Latest KFF Health News Stories
Could Kaiser Permanente’s Low-Cost Health Care Be Even Cheaper?
Critics say the price gap between Kaiser Permanente and other companies has narrowed for unclear reasons.
Dropping Legal Barriers Doesn’t Guarantee Interstate Insurance Sales
In Georgia, health insurers licensed in the state can soon sell policies there that they sell in other states, but so far, no company has taken the state up on its offer.
Q&A: Preventive Benefits And ‘Grandfathered’ Health Plans
KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader about “grandfathered” health plans, which don’t need to comply with new rules about benefits for preventive care — but only in the near term.
Questions Abound About The Pocketbook Effect Of A Court Decision
Consumers, states and the federal government have much to win — or lose — depending on how the court rules.
New Consumer Protections Depend On High Court’s Ruling
Provisions to protect those with pre-existing illnesses and subject insurers to greater scrutiny are at risk if the law is struck.
Court Challenge Could Result In Medicaid Cutbacks Instead Of Expansion
Under the health law, Medicaid will grow to cover every American with a household income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. A ruling against the expansion — or the entire law
Catholic Hospital Leader Defends Split With Obama Administration On Contraceptives
Catholic Health Association chief Sister Carol Keehan, a key ally of President Obama on the health law, said last week that the organization could not support a compromise on the free birth control provision of the law.
Some Health System Changes Will Stay, No Matter How SCOTUS Rules
Soaring costs, tight budgets, better technology and industry consolidation ensure health care won’t go back to 2009, no matter what the Supreme Court or Congress do.
Workplace Clinics Are Expanding Focus Beyond Injuries, Preventive Care
Some big employers are beefing up their clinic offerings with a host of new services, including physical therapy, dental and vision exams, mental health counseling and even acupuncture and massage.
College Health Plans: Exploring The Options
College students and their families will have better health insurance options in the upcoming school year, but costs will be higher.
Establishing A World-Class Health Benefit Exchange In Maryland
As Maryland awaits the Supreme Court’s health law decision, wrties Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, the state remains committed to forward progress in implementing health reforms that will lead to a healthier, more productive workforce and help bend the curve of rising health care costs.
Utah’s Health Exchange: Running, But Waiting For The Court’s Decision
Patty Conner, the director of Utah’s health exchange, writes that her state has been able to build a functioning health care solution for its citizens, but now faces the challenges of integrating it with a national system, for which specifics are unclear.
Implementing The Federal Health Law In Rhode Island: More Than Insurance Access
The federal health law provides enormous financial and policy-oriented resources to aid the Ocean State in advancing its ambitious health agenda, according to Rhode Island Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher Koller, which focuses not only on insurance access but on improving the value of medical care.
California Bullish On Health Exchange-No Matter What
California Democratic lawmakers have been introducing legislation that would replicate key pieces of the federal law, so the state will continue to develop its health insurance exchange even if the Supreme Court overturns the law.
Q&A: How Are Retired Military Personnel Affected By The Health Law?
KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews answers that question from a reader, noting that the Affordable Care Act does affect some retired members of the military over age 65.
Taking A Risk To Secure Health Insurance
A southern California writer explains why he chose to go without coverage for six months so he could secure a better health plan for 18 months. But his strategy is not a sure thing.
Biggest Mass. Insurer Tightens Rules On Some Painkillers
Blue Cross Blue Shield will require a review after 30 days to reduce addiction risks and keep the drugs from teenagers and others for whom they weren’t prescribed.
3 Large Insurers Promise To Keep Many Popular Features Of Health Law If High Court Strikes It Down
UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Humana said no matter how the Supreme Court rules on the health law, they would continue to allow young adults coverage on their parents’ plans and offer no-copayment preventive services.
Health Insurance Exchanges In Many States Held Up By Uncertainty About Supreme Court
State-based health insurance exchanges – a centerpiece of the law designed to expand coverage to millions of people – are on hold as many states delay implementation of the federal health law.
Will The Cadillac Tax Extend To Individual Plans Or The Self-Employed?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader about who will be affected by the health law’s Cadillac tax, a 40 percent excise tax on high-cost plans set to start in 2018.
