Latest KFF Health News Stories
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
Advocates Head To Court To Overturn Medicare Rules For Observation Care
Some hospital stays are not considered in-patient care, but seniors often don’t know that until they find they don’t qualify for full Medicare coverage.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We will edit for space, and we require full names.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Medical Home
Obamacare aims to shift how doctors and hospitals are paid – they’ll be rewarded for taking care of the whole patient, not just for every test or visit. But this is an idea that some practices have already embraced, and they have seen costs decline and patient health improve.
California Moves To Protect Smokers From Higher Obamacare Insurance Costs
The federal health law allows states to charge smokers up to 50 percent more for a health plan
Tip Sheet On Staying Safe In The Hospital
Here are some tips to ensure that you stay safe while you’re in the hospital.
Health Care’s ‘Dirty Little Secret’: No One May Be Coordinating Care
Breakdowns in hospital communications are common, with sometimes dire consequences for patients.
For Some People Covered Through Work, An Exchange Might Be A Good Option For The Family
Insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about what might be available on the new insurance marketplaces next year when employer-provided insurance seems too expensive for a family and whether those exchanges will be available to people who are in the middle of a plan contract.
Obama Administration Mulls Rule To Give Home Health Aides Better Wages
In 2011, the president called for a change in the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide minimum wage and overtime guarantees for these workers. But the proposal has been strongly opposed by some industry and disability groups.
Oregon’s Dilemma: How To Measure Health
The federal government has allocated $2 billion to Oregon to test ideas for coordinating care given by doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Now, the state has to figure out how it will measure its success
New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States
In states with a dominant insurance carrier, competition and lower prices envisioned by the health insurance exchanges that open in 2014 may be slow to arrive.
Nurses Fighting State By State For Minimum Staffing Laws
Nurses say understaffing at hospitals should be illegal; hospitals say the laws tie their hands.
Maryland Offers Glimpse At Obamacare Insurance Math
Maryland’s CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield pitches a 25 percent average hike in premiums for individuals, down from 50 percent.
Lack Of Competition Might Hamper Health Exchanges
Some supporters of the health law fear that in states dominated by a single insurer, consumers won’t have much choice when health insurance exchanges — a key tenet of the health law — open in October.
Questions Arise About Robotic Surgery’s Cost, Effectiveness
Health plans generally pay for robotic surgery just as they would any other surgical procedure, but that could change, some say, as research helps make clear when robotic-assisted surgery helps improve patient outcomes-and when it doesn’t.
Seniors Get Hung Up In Health Care Scams
Law enforcement agencies report an increase in phone scams by fraudsters who prey on the public’s confusion over the massive changes taking place in the nation’s health care system — and the thieves often target senior citizens.
