Latest KFF Health News Stories
Cigna CEO David Cordani: ACA Marketplace Is Still In ‘Version 1.0’
In a recent interview, Cordani discussed the evolution of exchange health plans as well the proposed merger between Cigna and Anthem.
2016 PPO Plans Remove Out-Of-Network Cost Limits, A Costly Trap For Consumers
A trend among this year’s marketplace plans leaves some consumers responsible for potentially unlimited out-of-network health care bills, even though they chose plans in which they thought they had some financial protections.
Kentucky Strategy Will Test Need For State-Run Obamacare Exchanges
Experts say Gov.-elect Matt Bevin’s plan to drop Kynect and use the federal healthcare.gov marketplace would have little impact on consumers, if it happens.
Major Insurer Says It Will Offer Individual Life Insurance Coverage To People With HIV
The move signals growing recognition of HIV/AIDS’ transformation from a death sentence to a serious but manageable disease.
Patients Want To Price-Shop For Care, But Online Tools Unreliable
A tough diagnosis and a high-deductible insurance plan motivated one couple to shop carefully for care. But they hit a snag — inaccurate prices on online calculators. Who can comparison shop if the price tags are wrong?
A Tale Of Two Obamacare Co-Op Insurers: One Standing, One Falling
Co-ops, the startup, nonprofit insurance companies ushered in by the health law, have failed in 12 states. But 11 co-ops are still hanging on.
As HMOs Dominate, Alternatives Become More Expensive
A KHN analysis finds a sharp difference in premium prices between plans that offer out-of-network care and those that do not.
End Of Medicare Bonus Program Will Cut Pay To Primary Care Doctors
A 10 percent bump in pay, a health law provision that sunsets at the end of the year, was designed to help balance the reimbursement levels between primary care providers and specialists.
UnitedHealth Warns Of Marketplace Exit – Start Of A Trend Or Push For White House Action?
Some analysts and health policy experts view the move as an effort to compel the Obama administration to make changes.
Medicaid Denies Nearly Half Of Requests For Hepatitis C Drugs: Study
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that Medicaid turned down requests for new expensive drugs to treat hepatitis C 46 percent of the time, while private insurers barred them 10 percent and Medicare 5 percent.
Cancer Meds Often Bring Big Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Patients, Report Finds
The advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society said Wednesday that federal and state governments should move to restrict insurers from charging patients a percentage of the cost of their prescription drugs.
California Exchange Offers Dental Coverage To Adults For First Time
About 33,000 adults have signed up for dental insurance as an unsubsidized, optional benefit through Covered California.
Study: Health Plan Buyers Will Save Money If They Shop
Premiums could jump 15 percent next year for millions if they keep 2015 plans, reports the Kaiser Family Foundation.
New Health Plans Offer Discounts For Diabetes Care
Aetna is rolling out a special gold-level plan for 2016 that is aimed at providing better care for people with diabetes in the hopes of keeping them healthier—and their costs down. But it’s not clear the plans are a good buy.
Obamacare Recruiters Seek Uninsured At Food Fairs And Churches
Floridians without health insurance query experts and ponder options as the health law’s open enrollment season gets underway.
Study Finds Marketplace Silver Plans Offer Poor Access To HIV Drugs
Only 16 percent of the popular plans cover all 10 of the most common drug regimens and charge less than $100 a month in consumer cost sharing, according to a report by Avalere Health.
Musicians Struggle To Buy Insurance In A City That Thrives On Music
The music industry generates $1.6 billion a year for Austin, Texas. But many musicians can’t afford the basics, including health insurance. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians steps in to help.
When Something Goes Wrong At The Hospital, Who Pays?
Hospital practices vary when it comes to paying care costs for patients with bad outcomes. Sometimes, patients foot the bill.
Health Systems Dipping Into The Business Of Selling Insurance
These plans, which still are a minority in the marketplaces, can help drive consumers to use the system’s hospitals and doctors, but some also offer competitive prices.
Five Things Young Adults Should Know About Buying Health Insurance
Open enrollment under Obamacare started Nov. 1 – if you’re uninsured, now’s the time to consider options.
