Latest KFF Health News Stories
Huge Experiment Aims To Save On Care For Poorest, Sickest Patients
An effort in California to move Medicaid patients into managed care has national significance as federal officials roll out a similar but larger program for as many as 2 million people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare.
How The ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Affects Health Care: Six Questions
As Congress and the president aim for a deal by year’s end, there may be serious consequences for health programs.
Health Plans Gear Up To Sell Directly To Consumers
Insurers develop new business strategies as the health law upends old models.
Specialists Work To Reduce Kids’ Fears In The Hospital
Child life specialists use play to help seriously ill children understand what happens in the hospital.
Weighing A State Mini-COBRA Plan; Premiums Based On Pay
Insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about choosing coverage after leaving a job, health law requirements for small businesses and salary-based premiums.
Options For Parents To Cover A Sick Child
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about how to find affordable coverage for a child with a preexisting medical condition.
How To Handle Extra Costs Not Covered By Medicare
Michelle Andrews answers a question about an unexpected bill a reader received after paying out-of-pocket for medical services not covered by Medicare.
With Routine Mammograms, Some Breast Cancers May Be Overtreated
The endless debate over routine mammograms is getting another kick from an analysis that sharply questions whether the test really does what it’s supposed to.
Obama Administration Gives Smokers A Way Out Of Higher Insurance Premiums
Consumer groups praise the rules as a way to encourage smokers to quit, but one workplace expert dismisses them as “a dumb idea.”
Advocates Of Medical Marijuana Face Another Hurdle: Insurance Coverage
Even as more states move to allow the drug for medicinal purposes, health policies rarely cover its use. Some patients spend hundreds of dollars a month or more on the drug.
Feds Say Nursing Homes Overbilled Medicare By $1.5 Billion
Nursing home group lashes out at government report, saying “bureaucrats” don’t know what’s good for patients.
Fiscal Cliff: What Is At Stake For Medicare And Medicaid?
Jackie Judd talks to KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about the budget negotiation scenarios for Medicare, where the “doc fix” fits into the budget picture, and whether Medicaid cuts are possible.
States Count Down To Decisions On Health Exchanges
With time running out, 17 states and D.C. commit to setting up the new markets, eight are undecided and the rest weigh partnering with the federal government — or letting the feds take over.
Computer Issues May Hamper Online Insurance Markets
Cascading delays related to technical issues could make October 2013 target for open enrollment difficult, if not impossible, to meet.
Colorado’s New Element In Exchange Plan: Certainty
The outcome of last week’s election means Colorado’s home-grown insurance exchange is green-lighted.
Nevada Quietly Moves Ahead On Health Law
Nevada was one of the 27 states that challenged the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in court. But now GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval is moving forward on a key part of the law.
Missouri, Kansas Reject State-Run Health Insurance Exchanges
The moves by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon open the door for increased federal involvement in health care in staunchly Republican territory.
High Deductible Plans Offer Low Premiums But Steep Risks
More employers are offering these insurance options, but they can leave workers paying thousands of dollars for care before the coverage kicks in.
Maine May Warm To ‘Obamacare’ After Democratic Sweep
Newly elected lawmakers pledge to push ahead with health law implementation despite the Republican governor’s opposition.
President’s Win Is Reprieve For ‘Obamacare’
The president’s victory cements the Affordable Care Act, expanding coverage to millions but leaving weighty questions about how to pay for it.
