Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Some Patients Can Choose To Be Hospitalized At Home
These innovative programs — available in only a few areas — allow some chronically ill patients to skip the hospital and opt instead for similar care at home.
Can I Continue My Health Insurance After Quitting My Job?
Michelle Andrews answers a coverage question from a reader contemplating quitting his job to stay home with his wife who has breast cancer.
Health Insurance Cutbacks Squeeze The Insured
Even people with insurance are paying thousands of dollars out of pocket before their insurance kicks in. And even when it does, insurance picks up less then it used to — often a lot less.
Can I Pay Negotiated Rates When I Pay Out Of Pocket?
A reader asks Michelle Andrews how to get the negotiated rates insurers pay even when paying for a medical procedure directly.
Some States Mandate Better Coverage Of Oral Cancer Drugs
Patients complain that they can spend tens of thousands of dollars because pills are considered a pharmacy benefit by many insurers while traditional IV chemo generally has a a flat copayment and out-of-pocket costs are capped.
Many Businesses Offer Health Benefits To Same-Sex Couples Ahead Of Laws
The desire to attract top employees is driving a long-term trend toward coverage. Last year, 52 percent of all employers offered domestic partner health benefits, with the percentage varying widely by region and industry. KHN’s Julie Appleby filed this story.
Patients Share Of Expensive Specialty Drugs Is Rising
Growth in spending on these prescriptions, used for complex conditions such as MS and Crohn’s disease, is far outpacing traditional drugs. Often they have no generic alternative.
Health Care Increasingly Out Of Reach For Millions Of Americans
More privately insured Americans are delaying treatment, while safety net programs cannot meet demand by those people who are under- and uninsured.
Some Insurers Deny ER Coverage To People Who Have Been Drinking
Laws in about half the states allow plans to restrict payments for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. That can hamper hospital efforts to counsel patients on the dangers of their behavior.
Conflicts Arise As Health Insurers Diversify
When a health insurer buys a business that helps hospitals win billing battles with insurers, alarm bells should sound, experts say.
Quick Facts About High-Deductible Health Plans
Covering more than 11.4 million people, high-deductible health care plans are no longer a novelty-they are becoming mainstream. Here’s a brief guide to this popular type of health insurance.
Checks In The Mail: Millions Expected To Receive Insurance Rebates Totaling $1.3 Billion
Study projects refunds under the health care law will vary widely by state.
