Insurance

Latest KFF Health News Stories

To Be Effective, Exchanges Need Bargaining Power

KFF Health News Original

Exchange design doesn’t get the attention of controversies like the public option, abortion, or supposed death panels. In the long run, though, it could be far more decisive in whether reform works.

Uninsured By Choice: A ‘Calculated Risk’

KFF Health News Original

Lyn Robinson owns Zenith Holland Gardens, a wholesale plant nursery. She chooses not to buy insurance and says she likes deciding where and when to spend her medical dollars. Part of our series “Are You Covered?” co-produced with NPR.

Employer Provided Private Insurance Video: Dave Koenig

KFF Health News Original

Dave Koenig gets private insurance through his employer and couldn’t be happier. As a conservative, he thinks private health care is the way to go, but he supports some changes to the insurance industry to protect patients from losing their coverage.

Holding Onto Health Insurance That Works

KFF Health News Original

For some Americans, insurance is what it’s supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage. Employer-Based Insurance Explained | Video Profile

The ‘Underinsurance’ Problem Explained

KFF Health News Original

At least 25 million Americans are underinsured – their health benefits don’t adequately cover their health costs. The major proposals being debated in Congress would require insurers to provide a minimum set of benefits, which would take care of most patients’ needs.

Not Enough Insurance And Swimming In Medical Bills

KFF Health News Original

Between the two of them, Martha Martin and her husband Jim work five part-time jobs, but still can’t afford health insurance. Last year, the Martins spent 45 percent of their $44,500 income on health insurance premiums and medical bills. Part of our series “Are You Covered?” co-produced with NPR.

‘Cadillac Plan’ Video: The Stabbe Family

KFF Health News Original

Mitch Stabbe and Marjorie Goldman treasure their “Cadillac” plan health insurance, even though it costs more than $20,000 in premiums per year. Their son, Bryan, has Crohn’s disease, which means very expensive treatments. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.

‘Cadillac Plan’ Video: Rusty and Deb Lovell

KFF Health News Original

Deb and Rusty Lovell are not the kind of people you would expect to have “gold-plated” health insurance. Deb works at a community college and earns a little over $30,000 a year. But the health benefits she gets from the New Hampshire government have made a huge difference in their lives. Part of our special series produced in partnership with NPR: Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance.

For Some Families, ‘Cadillac’ Health Insurance Is Priceless

KFF Health News Original

For two families, “gold-plated” health insurance has made a huge difference in the health care they receive. But it’s not always the rich who get these benefits, and they worry about what a possible tax on plans would do to their health coverage.

For Federal Workers, Insurance Plan Offers Many Choices

KFF Health News Original

As part of our series co-produced with NPR, Are You Covered? A look at Americans and Health Insurance, today we profile Rhonda Dorsey and her daughter Toni, 13, who feel lucky to have health care coverage that helps to pay for Toni’s diabetes medicine.

Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Explained

KFF Health News Original

As part of our series, “Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance,” KHN and NPR examine the federal health benefits program, which is considered a model for the nation.

Public Option? Arizona Has Had One For Years

KFF Health News Original

As the debate continues on what might happen if the government enacts a public health care option, Arizona’s experience may serve as a touchstone. The state has offered small businesses a public option since 1985 – and it has gotten mixed reviews. This story comes from our partner NPR News.

Some Insurers Trade In Jargon For Plain English

KFF Health News Original

A number of insurers are replacing jargon with plain English. Aetna has published a book called “Navigating Your Health Benefits for Dummies.” CIGNA employees are taught, for example, that they should use “doctor” instead of “provider” in communicating with the public.

Confusing Insurance Jargon Prompts Call For Reform

KFF Health News Original

Insurers sometimes make it difficult for consumers to understand and use their benefits. One U.S. senator has drafted legislation to hold insurers to higher standards, but the industry is already moving to make changes.

Economists Debate ‘Public Option’ On Health Care

KFF Health News Original

The idea of creating a government-run health care plan to compete with regular insurance companies has received mixed grades among economists. The debate is over whether the plan would eliminate waste in the system as advertised.

A Market ‘Fundamentally Changed’: How Health Proposals Could Affect Americans Who Buy Their Own Insurance

KFF Health News Original

New rules being debated by Congress could mean consumers couldn’t be rejected because they have health problems and would include subsidies for lower-income people to buy insurance. But the rules won’t solve all the problems faced by those who don’t get insurance through their jobs.