Latest KFF Health News Stories
Maine May Warm To ‘Obamacare’ After Democratic Sweep
Newly elected lawmakers pledge to push ahead with health law implementation despite the Republican governor’s opposition.
Obama Win Boosts Health Law, But States Still Control Its Destiny
State lawmakers will control big coverage decisions, including whether to expand Medicaid to cover millions of uninsured.
Employers Expected To Keep Some Of Health Law’s Popular Provisions, Even If Obama Loses
But election results could affect the rollout of insurance marketplaces, and the availability of federal subsidies to buy coverage.
Medicare Targets Health Plans With Low Ratings
Medicare officials are encouraging 525,000 beneficiaries to switch out of these 26 Medicare Advantage and drug plans that have received low ratings for three consecutive years.
Halvorson: Premium Costs In The Exchanges Will ‘Depend Entirely’ On Participation
The Kaiser Permanente chairman and CEO offers his take on a wide variety of health care issues insurers face in the current marketplace.
Q&A: Does The Health Law Require Me To Cover My Adult Child?
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about the obligations of insurers — and parents — under the 2010 health law.
Insurance Policies Favoring Compounded Drugs For High-Risk Pregnancies Draw Scrutiny
Meningitis outbreak puts spotlight on rules favoring cheaper, but potentially riskier versions of drug to help prevent premature births.
Consumer Advocate Cautions That State Rules Will Impact Scope Of Health Law
Timothy Stoltzfus Jost talks to Michelle Andrews about a report he co-authored for state insurance commissioners about setting up the federal law.
How The Individual Mandate Penalty Will Be Calculated
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about the requirement to carry health insurance in 2014 and the options for subsidized coverage.
Seeking Treatment For Binge Eating Disorder
Even though the DSM will soon recognize binge eating disorder, many patients have trouble getting coverage for treatment.
Patients Often Find Getting Coverage For Eating Disorders Is Tough
Treatment can involve medical care, mental health treatments and nutritional therapy, but insurers say there is little research to show what is the best course of action.
Health Policy Finds Its Way Into Town Hall Debate
Even when the questions aren’t about health care, many of the responses are. Here’s what Obama and Romney had to say Tuesday night about contraception, Medicare and the health law.
As More Employers Drop Coverage, Retirees Turn To Specialized Insurance Exchanges
Counselors help consumers who are eligible for Medicare enroll in plans that replace their old workplace benefits.
Chemo IV Vs. Pill Decision Can Come Down To Cost
KHN’s Insuring Your Health columnist Michelle Andrews answers a reader’s question about whether insurance companies cover chemotherapy pills at a lower rate — if at all — compared to intravenous treatment.
In New Health Exchange, Human Element Of Customer Service Is Up For Debate
Health insurance exchanges are supposed to make it easy to compare plans side-by-side, but concerns persist that without human assistance, buying coverage in them could prove daunting.
Insurers Get Ready For Exchanges, But Exchanges May Not Be Ready For Them
Insurers are spending big dollars on marketing, technology and risk analysis of the new health care landscape. But with exchanges supposed to go live in late 2013, where and how companies will plunge – and how deep – is far from clear.
Denver Debate: The Candidates Discuss Medicare
Medicare and how to rein in its rapidly growning costs was a major focus of Wednesday night’s presidential debate in Denver between President Barack Obama and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney.
Denver Debate: Obama And Romney On ‘Obamacare’
The bulk of Wednesday night’s presidential debate in Denver focused on the topic of health care. In this segment, President Barack Obama and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney discuss the 2010 health law.
Insurance Dependents Can Face Special Challenges On Privacy
The health law may create new challenges for maintaining dependents’ medical confidentiality.
Drug Coupons: A Good Deal For The Patient, But Not The Insurer
Makers of brand-name prescription drugs often offer discounts to help defray patients’ co-pay costs, but insurers say that drives up their overall health spending.
