Latest KFF Health News Stories
Birth Control Without Copays Could Become Mandatory
Is birth control part of preventive care for women? That’s the question before an independent panel of experts. And their decision could force insurance companies to fully cover the cost of the pill and other prescription contraceptives
HHS Sets Rules For Consumer-Controlled Health Plans
Supporters hope the nonprofit co-ops will increase competition and cut prices.
Medicaid’s Moment (Guest Opinion)
While Democrats are effusive in their praise of Medicare, their silence in response to public attacks on Medicaid has been deafening. All the more important, then, is the study released this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research. It makes the job even easier.
Medical Loss Ratio: What Does It Mean For Consumers And Brokers?
In this Kaiser Health News video, Michelle Andrews talks about medical loss ratio, the amount of money an insurer must spend on health care as opposed to administrative costs and profits. The ratio could help ensure consumers are getting the most value for their health insurance premium dollars, Andrews says.
Insurance Usually Covers Diagnosis, Treatment Of Most Sleep Problems
As awareness of the issue has increased, so has expensive testing.
After Much Scrutiny, HHS Releases Health Insurance Exchange Rules
Industry and consumer groups are poring over more than 200 pages of long-awaited proposed federal rules on state-based insurance exchanges, a critical element of the federal health law.
Q&A: Can I Get Medical Treatment And Hospice Care At The Same Time?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader who wonders if there are states where they can get both curative care and hospice care at the same time. The health law may provide some solutions, Andrews says.
Are You Better Off With Medicaid Than No Insurance? A Landmark Study Says Yes (Guest Opinion)
Conservative critics of Medicaid argue that the program doesn’t actually help beneficiaries. A new study offers empiracle evidence to the contrary.
Utah Health Exchange Is Geared To Small Business Employees-The KHN Interview
Patty Connor, the director of the state’s exchange, says officials designed it for a specific audience but if it has to be expanded to meet federal requirements, the state will do it.
Health Law Provision Could Cost Delaware Hundreds Of Insurance Jobs
Cigna and other insurers are upset coverage for Americans living abroad is not exempted from health law.
Federal Officials Try Again To Bolster Plans For People With Medical Conditions
The administration sets a second premium reduction hoping to entice more enrollees.
Managed Care Enters The Exam Room As Insurers Buy Doctor Groups
Large health insurers are trying to curb rising costs by gaining control over those who provide care: doctors.
Consumers Add Their 2 Cents To Health Law’s Plan Labels
Focus groups evaluate standardized, plain English forms that plans may have to provide customers starting next March.
Q&A: Should I Consider The High-Risk Pools For Insurance Coverage?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader who wonders if they should look for catastrophic insurance coverage if traditional coverage is out of reach. Consider high-risk pools, Andrews says.
Mistakes In Outpatient Care Raising Concerns
Although safety measures are often directed at hospitals, experts say physicians’ offices and urgent care centers should get more scrutiny since the bulk of medical care is delivered there.
It’s a good sign
HHS Scales Back Rules On Health Insurance Appeals
Administration disappoints some patient advocates with new regulations setting up review process that consumers can seek when plans deny coverage.
The author is responding to recent coverage of the Blue Shield Of California announcement that it will cap its profits.
Appealing An Insurer’s Denial Is Often A Good Strategy
GAO finds most claims problems come from billing and eligibility issues, and beneficiaries often win when they appeal.
Built To Fail: Health Insurance Exchanges Under The Affordable Care Act (Guest Opinion)
The House of Representatives voted last month to repeal funding for the state health-insurance exchanges. The vote reflects a grassroots revolt. But a better approach might be to rally around the original tenets of the health exchange model.
