Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nearly 2.5 Million Consumers Have Selected Health Plans On Federal Marketplace
Officials say the online site and consumer call centers were extremely busy over the weekend as people sought to buy insurance before the Dec. 15 deadline to have a policy in place for January.
Few Women Have Coverage For Egg Freezing
Although egg freezing is the perk du jour at some high profile companies, too often such options are not available, even for women with serious illnesses such as cancer.
Small Businesses Drop Coverage As Health Law Offers Alternatives
Small employers are canceling medical plans and leaving workers to buy insurance through the law’s online marketplaces — sometimes to everyone’s benefit.
Many Obamacare Plans Set Out-Of-Pocket Spending Limits Below The Cap
This news analysis examines why consumers should look at more than premiums when shopping for policies.
With 1.5 Million Sign-Ups So Far, Obamacare Enrollment Is Brisk
State and federal exchanges report strong interest in 2015 plans, smoother exchange performance and better-trained assisters.
Pa. Man Hates The Law That Will Pay For His Health Insurance
Self-employed accountant is one of an estimated 600,000 low-income Pennsylvanians who will be eligible for expanded Medicaid beginning Jan. 1.
Obamacare Co-Ops Cut Prices, Turn Up Heat On Rival Insurers
For-profit carriers complain the upstarts have an unfair edge because of low-interest federal loans.
Consumers May Miss Out On Subsidies Due To Uncertainty About Job-Based Coverage
Some people don’t know whether their job-based coverage disqualifies them from federal subsidies to buy policies in online insurance marketplaces.
For North Carolina’s Working Poor, Fears Of Losing Coverage, Owing Uncle Sam
But for those who hover around the poverty line, a slump can put them into the “no help” category in the Carolinas and 21 other states that haven’t expanded Medicaid coverage.
Switching To A Spouse’s Plan Can Be Difficult If Timing Isn’t Right
If a couple wants to transfer health insurance policies, it is often pretty easy because most companies use a calendar-year coverage period. But if one company’s enrollment is on a different schedule, switching can be problematic.
Some Newly Covered Illinois Residents Still Struggle To Pay For Health Care
Even with insurance, high deductibles can put care out of reach.
Federal Officials Urge Marketplace Consumers To Look For Better Deals In 2015
People who bought coverage on healthcare.gov for this year could likely find cheaper premiums if they shop again.
Health Exchange Bill Fizzles In Illinois Legislature
Proponents of state-based health exchange bill say residents’ subsidies are now at risk.
Who Is Getting ACA Insurance – And Who Isn’t
About 10 million people have gained insurance, but there are still several diverse groups of people who won’t get coverage.
Growth In U.S. Health Spending In 2013 Is Lowest Since 1960
The report credits slower growth in spending for private health insurance, Medicare, hospitals, physicians and clinical services.
One Man Explains Why He Is Still Uninsured
Leaburn Alexander works two jobs and has a monster commute. There’s no wiggle room in his budget to pay a health insurance premium – and no time even to meet with an enrollment counselor.
Consumers Will Pay More Out Of Pocket Next Year For Specialty Drugs
More insurers selling Affordable Care Act plans will charge consumers higher rates for medicines that treat multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C and other serious illnesses, Avalere studies say.
If High Court Strikes Federal Exchange Subsidies, Health Law Could Unravel
Some suggest “virtual” state exchanges could be created, but scholars say that’s not likely to pass legal muster.
EEOC Takes Aim At Wellness Programs Increasingly Offered By Employers
The lawsuits brought by the commission, which have raised complaints from business leaders, highlight the lack of clarity in the standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Medicare Tightens Non-Emergency Use Of Ambulances To Combat Fraud
Advocates say many poor seniors who need dialysis and cancer treatments will have few transportation options.
