Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
Some Medical Schools Shaving Off A Year Of Training
The chance to finish medical school early is attracting increased attention from students burdened with six-figure education loans. Medical school administrators and policymakers see it as a way to produce doctors faster and as a response to the looming shortage of primary care physicians.
Nearly A Quarter Of Health Marketplace Enrollees Are Young Adults
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN’s consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
Maryland’s Bold Hospital Spending Plan Gets Federal Blessing
Maryland hospitals have agreed to new spending limits and big changes in the way they are paid, creating what could be a national model.
Obamacare Giving Big Boost To Georgia’s Health IT Industry
In a state where politicians have said ‘no’ to the Affordable Care Act, the area around Atlanta has a growing number of health IT businesses. Some are benefiting from the law.
Study: Supplemental Plans Raise Medicare Costs 22 Percent
A new study takes the closest look yet at the relationship between Medigap coverage and Medicare spending.
Former HHS Head Offers His Take On Health Law’s Problems
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law’s insurance marketplaces.
Texas Democrats Say Navigator Rules Are Politically Motivated
Democratic legislators on Monday pushed Texas Department of Insurance officials to justify their proposed regulations for navigators.
Health Law Inspires Hope But Also Worry Among Those With HIV
People with HIV and AIDS can get private insurance, but advocates say that doesn’t guarantee access to high quality care.
Nonprofit Health Centers Go Into For-Profit Insurance Business
A growing number are starting managed care plans to boost revenue and gain more control over patient care.
Millions Of Lower-Income People Expected To Shift Between Exchanges And Medicaid
“Churning” may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
Are There Enough Doctors For The Newly Insured?
With the health law bringing newly insured consumers as of Jan. 1, experts wonder whether some will have trouble gaining access to timely treatment.
A Reader Asks: If I Don’t Use All My Subsidy Credit, Will I Get It When I Do My Taxes?
You can take all the health law’s tax credit up front to pay your premium or wait until tax time to get it, KHN’s consumer columnist advises.
One Texan Weighs Obamacare Options: High Deductible Vs. ‘Huge Fear’
Going without insurance “is like gambling,” says a 43-year-old social worker. But the high deductibles of Affordable Care Act plans make them a hard sell.
Consumers Beware: Not All Health Plans Cover A Doctor’s Visit Before The Deductible Is Met
Those buying some bronze and silver plans could have to spend thousands before full coverage kicks in.
Young Invincibles’ Decision: To Get Coverage Or Not
Health law backers have stepped up efforts to persuade people aged 18 to their mid-30s to give Obamacare a chance. Reaching this demographic group is viewed by many as one of the overhaul’s biggest challenges.
Health Insurers Scramble Toward Jan. 1 Coverage Deadlines
Rule changes and deadline shifts have complicated the efforts of health insurance companies to prepare for a wave of new customers and “post-enrollment snafus.”
Expect To Pay More For Your Employer-Sponsored Health Care Next Year
Some blame the health law, but experts say many of the trends fueling cost increases predate it.
Medicare Identifies 97 Best And 95 Worst Hospitals For Hip And Knee Replacements
The new analysis is part of the government’s effort to improve the quality of care.
