Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicare Spending Variations Mostly Due To Health Differences, Study Concludes
The finding challenges the notion that billions could be saved by making the health system more efficient.
Eye Lift Surgery Increasingly Billed To Medicare
Despite rules against Medicare coverage for cosmetic surgery, eyelid lifts billed to Medicare have more than tripled over a decade.
Coverage Gaps Can Hamper Access To Some Breast Cancer Screening, Care
Angelina Jolie’s announcement about her double mastectomy has raised interest in genetic testing. These expensive tests are generally covered for women with a family history, but other screenings and treatment needs may be limited by plans.
California Insurance Exchange Rates: Not Too High, Not Too Low
On Thursday, the state cleared 13 health plans to offer insurance in its Obamacare online marketplace – at prices that are lower than expected.
Can My Insurer Deny Coverage For Care At An Out-Of-Network Hospital?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about rules for emergency room care and out-of-network hospital costs under the health law.
Some Individual Policies Offer A Way To Shrink Deductibles
Under these plans, if a policyholder’s health costs don’t exceed the deductible, that deductible is trimmed the following year. But consumer advocates warn this may discriminate against sick people and run afoul of the health law.
How Will The ‘Unbanked’ Buy Insurance On The Exchanges?
One in five households in the United States has only a tenuous relationship with a traditional bank, and many of these people are also uninsured. It’s still an open question how the unbanked will buy insurance on the exchanges.
With High Deductible Health Plans, It Pays To Shop Around For Care
An increasing number of consumers have these plans with lower premiums, but they must cover the first $1,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 of care before insurance kicks in, providing an incentive to haggle with doctors and hospitals.
The IRS’ Role In The Health Law Comes Under Scrutiny
As Republicans raise new questions about the IRS’ responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the health law, KHN’S Mary Agnes Carey talks to Joanna Kerpen, a partner at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, about the job ahead for the agency.
Doctors Transform How They Practice Medicine
Physicians are experimenting with new business models and practice techniques in response to financial and lifestyle pressures.
Coverage Problems Could Still Remain For Young Adults
Despite having access to parents’ health policies and new options provided by the health law, this age group faces challenges.
Hospitals, Testing Companies Face Questions About Value Of Community Screenings
Promotions don’t disclose that many of the tests for heart disease and stroke are not recommended for those without symptoms or risk factors.
Colorado Exchange Board Spars Over Federal Funding
Statehouse Republicans say the board has asked for too much money for Colorado’s online insurance marketplace.
California Weighs Expanded Role For Nurse Practitioners
Some 15 states are expected to consider giving advanced practice nurses more independence and authority this year. It’s part of a push to meet increased demand for primary care as more people get insurance under the health law.
Medicare Lags In Project to Expand Hospice
The 2010 health law called for an experiment to see if allowing patients to continue to have lifesaving treatments when they join hospice would improve their quality of care and save money.
Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion And Online Marketplaces Offer Veterans New Care Options
Many former service members have access to health care through the VA, private insurance or other government programs, such as Medicare and Tricare. But having so many choices can also lead to fragmented care.
Doctors’ Diagnostic Errors Are Often Not Mentioned But Can Take A Serious Toll
Diagnoses that are missed, incorrect or delayed are believed to affect 10 to 20 percent of cases, far exceeding drug errors and surgery on the wrong patient or body part, both of which have received considerably more attention.
State Spending On Consumer Assistance Could Have ‘Huge Impact’ On Marketplace Enrollment
Some states with high uninsured rates get far less money to help people sign up for coverage under the health law.
Florida Legislative Session Ends Without Deal On Medicaid Expansion
The question of whether Florida would expand its Medicaid program to cover more low-income people has been answered, and it’s a “no” – at least for now.
Medicare Seeks To Limit Number Of Seniors Placed In Hospital Observation Care
The proposal, part of the annual payment update, would help ease confusion over when beneficiaries are admitted to the hospital
