Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.”
Health Law Provisions To Expand Kids’ Dental Coverage May Fall Short, Advocates Say
Some lawmakers and children’s advocates say that without changes, certain health law provisions designed to expand children’s dental coverage may not work as intended.
Tax, Accounting Firms See Opportunity In Health Law
With a new slew of complicated laws and regulations on the books, someone has to interpret them for average Americans and the business community.
Finding Answers About Health Coverage
With provisions of the health law kicking in, consumers are likely to have more questions. One of the biggest will be where to search for answers and assistance.
Panel Tells Congress Medicare Is Unfairly Penalizing Hospitals Serving The Poor
An important feature of the health law designed to bring down the rate of patient readmissions is backfiring on safety-net hospitals, says a report by a congressional advisory agency.
Britain’s National Health Service Visits D.C. For Some Pointers
A discussion on how to improve the British system turned up buzzwords reminiscent of the U.S. health reform debate: integrated health care, patient-centered services, cutting costs.
Federal Rule Allows Higher Out-Of-Pocket Spending For One Year
The health law sets maximum limits on what consumers are required to pay, but officials are giving a one-year grace period in certain cases.
Obama: Health Law ‘Working The Way It’s Supposed To’ (Video)
In California Friday, President Barack Obama praised the health law benefits already in place and talked about the state’s health insurance marketplace. He also placed a special emphasis on touting the law to the state’s Latino population.
FAQ: Insurance Pricing Will Vary On Online Marketplaces
Consumers want to know: Will health insurance cost more, less, or about the same on the new health insurance exchanges?
Sebelius Faces Questions About Calls To Outside Groups
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius defended herself Tuesday against Republican criticisms of calls she made to outside organizations asking them to support a nonprofit group promoting outreach to consumers about their insurance options under the health law.
‘Will My Family Be Eligible For Subsidized Coverage?’
Health insurance columnist answers questions about coverage subsidies for families in the health law, Medigap and rules for workers whose companies operate in more than one state.
Will Consumers Sign On For Health Law’s Co-Ops?
Created by the health law to boost competition among insurers, co-ops in 24 states emphasize primary care and treating consumers as partners, but can they compete with the big guys?
Medicare Spending Variations Mostly Due To Health Differences, Study Concludes
The finding challenges the notion that billions could be saved by making the health system more efficient.
Coverage Gaps Can Hamper Access To Some Breast Cancer Screening, Care
Angelina Jolie’s announcement about her double mastectomy has raised interest in genetic testing. These expensive tests are generally covered for women with a family history, but other screenings and treatment needs may be limited by plans.
Obamacare Insurance Won’t Cover Weight-Loss Surgery In Many States
In more than two dozen states, obesity treatments
California Insurance Exchange Rates: Not Too High, Not Too Low
On Thursday, the state cleared 13 health plans to offer insurance in its Obamacare online marketplace – at prices that are lower than expected.
Some Individual Policies Offer A Way To Shrink Deductibles
Under these plans, if a policyholder’s health costs don’t exceed the deductible, that deductible is trimmed the following year. But consumer advocates warn this may discriminate against sick people and run afoul of the health law.
Feds Make It Easier For States To Enroll Poor Under Health Law
States will have the option to use data from food stamps, other programs, to enroll adults in Medicaid. Officials say the changes are geared to states that are expanding the program next year, but they may also be adopted by others.
