Latest KFF Health News Stories
Affording The Affordable Care Act
Despite the name of the new health care law, anti-poverty agencies nationwide fear that the poor will continue to struggle to find affordable health insurance coverage.
Health Law Adds Coverage For Services Needed By People With Developmental Disabilities
But advocates are concerned that insurers may find ways around the new requirements.
Nearly A Quarter Of Health Marketplace Enrollees Are Young Adults
This group of people aged 18 to 34, who make up about 40 percent of the potential market, is vital to the health of the insurance exchanges.
A Reader Asks: Will A Tax Lien Affect My Premium Tax Credit?
Experts tell KHN’s consumer columnist that it is unlikely a tax lien would mean consumers would have to repay the insurance subsidies.
Former HHS Head Offers His Take On Health Law’s Problems
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law’s insurance marketplaces.
Texas Democrats Say Navigator Rules Are Politically Motivated
Democratic legislators on Monday pushed Texas Department of Insurance officials to justify their proposed regulations for navigators.
Health Law Inspires Hope But Also Worry Among Those With HIV
People with HIV and AIDS can get private insurance, but advocates say that doesn’t guarantee access to high quality care.
Readers Ask: Are Premium Subsidies Permanent; Do I Have To Meet An Asset Test For Medicaid?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about provisions of the health law.
Nonprofit Health Centers Go Into For-Profit Insurance Business
A growing number are starting managed care plans to boost revenue and gain more control over patient care.
Millions Of Lower-Income People Expected To Shift Between Exchanges And Medicaid
“Churning” may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
Many Spanish Speakers Left Behind In First Wave Of Obamacare
Enrollment of key group is hampered by language, cultural and technological barriers.
A Reader Asks: If I Don’t Use All My Subsidy Credit, Will I Get It When I Do My Taxes?
You can take all the health law’s tax credit up front to pay your premium or wait until tax time to get it, KHN’s consumer columnist advises.
Six Things That May Move Public Perception Of Obamacare
How valuable people find their new health coverage will help shape public opinion of the law going forward.
Despite Health Law’s Protections, Many Consumers May Be ‘Underinsured’
Experts say that potential trouble spots for out-of-pocket spending include prescription drugs; specialist care, including that provided by academic medical centers; and services such as physical therapy.
One Texan Weighs Obamacare Options: High Deductible Vs. ‘Huge Fear’
Going without insurance “is like gambling,” says a 43-year-old social worker. But the high deductibles of Affordable Care Act plans make them a hard sell.
Consumers Beware: Not All Health Plans Cover A Doctor’s Visit Before The Deductible Is Met
Those buying some bronze and silver plans could have to spend thousands before full coverage kicks in.
Even In Well-Funded Colorado, Tough To Help People Enroll In Obamacare
Even with lots of money and navigators at supermarkets and other places, Colorado is only about 17 percent of the way to the goal of enrolling 136,000 people by the end of March.
Young Invincibles’ Decision: To Get Coverage Or Not
Health law backers have stepped up efforts to persuade people aged 18 to their mid-30s to give Obamacare a chance. Reaching this demographic group is viewed by many as one of the overhaul’s biggest challenges.
Health Insurers Scramble Toward Jan. 1 Coverage Deadlines
Rule changes and deadline shifts have complicated the efforts of health insurance companies to prepare for a wave of new customers and “post-enrollment snafus.”
Expect To Pay More For Your Employer-Sponsored Health Care Next Year
Some blame the health law, but experts say many of the trends fueling cost increases predate it.
