Latest KFF Health News Stories
Colorado Pursues Insurance Exchange-But Keeps Fighting About It
A special legislative committee gave Colorado the green light on Thursday to continue working on its health insurance exchange by allowing it to apply for a $43 million federal grant. But first the lawmakers had to fight about it.
Some Plans Deny Pregnancy Coverage For Dependent Children
Although group health plans must cover workers or their spouses if they become pregnant, they don’t have to extend that insurance to children.
Missouri Ballot Referendum Makes Health Law A Hot Issue
The health care law isn’t the first issue on most voters’ minds, but in Missouri there’s a high-profile battle over whether to establish a state insurance exchange.
Group Health Teams With Hospital System In Pacific Northwest
The joint venture seeks to coordinate patient care and cut costs for employers and health plans.
New Federal Transportation Law Encourages Stricter Teen Driving Regs
Efforts by states over the past decade have cracked down on young drivers and tried to curb distractions, but safety experts say more still needs to be done.
Olympians Face Unique Health Insurance Options
U.S. Olympic athletes have a number of health insurance options, including the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Elite Athlete Insurance Program.
Forget The Company Plan-The Boss Wants You On Dad’s Insurance
Employers can encourage young adults to forego the office’s plan and take advantage of health law provision allowing them to join their parents’ policy.
Texas Advocates Push Insurance Rate Review
The Perry Administration’s Department of Insurance has nine reviews pending on insurers that are raising premiums more than 10 percent.
Q&A: Upfront Payment For Medical Procedures
Michelle Andrews answers a consumer question about providers requesting advance payment for medical tests and other services.
Health Law Deadlines Under Pressure
The Supreme Court ruling shifts the focus to states. But between 20 and 40 may be unable to set up new online insurance markets by fall 2013.
Justices Uphold Individual Mandate, Set Limits On Medicaid Expansion
The ruling on Medicaid creates a new arena for political battles in the 26 states that sued to overturn the law. Within hours of the decision, Republican officials in several states said they were likely to oppose expanding the program.
Video: Making Sense Of The Supreme Court Ruling
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey, Stuart Taylor and Julie Appleby are joined by SCOTUSblog’s Tom Goldstein and Lyle Denniston to break down Thursday’s landmark Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the health law.
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.
