Latest KFF Health News Stories
Congress has promised almost everyone in the country access to a whole slew of preventive services with no copay or deductible. The result could have a dire impact on health care quality and access.
Returning To The Argument: Can Health Reform Reduce Costs?
Health reform critics cite recent developments regarding insurance premium cost increases as proof that their suspicions about the overhaul were on target. But are they right? Don’t be so sure.
As They Consolidate, Hospitals Get Pricier
The health reform law is likely to spur more hospital mergers, fueling a trend that experts say has led to higher hospital prices and insurance premiums.
Health Law’s 8 New Changes To Insurance – With 7 Caveats
A set of new consumer protections went into effect Sept. 23. Here’s a guide to some of the changes
Competition On Access: A Role For Government In Health Care Markets
New reports indicate that some government-owned hospitals are closing while others are being sold to the private-sector. These developments may result from normal market competition. But something important could be lost as a result: access.
Kids With Preexisting Illness Get New Protection For Coverage But Hurdles Remain
As of today, insurers can’t deny coverage to children with medical problems. But an important question is: How much will the coverage cost?
Transcript: Michelle Andrews On What Sept. 23 Could Mean For Health Consumers
For the past few months, health reporter Michelle Andrews has written about various aspects of the new law for her weekly feature “Insuring Your Health.” Today, the six-month anniversary of the signing of the health bill, a number of key provisions officially kick in and Jackie Judd sat down with her to discuss them.
Few Insurers Provide Coverage For Weight Loss Treatment
Millions of Americans battling excess fat find that their insurers refuse to pay for obesity treatments but instead cover its expensive consequences.
Keeping An Eye On The Health Care Prize
Many reformers undoubtedly believe that passage of the health overhaul law laid the issue to rest. But policy’s wheels continue to turn, and the process is anything but over.
Aging in Place – A Graceful Living Option for Seniors
Communities and companies are devising innovative ways to help older Americans work longer, and age gracefully and affordably in their own homes.
Small Cost Benefit for Tort Reform, More Primary Care
Two new studies show that neither tort reform nor an increase in primary care physicians will bend the health care cost curve as proponents believe.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 13, 2010
As Congress returns from its August recess, the Senate is expected to debate amendments to a package of small business tax breaks that would repeal a provision in the health care law requiring businesses to submit a 1099 form to the IRS for yearly purchases of $600 or more from a vendor.
Tomorrow’s Medicare: The Efficient Hybrid?
Since Medicare began, how to best pay for beneficiaries’ medical services has been a persistent question.
Don’t Discount The Value of An Agent, They Discount Your Insurance
Janet Trautwein, the CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, dispels recent media reports about the demise of insurance agents.
State Budget Crises Mount as Medicaid Rolls Soar
Florida and other states faced with soaring Medicaid rolls amid a stubborn recession are struggling to balance their budgets.
Study: Malpractice Costs Just A Tiny Fraction Of Health Spending
The costs of “defensive” medicine practiced by doctors guarding against lawsuits are real, but not nearly as high as some have claimed. Even so, it’s probably worth trying to tame them, some policy analysts say.
What To Do If You’re In Observation Care
Although it is difficult to reverse that decision, there are steps you can take to help make your case.
Growing Number Of Patients Find A Hospital Stay Does Not Mean They’re Admitted
The use of observation care is rising as hospitals cope with increasing constraints from Medicare, which is under pressure to control costs. But the decision can mean more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
What You Can Do About The High Cost Of Health Care: Fix It
A nonprofit group is offering a $1,000 prize for the best essay on solving the nation’s problem of high health care costs.
Critics say Medicare Advantage plans are inefficient and costly. But those same critics oppose vouchers for Medicare — even though that approach would set up a direct competition between the private plans and the traditional fee-for-service program.
