Latest KFF Health News Stories
Millions Have Already Enrolled In 2015 Health Policies, Deadline Still 7 Weeks Off
More than 6 million Americans are already signed up for Obamacare policies for 2015.
Can I Keep My Marketplace Plan When I’m Enrolled In Medicare?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers a reader’s question about whether coverage from the health law’s online exchanges is compatible with Medicare and another question on Medicare drug coverage options when seniors move.
Seniors’ Wait For A Medicare Appeal Is Cut In Half
Federal officials handle most of the requests in 2014 from beneficiaries seeking a hearing before a judge and cut into the heavy backlog. But cases from hospitals, doctors and other providers are still on hold.
Medicaid Privatization May Pose Risk To Those With Complicated Health Needs
Florida’s decision to privatize government-subsidized healthcare for more than 3 million Medicaid recipients will lower costs and improve care, state leaders say. But the new managed care system is also exposing some Floridians in Medicaid, the state/federal insurance program for children, the poor and disabled, to the uncertainties of the private market for the first […]
Deciding Whether Subsidized Health Insurance Is Worth The Hassle
A California woman had a bad experience with the state’s insurance exchange the first time around and struggled with whether to re-enroll her family.
Medicare To Offer Help To Some Seniors When Advantage Plans Drop Doctors
In 2015, some seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will be allowed to switch if they lose their doctors.
For Some Families, Coverage With Separate Deductibles Might Be The Best Choice
Smart shoppers will dig deep to find out if their family coverage has one deductible for the whole family or separate “embedded” deductibles for each family member. The answer could make a big difference in your out-of-pocket costs.
Public Easily Swayed On Attitudes About Health Law, Poll Finds
Sixty percent of people generally favor requiring large firms to provide insurance or pay a fine. But support falls when people are told businesses could cut back workers’ hours and it increases when they learn that most businesses already provide coverage.
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.
