Latest KFF Health News Stories
Expert Panel Recommends Expansion Of Services With No Cost Sharing For Women
The list of preventive services that insurers must cover without a co-pay could grow to include mammograms for younger women, testing that follows an irregular screening and birth control for men.
In Arizona, Health Law’s Gains And Losses Play In Presidential Race
Clinton has offered detailed plans to preserve and expand the law, while Trump has vowed to “repeal and replace Obamacare so quickly.”
Remember The ‘Public Option’? Insurance Commissioner Wants To Try It In California
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says a publicly run health plan would bolster competition in the state. But some question whether it would lower premiums.
Would You Like Some Insurance With Your Insurance?
Gap insurance plans, used to cover out-of-pocket health expenses like high deductibles, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers and businesses.
Hitch Keeps Many High-Deductible Plans From Covering Chronic Care Up Front
IRS rules limit plans set up to link to health savings accounts from covering most care until the deductible is paid off, but proposed legislation would expand what’s allowed.
Seattle Dentists, Clinics And A Hospital Partner To Provide Specialty Care For Teeth
A pilot project involving Swedish Medical Center and the Neighborcare Health network of community clinics offers care for uninsured adults or those on Medicaid.
Studies Link Cancer Patient’s Survival Time To Insurance Status
Research on patients with testicular cancer and others fighting a brain malignancy finds that people who are privately insured are more likely to be diagnosed earlier and survive longer.
California Aims To Limit Surprise Medical Bills
The problem, known as balance billing, happens when patients are treated by an out-of-network professional at an in-network facility. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign the legislation.
Studies: Employer Costs Slow As Consumers Use Less Care, Deductibles Soar
Cost pressures may induce patients to forego needed care, some worry.
Number Of Uninsured Falls Again In 2015
The annual Census report finds that the number of uninsured falls to 29 million from 33 million.
Insurers May Insist On Counseling Before Genetic Tests For Breast Cancer
Doctors are concerned that requiring referrals to genetic counselors can deter women from going forward with testing for genetic mutations that cause breast cancer.
Under a new state law, California consumers could get money back if they were charged out-of-network prices after going to a medical provider who was listed in their health plan’s network.
‘Simple Choice Plans’ To Debut In 2017 Marketplace Enrollment
The standardized policy options would provide a way for consumers to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
Burwell Says HHS Trying To Bring More Insurers Into Marketplaces
The administration is working to maintain competition on the health law exchanges to help keep premium prices lower.
Taxpayers Foot 70 Percent Of California’s Health Care Tab, Study Finds
The public spending on health care outpaces the nation.
Patients, Fearing Pricey Follow-Ups, May Shy Away From Some Colon Cancer Tests
Most screening tests for colon cancer are covered by insurance but if they come back positive, they may require a diagnostic colonoscopy and that may not be covered completely by insurance.
Report For State Insurance Commissioners Offers Options To Improve Drug Access
The report describes steps that states could take to address a number of drug-coverage issues in the commercial insurance market.
Who’s Affected By Insurers’ Pullbacks And What It Could Mean For The ACA’s Future
Health insurance giant Aetna will stop selling insurance through most state exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act. It’s the third major insurer to pull back from Obamacare. Who’s affected and what this means for the future of the ACA.
‘More At Peace’: Interpreters Key To Easing Patients’ Final Days
But more training is needed for such translators to do their jobs well, without miscommunications and misunderstandings.
Insurance Doesn’t Ensure Children Get Needed Visual Exams, Study Says
Researchers estimate thousands of children suffer two debilitating eye conditions because they don’t get proper exams while young.
