Insurance

Latest KFF Health News Stories

A Reader Asks: I Don’t Have Children, So Why Do I Have To Buy Pediatric Dental Insurance?

KFF Health News Original

Insurance columnist explains that the essential health benefits that all new individual and small-group health plans must offer reflect a core package that experts thought everyone should have access to.

Are Federal Call Centers Up To The Task Of Enrolling Millions In Health Plans?

KFF Health News Original

Despite the president’s urging that frustrated consumers use call centers, advocates say they’re not “a realistic alternative” for comparing and selecting coverage.

Consumers Who Sign Up For Health Coverage By March 31 Will Avoid Penalties Under New Obama Administration Plan

KFF Health News Original

The health law gives consumers until March 31 to sign up for health insurance, but it may be weeks before coverage begins. So the administration says it will not penalize anyone who signs up by that date.

Obama Seeks To Reassure Consumers Frustrated With Healthcare.gov

KFF Health News Original

“Nobody is madder than me” about the problems consumers have had with the federal insurance marketplace, Obama said in a Rose Garden speech, “which means it’s going to get fixed.”

A Tale Of Two State Exchanges

KFF Health News Original

In Washington state, nearly 25,000 residents have signed up for coverage in the exchange’s first two weeks, whereas in Oregon, no one has been able to enroll through its website, although low-income residents have been able to sign up for Medicaid without the site.

What’s The Deadline To Avoid A Penalty For Not Having Insurance?

KFF Health News Original

The simple answer is that under the health law’s individual mandate, American must have insurance by March 31. But unfortunately it’s not that straightforward.

9 Things Millennials Need To Know About Obamacare (But Likely Don’t)

KFF Health News Original

It may not be as fun as planning that backpacking trip around Europe, but buying health insurance will soon be its own rite of passage. Here’s what you need to know.

Seniors Cautioned To Pay Close Attention To Details As Enrollment Begins In Medicare Plans

KFF Health News Original

Costs, coverage details of different Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans can vary significantly, so beneficiaries should weigh their options and consider switching plans for a better deal.

Health Insurance Co-Ops Offer New Option For Some Marketplace Shoppers

KFF Health News Original

The nonprofit “consumer oriented and operated plans,” or co-ops, are run by their members and were created under the federal health law to enhance competition on the exchanges.