Latest KFF Health News Stories
Political Leaders Sound Off On Health Law Decision With Speeches
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker John Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Obama react to Thursday’s Supreme Court decision on the health law with speeches.
What Will The States Do On Medicaid?
The Supreme Court said the federal health law cannot force states to participate in the planned expansion of Medicaid. But since the federal government was paying the bulk of the bill, will states really forego the option?
Ruling Puts Pressure On States To Act
The Supreme Court Thursday gave states the option to skip the Medicaid expansion, but the pressure of accepting millions in new federal dollars to pay for coverage for low-income people may be too great.
Justices Uphold Individual Mandate, Set Limits On Medicaid Expansion
The ruling on Medicaid creates a new arena for political battles in the 26 states that sued to overturn the law. Within hours of the decision, Republican officials in several states said they were likely to oppose expanding the program.
Court’s Dissenters Argue That ‘Entire Statute Is Inoperative’
Four conservative justices write that the majority “regards its strained statutory interpretation as judicial modesty. It is not.”
Roberts Says Law’s Offer To States On Medicaid ‘Is A Gun To The Head’
The chief justice also says that the court “does not express any opinion on the wisdom of the Affordable Care Act. Under the Constitution, that judgment is re-served to the people.”
Obama: Health Law Decision A ‘Victory For People All Over This Country’
President Obama said the Supreme Court’s landmark decision Thursday to uphold the health care reform law was a victory for all Americans who will now be more secure because of it.
Video: Making Sense Of The Supreme Court Ruling
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey, Stuart Taylor and Julie Appleby are joined by SCOTUSblog’s Tom Goldstein and Lyle Denniston to break down Thursday’s landmark Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the health law.
New Rules Will Ban ER Debt Collections At Charitable Hospitals
On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department released new proposed rules to protect patients from abusive debt collection practices at nonprofit hospitals.
Dropping Legal Barriers Doesn’t Guarantee Interstate Insurance Sales
In Georgia, health insurers licensed in the state can soon sell policies there that they sell in other states, but so far, no company has taken the state up on its offer.
Q&A: Preventive Benefits And ‘Grandfathered’ Health Plans
KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader about “grandfathered” health plans, which don’t need to comply with new rules about benefits for preventive care — but only in the near term.
Questions Abound About The Pocketbook Effect Of A Court Decision
Consumers, states and the federal government have much to win — or lose — depending on how the court rules.
New Consumer Protections Depend On High Court’s Ruling
Provisions to protect those with pre-existing illnesses and subject insurers to greater scrutiny are at risk if the law is struck.
Court Challenge Could Result In Medicaid Cutbacks Instead Of Expansion
Under the health law, Medicaid will grow to cover every American with a household income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. A ruling against the expansion — or the entire law
What’s At Stake For Medicare Beneficiaries In Supreme Court Decision
If the Supreme Court strikes down the health law, 49 million Medicare beneficiaries could lose a variety of benefits that have already kicked in.
What’s At Stake For Women If SCOTUS Overturns The Health Law
A provision in the health law requiring free contraceptive coverage has gotten most of the press, but much more is at stake for women if the Supreme Court strikes down the law.
Catholic Hospital Leader Defends Split With Obama Administration On Contraceptives
Catholic Health Association chief Sister Carol Keehan, a key ally of President Obama on the health law, said last week that the organization could not support a compromise on the free birth control provision of the law.
Some Health System Changes Will Stay, No Matter How SCOTUS Rules
Soaring costs, tight budgets, better technology and industry consolidation ensure health care won’t go back to 2009, no matter what the Supreme Court or Congress do.
GOP Promises Smaller-Scale Health Care Agenda If Court Strikes Down Law
If the court kills part or all of the health law, Republicans will likely wait until after the elections to roll out detailed proposals.
College Health Plans: Exploring The Options
College students and their families will have better health insurance options in the upcoming school year, but costs will be higher.
