Insurance

Latest KFF Health News Stories

How Will The ‘Unbanked’ Buy Insurance On The Exchanges?

KFF Health News Original

One in five households in the United States has only a tenuous relationship with a traditional bank, and many of these people are also uninsured. It’s still an open question how the unbanked will buy insurance on the exchanges.

With High Deductible Health Plans, It Pays To Shop Around For Care

KFF Health News Original

An increasing number of consumers have these plans with lower premiums, but they must cover the first $1,000, $5,000 or even $10,000 of care before insurance kicks in, providing an incentive to haggle with doctors and hospitals.

Feds Make It Easier For States To Enroll Poor Under Health Law

KFF Health News Original

States will have the option to use data from food stamps, other programs, to enroll adults in Medicaid. Officials say the changes are geared to states that are expanding the program next year, but they may also be adopted by others.

The IRS’ Role In The Health Law Comes Under Scrutiny

KFF Health News Original

As Republicans raise new questions about the IRS’ responsibilities in implementing and enforcing the health law, KHN’S Mary Agnes Carey talks to Joanna Kerpen, a partner at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, about the job ahead for the agency.

For Some People Covered Through Work, An Exchange Might Be A Good Option For The Family

KFF Health News Original

Insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about what might be available on the new insurance marketplaces next year when employer-provided insurance seems too expensive for a family and whether those exchanges will be available to people who are in the middle of a plan contract.

Lack Of Competition Might Hamper Health Exchanges

KFF Health News Original

Some supporters of the health law fear that in states dominated by a single insurer, consumers won’t have much choice when health insurance exchanges — a key tenet of the health law — open in October.

Questions Arise About Robotic Surgery’s Cost, Effectiveness

KFF Health News Original

Health plans generally pay for robotic surgery just as they would any other surgical procedure, but that could change, some say, as research helps make clear when robotic-assisted surgery helps improve patient outcomes-and when it doesn’t.

Letters To The Editor: Readers’ Thoughts On Critical Access Hospitals, Angry Doctors And A Range Of Other Health Care Topics

KFF Health News Original

In recent weeks, readers have reacted to stories about climbing death rates at critical access hospitals, the readmissions penalties being imposed on some hospitals and Walgreens’ move to become the first retail chain to diagnose and treat chronic conditions. Other coverage that drew responses included a story about angry doctors as well as coverage of decisions made both by physicians and consumers that impact the cost of care.