Latest KFF Health News Stories
Health On The Hill: ‘It’s A Fire Sale On The SGR’
With the Congressional Budget Office projecting a reduced cost for a long-term “doc fix,” Congress may seize the opportunity to end the annual adjustments to Medicare reimbursement rates. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss.
Health Plans Won’t be Able To Drop Individuals From Coverage
Open enrollments will be held annually for beneficiaries.
A Guide To The Lawsuits Challenging Obamacare’s Contraception Coverage Requirements
Various legal challenges to the health law’s contraception coverage mandate are continuing to wind their way through the system.
FAQ: How Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Is Changing
Employers are raising deductibles, giving workers health savings accounts, mimicking the health law’s online insurance marketplaces and nudging patients to shop around for treatments.
48 Million Americans Remain Uninsured, Census Bureau Reports
The uninsured rate for 2012 dropped slightly from 15.7 percent to 15.4 percent, largely because of an increase in people enrolled in public insurance programs.
Obamacare Will Be Both Ally And Rival To eHealthInsurance
The Affordable Care Act could have easily put eHealthInsurance.com out of business; instead, eHealthInsurance will be another place to buy plans in the 34 states that have federally run insurance exchanges.
For Workers Leaving Their Jobs, Health Exchanges Offer Insurance Choices Beyond COBRA
The health law’s new online insurance marketplaces will create new opportunities for people who lose their jobs and their employer-based health coverage, but consumer advocates worry they may not realize this and lock themselves into pricier coverage than they need.
FAQ: What You Need To Know About The New Online Marketplaces
These marketplaces open Oct. 1 and will allow individuals and small businesses to compare insurance coverage.
Marketplace Premiums Likely To Mirror Plans Sold Privately
Individuals purchasing a policy outside the exchange won’t qualify for subsidies, however.
Individuals With Medical Conditions Will Not Pay A Penalty On Premiums
Older people will pay more than the young, and smokers could face a surcharge.
Pa. Governor Proposes Private Sector-Driven Medicaid Expansion
The broad framework of Gov. Corbett’s proposal is similar to plans advanced by Arkansas and Iowa, neither of which has been approved by the federal government.
The Overlooked Obamacare Sales Force: Hospitals
Nobody has a bigger financial stake in the success of Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges than hospitals. And few may work harder to sign up consumers than hospitals themselves.
Local Uninsured Programs Face Uncertain Times As Obamacare Ramps Up
Some enrollees will have to pay more for coverage in new exchanges, while others may lose out in states that do not expand Medicaid.
Selling Marketplace Plans To Medicare Beneficiaries Will Be Illegal
The administration ramps up its message that seniors with Medicare coverage do not need plans from the exchanges.
Each Marketplace Plan Must Offer 10 ‘Essential Benefits’
These include prescription drugs, emergency and hospital care and mental health services, among others.
Consumer, State Officials Warn Buyers To Be On the Lookout For Fake, Look-Alike Exchange Sites
The alternate Web pages may be created by interest groups, private insurance companies and sometimes scammers.
Obamacare Insurance Co-ops At The Starting Gate
The health law created 24 nonprofit, insurance company startups that will compete with long established companies starting next month.
Two Types of Subsidies To Help Cover Costs Will Be Available
Lower-income buyers may get help paying the premium and help on covering expenses such as deductibles and co-payments.
Pennsylvania Governor Weighing Medicaid Expansion If Tied To Changes
Corbett’s spokeswoman indicates he might support the health law’s expansion if he could make alterations to how the existing program works.
‘Peers’ Seen Easing Mental Health Worker Shortage
Peer programs such as Georgia’s “certified peer specialist” licenses could become especially important once the Affordable Care Act takes effect early next year.
