Latest KFF Health News Stories
How Oregon Is Getting ‘Frequent Flyers’ Out Of Hospital ERs
The state is trying to reduce health care costs by encouraging those who constantly turn up at the ER to get their health care from regular doctors instead.
Current Medicaid Patients Will Miss Out on Better Preventive Care In 2014
Some of the nation’s unhealthiest people aren’t likely to receive those benefits, because the requirements in the law pertain only to private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid expansion programs.
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.
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.
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.
Facing A Tight Deadline, Long-Term Care Panel Holds First Meeting
The commission, set up by Congress to offer recommendations on paying for services to help seniors and disabled people, has only a few months left to do its work.
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.
NFL’s Help Sought On Promoting Obamacare Insurance Plans
The Obama administration is seeking the help of national sports organizations, including the National Football League, to persuade young Americans to sign up for insurance coverage.
Officials Prepare For ‘Biggest Open-Enrollment Season We’ve Ever Seen’
With 100 days until Obamacare marketplaces open, much work remains to be done — here’s where they stand.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield Bets Big On Obamacare Exchanges
The Blues are expected to offer health plans nearly everywhere and are supporting marketing campaigns in key states such as Texas and Florida, where political opposition to the health law has been strong.
Firm Relies On Medicare Experience As It Prepares To Open Federal Health Exchange Calls Centers
Vangent already handles more than 60,000 calls a day about Medicare but will soon add an expected 200,000 questions about the marketplaces set up by the health law.
GAO Report Points To Challenges In Setting Up Federal Health Insurance Marketplaces
The report says that the administration “has many key activities remaining to be completed.”
