Latest KFF Health News Stories
Colorado Exchange Board Spars Over Federal Funding
Statehouse Republicans say the board has asked for too much money for Colorado’s online insurance marketplace.
Health Perks Geared To Top Workers Could Trigger Penalties Under Health Law
Employers who offer more generous benefits to highly paid workers could face $100-a-day fines for every worker who doesn’t get them.
Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion And Online Marketplaces Offer Veterans New Care Options
Many former service members have access to health care through the VA, private insurance or other government programs, such as Medicare and Tricare. But having so many choices can also lead to fragmented care.
State Spending On Consumer Assistance Could Have ‘Huge Impact’ On Marketplace Enrollment
Some states with high uninsured rates get far less money to help people sign up for coverage under the health law.
Florida Legislative Session Ends Without Deal On Medicaid Expansion
The question of whether Florida would expand its Medicaid program to cover more low-income people has been answered, and it’s a “no” – at least for now.
State-By-State: A Progress Report On Medicaid Expansion
As of May 1, 16 states plus the District of Columbia have approved the expansion or are headed in that direction, 27 have rejected it or about to and seven states could still go either way.
The Arkansas Medicaid Model: What You Need To Know About The ‘Private Option’
Arkansas has broached what could be a deal-making compromise for states in a stalemate over whether or not to expand Medicaid. The Arkansas model gives Washington the increased coverage for the poor it wants, and Republicans something that looks less like government and more like business.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Medical Home
Obamacare aims to shift how doctors and hospitals are paid – they’ll be rewarded for taking care of the whole patient, not just for every test or visit. But this is an idea that some practices have already embraced, and they have seen costs decline and patient health improve.
President on Obamacare: ‘Still A Big Complicated Piece Of Business’
Here is a transcript of President Barack Obama’s remarks on implementation of the health care law during his news conference today.
California Moves To Protect Smokers From Higher Obamacare Insurance Costs
The federal health law allows states to charge smokers up to 50 percent more for a health plan
Tip Sheet On Staying Safe In The Hospital
Here are some tips to ensure that you stay safe while you’re in the hospital.
Health Care’s ‘Dirty Little Secret’: No One May Be Coordinating Care
Breakdowns in hospital communications are common, with sometimes dire consequences for patients.
For Some People Covered Through Work, An Exchange Might Be A Good Option For The Family
Insurance columnist answers readers’ questions about what might be available on the new insurance marketplaces next year when employer-provided insurance seems too expensive for a family and whether those exchanges will be available to people who are in the middle of a plan contract.
What’s Next In The Senate: In The Coming Weeks And After 2014
Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey about what’s next for the stalled confirmation of Marilyn Tavenner, and who will fill the void in health policy when three senior Senate Democrats retire in 2014.
Oregon’s Dilemma: How To Measure Health
The federal government has allocated $2 billion to Oregon to test ideas for coordinating care given by doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Now, the state has to figure out how it will measure its success
With Time Running Out, Florida Medicaid Expansion Is In Doubt
House GOP leaders question whether feds can deliver on $50B promise to cover poor residents.
New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States
In states with a dominant insurance carrier, competition and lower prices envisioned by the health insurance exchanges that open in 2014 may be slow to arrive.
Maryland Offers Glimpse At Obamacare Insurance Math
Maryland’s CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield pitches a 25 percent average hike in premiums for individuals, down from 50 percent.
Questions Arise About Robotic Surgery’s Cost, Effectiveness
Health plans generally pay for robotic surgery just as they would any other surgical procedure, but that could change, some say, as research helps make clear when robotic-assisted surgery helps improve patient outcomes-and when it doesn’t.
Seniors Get Hung Up In Health Care Scams
Law enforcement agencies report an increase in phone scams by fraudsters who prey on the public’s confusion over the massive changes taking place in the nation’s health care system — and the thieves often target senior citizens.
