Latest KFF Health News Stories
Large Insurers Opt Out Of Missouri’s Health Exchange
UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Assurant Health say they won’t participate, at least initially.
A Handful Of State Marketplaces Opt Not To Charge Smokers More For Premiums
The health law allows insurers to charge smokers 50 percent higher premiums than nonsmokers but some states have decided not to allow that distinction in plans sold on the new online exchanges.
Connecting Minnesota’s Latino Community To Health Care
One-in-eight Minnesota Latinos is uninsured. As the health law rolls out, community clinics in the state will be connecting Latinos to their new insurance options.
Educating Florida About Health Care Reform Starts With Conversation
Enroll America kicks off campaign in Florida to get people signed up for health law’s insurance plans with a training session organizers.
In Addition To Premium Credits, Health Law Offers Some Consumers Help Paying Deductibles And Co-Pays
Although much has been made about the tax credits that will help people afford to pay insurance premiums, the cost-sharing assistance can substantially reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Health Exchange Pitch To Sports Fans Started In Fenway
The Red Sox helped get the word out about Massachusetts’ health reform in 2007, and in Colorado at least, the state is marketing its new insurance exchange to fans of the Rockies.
National Health Plans, Designed To Spur Competition, May Be Unavailable In Some States Next Year
The federal health law requires two plans in every state, but few insurers are lining up to play.
Advocates Urge More Government Oversight Of Medicaid Managed Care
The health law’s expansion of Medicaid is putting a spotlight on how regulators monitor the performance of privately-run plans.
FAQ: What Workers And Employers Need To Know About The Postponed Employer Mandate
Companies with at least 50 workers now have until 2015 to provide coverage. Here’s what that change means – and doesn’t mean – for employees and employers.
Delay In Major Health Law Provision Raises Doubts At Critical Stage Of Rollout
The decision to give large employers an extra year to cover their workers was praised by business leaders but complicates the implementation.
Business Groups, Consumer Advocates, Politicians, Policy Makers React To Mandate Decision
Opponents of the federal health law, especially business groups and conservatives, were quick to praise the decision by the Obama administration to delay enforcing the employer mandate provision by one year. Some supporters said the decision would not create major problems.
Employers To Get An Extra Year To Implement Health Law Requirement On Coverage
In announcing the delay, the administration says it will give businesses time to comply and allow the government to consider simpler solutions.
Income — Not Assets — Will Determine Subsidies In Online Insurance Marketplaces
KHN’s insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about qualifying for help paying premiums under the health law and how student health plans will be treated.
Pennsylvania Among 17 States Turning Over High-Risk Insurance Pool Responsibility To Feds
The pools are intended to help people until Jan. 1, 2014, when the federal health law’s provision banning insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or charging them more takes effect.
Thousands Of Mississippi Consumers May Not Be Offered Insurance Subsidies
No insurer is offering to sell plans in dozens of mostly rural counties, which would prevent residents from obtaining subsidies through a federal online marketplace.
Map: Where Insurance Options May Be Lacking In Mississippi Marketplace
Thirty-six of Mississippi’s 82 counties may lack a subsidized health insurance option when a new marketplace opens this fall. Humana and Centene’s Magnolia Health Plan are expected to be available the remaining counties, noted by the dots on the map.
Big Changes Ahead For Those Who Buy Their Own Insurance
Premiums may increase for young people, but the flip side is insurers must take all comers, broaden benefits and cap out-of-pocket costs.
Navigators Will Play Important Role As Marketplace Launch Nears
Consumers can call on “navigators,” trained people who will provide face-to-face assistance. Or, it is hoped, the navigators will call on them.
Latino Enrollment Key To Success Of Health Law Marketplaces
The administration is making a strong push to entice Hispanic Americans and legal residents to get insurance through the online insurance exchanges.
With A Little Planning, Women Can Get Emergency Contraceptives For Free
Like other types of birth control, these medications are required to be covered as a preventive benefit without cost sharing in many health plans. But to do so, women must get a prescription for the soon-to-be over-the-counter pills.
