Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
More Competition Helps Restrain Premiums In Federal Health Marketplace
In counties that are adding at least one insurer next year, average premiums for the least expensive silver plan are rising 1 percent on average, compared to 7 percent in counties where the number of insurers is not changing, KHN analysis finds.
Nearly Half A Million Select Obamacare Plans Through Healthcare.gov In First Week
HHS says it will provide weekly and monthly snapshots of the signups in the 37 states relying on the federal exchange.
Turning 21? Here’s How To Avoid A Big Hike In Health Insurance Premiums
Coming of age can also mean a whopping 58 percent jump in the cost of your insurance.
Administration Warns Employers: Don’t Dump Sick Workers From Plans
Paying high-risk employees to buy exchange plans is declared illegal.
Marketplaces Will Automatically Renew Consumers’ Plans, But Take A Look First
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about enrollment under the health law and cautions people not to just go with last year’s choice.
Obama Officials Seek To Clarify Abortion Coverage Rules
In some states, insurance plans deviate from Congress’ health law compromise.
HHS Formally Moves To Close Loophole Allowing Plans Without Hospital Benefits
The new proposed rule would bar such plans that had once qualified under a federal calculator.
Wall Street Is Bullish On 2015 Obamacare Enrollment
Analysts project that 11 million people will sign up in 2015 — and more will be younger and healthier.
A Quarter Of Uninsured Say They Can’t Afford To Buy Coverage
Poll finds that the high cost was the biggest obstacle noted by Americans who lack insurance and don’t expect to buy it next year. About half of the uninsured hope to get coverage in 2015.
Big Changes For 2015 Workplace Plans: Watch Out For These Six Possible Pitfalls
Consumers who get health insurance through their employers need to pay close attention this year to their enrollment materials.
California’s Managed Care Project For Poor Seniors Faces Backlash
Nearly half of those eligible for a combined Medi-Cal and Medicare program are opting out.
Paying On Faith: Ministries Offer Alternative To Health Insurance
The ACA’s coverage mandate spurs growth in health-care sharing ministries, in which members agree to abide by Christian principles and contribute to each other’s medical expenses.
Insurance Exchanges Launch With Few Glitches
More than 100,000 apply for coverage of federal marketplace as year-two health law enrollment period begins.
With Tight Enrollment Window, Consumers Seeking Coverage Should Sign Up Promptly
The online marketplaces open Saturday and officials say they will work better than at last year’s debut.
