against expanding that program under the law.
New York’s Insurance Exchange Readies For Holiday Rush
There is a Dec. 23 enrollment deadline for insurance that starts Jan. 1, and New York is staffing up its call center and smoothing out the rough spots on its application to meet growing demand.
Judge’s Medicare Advantage Order Could Have National Impact
UnitedHealthcare will appeal a federal judge’s order temporarily blocking the insurer from dropping Connecticut providers, while doctors’ groups in Ohio and New York look at bringing similar lawsuits.
Some Face Marriage Penalty In Obamacare Subsidies
Married couples earning over $62,000 are not eligible for subsidies they might have gotten as two single individuals.
When Palliative Care Is The Best Care
A growing subspecialty that manages pain and stress for the seriously ill saves money, increases patient satisfaction and lengthens lives.
Many Wash. Health-Exchange Plans Exclude Top Hospitals From Coverage
Many insurers offering plans through the state’s exchange marketplace plan, Washington Healthplanfinder, have trimmed the include-all-providers networks in favor of more narrow plans.
With Three Weeks Left, Consumers Fear They May End Up Without Health Coverage On New Year’s Day
Insurance marketplace malfunctions have left some eager consumers in limbo as deadline to enroll nears. “I’m praying to God,” one says.
Covered California Faulted For Failing To Reach More Spanish Speakers
Dismal enrollment numbers in October spark cry for action.
Medicare Seeks To Curb Spending On Post-Hospital Care
One out of every six dollars Medicare spent in the traditional fee-for-service program went to nursing and therapy for patients in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, long-term care hospitals and in their own homes.
In Wonky Version Of American Idol, Georgetown Researchers Vie For Grants Before Local Donors
To become a judge, individuals donate at least $1,000 and then hear presentations about a handful of proposals before voting on a winner.
