Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Ex-Microsoft Exec Brings Lists And Whiteboard To Overhaul Of Obamacare Website
Former software engineer Kurt DelBene restores and races cars when he’s not looking under the hood of big computer systems.
Readers Ask How Divorce, Student Status Will Affect Marketplace Applications
KHN’s consumer columnist reassures a consumer who is divorcing that subsidies can be based on new income projections, not what was earned jointly the year before and offers suggestions about what exchange out-of-state students should use.
Local Governments In Texas Pursue Marketplace Signups
Local government officials and community-based organizations are working together to incorporate new rules, maximize their resources and educate uninsured Texans on how to take advantage of the federal health law.
The Clubfoot Correction: How Parents Pushed For A Better Treatment
Just a decade ago, 90 percent of babies born with clubfoot had extensive surgeries to correct it. Those surgeries often led to a lifetime of chronic pain. That has been replaced by a cheaper, noninvasive casting technique, championed by parents.
Florida’s Decision Hurts County With Highest Uninsured Rate
Many Hendry County residents earn too little for federal subsidies but are ineligible for Medicaid since state lawmakers opted against expanding the program.
Philadelphia-Area Blues Struggle To Match Customer Service To Demand
The region’s two largest health insurers faced a rush of new customers leading up the ACA deadline. Now both face a surge of customer service complaints.
In Western N.C., Getting Health Coverage Means Getting Creative
A navigator helps people, like John Martin (above), who fall into coverage gap in Appalachia figure out ways to qualify for and receive Obamacare insurance subsidies.
Texas Imposes New Rules On Health Insurance Navigators
The state’s top insurance regulator softened some provisions, but will require that navigators receive additional state training and undergo background checks and fingerprinting.
Consumers Expecting Free ‘Preventive’ Care Sometimes Surprised By Charges
Patients sometimes find that they are expected to pay for associated services, such as facility fees or anesthesia, and health law advocates say more federal guidance is needed for billing the procedures.
Health Law Spurs State Shift in Long-Term Care
Many states are taking advantage of a $3 billion health law program meant to help older Americans avoid nursing homes and instead get long-term care in their own homes — something many of them prefer.
Michigan Republicans Rethink Medicaid Expansion
Michigan is one of only a handful of Republican-led states that is expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. It did it by forging a plan that worked for both political parties, business interests, doctors and hospitals.
Miami Children’s Hospital Part Of A Trend: Revealing Some Price Information
Hospital executives will list adjusted charges to more accurately reflect what Miami Children’s collects from insurers, so consumers can estimate their out-of-pocket costs.
Washington State Goes After The Young And Uninsured
So-called “young and invincibles” are not rushing to sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, so officials are going to find them at concerts, festivals and social-media sites.
A Reader Asks: Do Couples Have To Buy The Same Level Health Plan?
KHN’s consumer columnist reports family members can opt for separate plans and still qualify for premium subsidies, but they need to consider some other important details.
Explaining Healthcare.gov’s Problems
Gary Cohen, the head of the federal online marketplace, answered questions on Capitol Hill Thursday about the rocky rollout of healthcare.gov. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Melissa Attias discuss.
Congress Is Poised To Change Medicare Payment Policy. What Does That Mean For Patients And Doctors?
Capitol Hill committees appear close to replacing the controversial physician payment system that rewards doctors for volume with one that offers incentives for quality and coordination of care.
Check Your Blood Pressure, (Unwittingly) Sell Your Contact Information
SoloHealth, a company that puts health screening kiosks in supermarkets, partners with insurers looking to sign people up with Affordable Care Act polices.
Letters to the Editor is a periodic KHN feature.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Soar But Confirmed Coverage Is An Issue
Since Jan. 1, thousands of people trying to use their new insurance have been told by caregivers that they are not covered. Many have spent hours trying to clear up the confusion with insurers.
HHS Extends Coverage For Patients In Federal High-Risk Pools
The insurance plan, which serves thousands of people with medical problems who could not get coverage elsewhere, had been slated to end at the end of the month.
