Latest KFF Health News Stories
Delay In Major Health Law Provision Raises Doubts At Critical Stage Of Rollout
The decision to give large employers an extra year to cover their workers was praised by business leaders but complicates the implementation.
Business Groups, Consumer Advocates, Politicians, Policy Makers React To Mandate Decision
Opponents of the federal health law, especially business groups and conservatives, were quick to praise the decision by the Obama administration to delay enforcing the employer mandate provision by one year. Some supporters said the decision would not create major problems.
Employers To Get An Extra Year To Implement Health Law Requirement On Coverage
In announcing the delay, the administration says it will give businesses time to comply and allow the government to consider simpler solutions.
Income — Not Assets — Will Determine Subsidies In Online Insurance Marketplaces
KHN’s insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about qualifying for help paying premiums under the health law and how student health plans will be treated.
Pennsylvania Among 17 States Turning Over High-Risk Insurance Pool Responsibility To Feds
The pools are intended to help people until Jan. 1, 2014, when the federal health law’s provision banning insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or charging them more takes effect.
Thousands Of Mississippi Consumers May Not Be Offered Insurance Subsidies
No insurer is offering to sell plans in dozens of mostly rural counties, which would prevent residents from obtaining subsidies through a federal online marketplace.
Map: Where Insurance Options May Be Lacking In Mississippi Marketplace
Thirty-six of Mississippi’s 82 counties may lack a subsidized health insurance option when a new marketplace opens this fall. Humana and Centene’s Magnolia Health Plan are expected to be available the remaining counties, noted by the dots on the map.
Big Changes Ahead For Those Who Buy Their Own Insurance
Premiums may increase for young people, but the flip side is insurers must take all comers, broaden benefits and cap out-of-pocket costs.
Navigators Will Play Important Role As Marketplace Launch Nears
Consumers can call on “navigators,” trained people who will provide face-to-face assistance. Or, it is hoped, the navigators will call on them.
Latino Enrollment Key To Success Of Health Law Marketplaces
The administration is making a strong push to entice Hispanic Americans and legal residents to get insurance through the online insurance exchanges.
With A Little Planning, Women Can Get Emergency Contraceptives For Free
Like other types of birth control, these medications are required to be covered as a preventive benefit without cost sharing in many health plans. But to do so, women must get a prescription for the soon-to-be over-the-counter pills.
Officials Prepare For ‘Biggest Open-Enrollment Season We’ve Ever Seen’
With 100 days until Obamacare marketplaces open, much work remains to be done — here’s where they stand.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield Bets Big On Obamacare Exchanges
The Blues are expected to offer health plans nearly everywhere and are supporting marketing campaigns in key states such as Texas and Florida, where political opposition to the health law has been strong.
Firm Relies On Medicare Experience As It Prepares To Open Federal Health Exchange Calls Centers
Vangent already handles more than 60,000 calls a day about Medicare but will soon add an expected 200,000 questions about the marketplaces set up by the health law.
GAO Report Points To Challenges In Setting Up Federal Health Insurance Marketplaces
The report says that the administration “has many key activities remaining to be completed.”
Health Law Provisions To Expand Kids’ Dental Coverage May Fall Short, Advocates Say
Some lawmakers and children’s advocates say that without changes, certain health law provisions designed to expand children’s dental coverage may not work as intended.
Tax, Accounting Firms See Opportunity In Health Law
With a new slew of complicated laws and regulations on the books, someone has to interpret them for average Americans and the business community.
Finding Answers About Health Coverage
With provisions of the health law kicking in, consumers are likely to have more questions. One of the biggest will be where to search for answers and assistance.
How Does The Health Law Affect Premiums For Smokers?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader about how the health law affects insurance for smokers and programs to help them quit.
Federal Rule Allows Higher Out-Of-Pocket Spending For One Year
The health law sets maximum limits on what consumers are required to pay, but officials are giving a one-year grace period in certain cases.
