Latest KFF Health News Stories
Consumer Groups Criticize Anthem’s Narrow Network In Missouri’s Obamacare Marketplace
The insurer touts affordable plans, but the exclusion of some premier hospitals could reduce treatment options for some patients.
Average Obamacare Premiums Will Be Lower Than Projected
Report shows wide variation across the country, with some states that opposed implementation of the health law boasting lower-than-average rates.
Some Say Obamacare’s ‘Affordable’ Coverage Isn’t Affordable For Them
Moderate-income consumers may get subsidies but will also be required to pay up to 9.5 percent of their income toward monthly premiums, which some say will put coverage out of reach.
Readers Ask: What Options Do Parents Have To Get Coverage For Their Kids?
Consumer columnist answers questions about getting insurance for children under the health law.
Swapping COBRA For Obamacare Likely To Be Windfall For Big Business
Experts expect people who are between jobs to gradually transfer to exchanges, a trend projected to save large employers billions in medical claims for ex-employees.
Missouri, Illinois Health Insurance Exchanges Gear Up Quietly
In Missouri, a decidedly low-profile campaign stems from a voter referendum last year barring the governor from moving forward on an exchange. In Illinois, officials partnered with the federal government to build the marketplace. Nonetheless, neither exchange has given any cost information to consumers.
What Consumers Really Want From An Obamacare Plan
When consultants ran simulations of the exchanges that open for enrollment Oct. 1, they found that price was a major consideration. But so were hospital networks — more so than retaining doctors.
A Reader Asks: How Can We Be Sure To Get A Policy That Covers Maternity Care?
Currently many plans sold on the individual market do not provide maternity coverage. But that will change under the health law.
In Most States, Policies Will be Sold Outside The Health Law Marketplace
Those plans must also provide the same “essential benefits” as the plans set up for the exchanges and have similar out-of-pocket standards.
Different Types Of Marketplace Plans Expected To Be Available
Number of policies offered will vary depending on the state.
White House Pushes Back Against Fraud Fears Of Obamacare Opponents
New measures are announced after 17 states hostile to the law restrict the work of consumer navigators.
Health Spending Over The Coming Decade Expected To Exceed Economic Growth
Government actuaries estimate that health care will account for 20 percent of gross domestic product by 2022.
Many Cancer Patients Overtreated In Final Days
Care is particularly aggressive in the Philadelphia area, according to a Dartmouth Atlas study.
Health On The Hill: ‘It’s A Fire Sale On The SGR’
With the Congressional Budget Office projecting a reduced cost for a long-term “doc fix,” Congress may seize the opportunity to end the annual adjustments to Medicare reimbursement rates. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss.
Health Plans Won’t be Able To Drop Individuals From Coverage
Open enrollments will be held annually for beneficiaries.
Labor Dept. Mandates Minimum Wage, Overtime Pay For Home Health Workers
The Obama administration had been trying for almost two years to extend overtime and minimum wage protections to the workers. The rule doesn’t take effect until 2015.
FAQ: How Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Is Changing
Employers are raising deductibles, giving workers health savings accounts, mimicking the health law’s online insurance marketplaces and nudging patients to shop around for treatments.
Obamacare Will Be Both Ally And Rival To eHealthInsurance
The Affordable Care Act could have easily put eHealthInsurance.com out of business; instead, eHealthInsurance will be another place to buy plans in the 34 states that have federally run insurance exchanges.
For Workers Leaving Their Jobs, Health Exchanges Offer Insurance Choices Beyond COBRA
The health law’s new online insurance marketplaces will create new opportunities for people who lose their jobs and their employer-based health coverage, but consumer advocates worry they may not realize this and lock themselves into pricier coverage than they need.
FAQ: What You Need To Know About The New Online Marketplaces
These marketplaces open Oct. 1 and will allow individuals and small businesses to compare insurance coverage.
