Latest KFF Health News Stories
Washington And Other States See New Insurers On Exchanges
This story is part of a partnership that includes Capital Public Radio, NPR and Kaiser Health News. It can be republished for free. (details) SEATTLE — Washington State’s health insurance exchange is looking to be an attractive marketplace for new health insurance carriers, according to an early analysis of insurer premium rate filings by McKinsey […]
A Reader Asks: Can New Employees Be Forced To Wait 90 Days For Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist says a 90-day delay is allowed by the health law, but employees have other options to get through that time.
Advocates Worry Conn. Decision Could Undermine Autism Coverage
That state has defined autism behavioral therapy as a type of medical benefit not subject to the mental health parity law, a move that allows insurers more latitude to limit the benefits they offer.
A Reader Asks: Can Our Plan Kick Off Our Daughter Because Her Job Offers Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist says the health law initially allowed some plans to do that, but that provision is no longer valid.
Survey: Most Buying On Insurance Exchanges Were Uninsured
The most satisfied were those who received subsidies; the least satisfied had their previous plans canceled.
Insurers Push Back Against Growing Cost Of Cancer Treatments
Many are encouraging the use of less-costly regimens and paying the same for drugs, whether they’re given in hospital outpatient settings or doctors’ offices.
Readers Ask: Are Insurance Premiums Capped? Do Doctors Have To Accept Medicare?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers inquiries from readers.
Say What? Many Patients Struggling To Learn The Foreign Language Of Health Insurance
Decoding premiums, co-insurance, co-pays and deductibles has some people reeling
What’s At Stake For Birth Control In Upcoming SCOTUS Decision
Many health plans could be affected by the coming high court ruling on cases challenging the mandate to provide specific types of contraception.
Michigan To Reward Medicaid Enrollees Who Take ‘Personal Responsibility’
The state is among the first to use financial incentives to encourage enrollees to boost their health.
A Reader Asks: Where Can My Daughter Who Turns 26 Mid-Year Get Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist offers several suggestions to a mother worried about her adult child “aging off” the family’s work-based insurance.
A Hot Sauce Accident Leads To Health Insurance
Last December we profiled a Texas woman who was uninsured and undecided about whether to buy an insurance plan. But after a minor accident became a major problem, she decided to buy Obamacare insurance and is thrilled with it.
Rape Victims May Have To Pay For Some Medical Services
Federal law seeks to keep sexual assault victims from paying for forensic exams, but in some states they may have to cover tests and treatment for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
Frustrated By The Affordable Care Act, One Family Opts Out
Obamacare seemed like the perfect solution for the Robinson family in Dallas, Texas, until they tried to find an obstetrician who took the plan.
Obamacare Lightens Load For Cancer Patients
People with cancer can now get health coverage even if they lose their jobs and insurance.
7 Things You Should Know About The Next Big Benefit Change
“Reference pricing” has the blessing of the Obama administration. What is it and how might it affect your health insurance?
Too Early To Calculate Success Of ACA Marketplaces
Did taxpayers get a bargain or a boondoggle on the Obamacare exchanges? Economists agree it is still too soon to tell for most of the exchanges set up under the health law.
States Consider Using Medicaid To Pay College Health Plan Premiums
Advocates say that the option will provide more flexibility for students who are eligible for the state-federal health program for low-income people.
A Reader Asks: Are Insurers Required To Cover HIV Prevention Medication Recently Recommended By CDC?
Federal health officials urge anyone at substantial risk of HIV to start an expensive prescription drug regimen that can prevent infection. But that doesn’t mean it qualifies for coverage without any cost sharing under the health law.
Temporary Fee On Big Businesses Funds Obamacare
Large companies like Sherwin-Williams, based in Cleveland, aren’t likely to use the individual insurance marketplace created by the health law, but they will help pay for it.
