Latest KFF Health News Stories
Calif. Hits Nerve By Singling Out Cardiac Surgeons With Higher Patient Death Rates
The controversial practice — done by just a few other states — recently cast a spotlight on some prominent doctors. Supporters say it improves performance; detractors warn it discourages taking on complex cases.
Health Insurers Try Paying More Upfront To Pay Less Later
Some health plans are beginning to offer free maintenance care for people with chronic health problems, hoping that spending a little more early on will save a lot of money in the long run.
Medical Transportation Provider Accused Of Disserving L.A.’s Frail Patients
LogistiCare often shows up late, if at all, and compromises patient safety, according to a public interest firm’s lawsuit. The company says the allegations are inaccurate.
Medicare’s Financial Outlook Slightly Improved, Trustees Say
The assessment pushes back the date for the hospital insurance trust fund to go bankrupt by one year. It also says Part B premiums next year will be stable.
GOP Health Bill Eases Rules For Some Small-Business Plans
Congressional Republicans are keen to loosen restrictions set by the federal health law on insurance sold by associations that small employers join.
Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Far More Prone To Heart Disease
Mothers who develop diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy, or whose babies are born prematurely or precariously small, often are unaware of the long-term risk. So are their doctors.
Your Credit Score Soon Will Get A Buffer From Medical-Debt Wrecks
Starting in September, the three main agencies will wait 180 days before including a medical debt on a credit report.
Parents Of Ill Children Worry About Return Of ‘Lifetime Limits’ In GOP Health Bill
Current law requires all health insurance sold on the exchanges to cover 10 essential benefits — with no annual or lifetime limits to reimbursement. But the GOP plan might let states reinstate limits.
As Seniors Get Sicker, They’re More Likely To Drop Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans offer good value and aim to keep patients healthy but sicker people are far more likely to quit because they can’t get the care they need.
Should GOP Health Bill Prevail, Say Bye-Bye To Insurance Rebates
A little-noticed provision of the Senate GOP health plan would unwind an Affordable Care Act provision limiting insurer profits, administrative costs.
California Joins States That Protect Patients Against Nasty Surprise Bills
A California law that takes effect July 1 prohibits out-of-network charges if you visit a medical facility that’s in your health plan’s network. New York and Florida also offer strong consumer protections.
Safe Under The ACA, Patients With Preexisting Conditions Now Fear Bias
Thinking they were protected from insurance discrimination, many people got tested to see if they were likely to develop serious diseases. Legislation pushed by Republican leaders in Congress would leave them vulnerable.
Hospitals Ramp Up Hyperbaric Therapy For Diabetics, Despite Concerns
Medicare is trying to deter overuse of hyperbaric therapy, and some experts question its effectiveness for healing diabetic wounds, one of the treatment’s fastest-growing uses.
CBO Deals Blow To Senate Health Bill With Estimate Of 22 Million More Uninsured
The much anticipated score by the nonpartisan agency could make it more difficult for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to round up the 50 votes he needs to pass his plan to replace Obamacare.
Deep Cuts To Medicaid Put Rural Hospitals In The Crosshairs
Since 2010, at least 79 rural hospitals have closed across the country, and nearly 700 more are at risk of closing. The Republican repeal of the health law could hasten their demise.
Poll: Most Americans Unaware GOP Plans Would Make Deep Funding Cuts To Medicaid
The survey also found public support for program changes that would place work requirements on beneficiaries and make drug testing a condition of enrollment.
Promises Made To Protect Preexisting Conditions Prove Hollow
Experts say the loopholes would allow states to bypass some protections for people with preexisting conditions.
Winners And Losers: 40 Is Old In Senate GOP Health Plan’s Subsidy Structure
The latest Republican plan to revamp the health law reshapes how age and income affect what help consumers get for paying premiums.
Huecos en las promesas de proteger la cobertura de condiciones preexistentes
Expertos en políticas de salud que han analizado el texto del proyecto de salud del Senado, aseguran que la legislación no siempre garantizaría la atención de personas con condiciones preexistentes.
Survivors Of Childhood Diseases Struggle To Find Care As Adults
Once-fatal childhood diseases, like cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease and sickle cell anemia, now can be survived into adulthood. But when those patients become too old to see pediatricians, it can be difficult for them to find physicians familiar with their conditions.
