Latest KFF Health News Stories
It’s Open Enrollment. Here’s What You Need to Know
For Californians who are buying their own insurance, enrollment in 2021 health plans runs through Jan. 31.
A Biden Win and Republican Senate Might Lead to Gridlock on Health Issues
If Democrat Joe Biden is successful in his bid for the presidency but the Senate remains in GOP control, Democrats’ plans for major changes in health care may be curbed.
Feds Approve Fractious Georgia Plan to Change ACA Marketplace
Under the plan pushed by Gov. Brian Kemp, the healthcare.gov website will no longer provide options for Georgia starting next fall, and consumers will need to rely on private brokers, insurance companies, agents and commercial websites.
Medicare Fines Half of Hospitals for Readmitting Too Many Patients
The penalties are the ninth round of a program created as part of the Affordable Care Act’s broader effort to improve quality and lower costs. The average reduction in federal payments is 0.69%, with 613 hospitals receiving a penalty of 1% or more.
California’s Progressive — and Expensive — Health Care Ambitions Rely on Biden Win
There couldn’t be more at stake for California’s Democratic health care agenda in the presidential race. State lawmakers are already penning big-ticket legislation they hope to pursue should Democrat Joe Biden win, from single-payer to a new wealth tax.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Democrats Link GOP Challengers to Trump’s COVID Record, Efforts to Undo Obamacare
Democratic congressional candidates in California and beyond are linking their Republican opponents to the COVID-19 crisis and the survival of the Affordable Care Act, betting that health care could be a decisive issue for voters, especially in toss-up districts.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: As Cases Spike, White House Declares Pandemic Over
Former President Barack Obama says President Donald Trump is “jealous of COVID’s media coverage.” Indeed, Trump has complained at his rallies, attended by mostly maskless supporters, about how the media covers the pandemic — at a time when cases are rising rapidly across the nation. Meanwhile, open enrollment is about to begin for the Affordable Care Act in a year when many people need coverage, but the law’s future is not secure. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Tami Luhby of CNN and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Rovner interviews KHN’s Anna Almendrala about the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” installment.
A $10,000 Obamacare Penalty? Doubtful.
Experts said a penalty of $10,000 in one year would have been extremely unlikely.
Sen. Graham Complains That 3 Blue States Get a Third of ACA Funding
Sen. Lindsey Graham insinuates that the law is sending a disproportionate amount of money to New York, California and Massachusetts, all represented by Democrats.
Savvy Patient Fought for the Price She Was Quoted − And Didn’t Give Up
A California woman thought the discount on her coinsurance before an operation sounded too good to be true. Turns out, she was right.
If Trump Wins, Don’t Hold Your Breath Waiting for That ACA Replacement Plan
The administration seeks to have the Supreme Court overturn the federal health law but has not explained how it would ensure Americans’ health care coverage.
Colorado Initiative Would Further Limit Access in Middle America’s ‘Abortion Desert’
Colorado voters will decide whether to ban most abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, which would eliminate a haven for people seeking to end their pregnancies in the Midwest and Mountain West.
Arguing to Undo the ACA. Harming Medicare. Do They Go Hand in Hand?
A Biden campaign ad out this month attacks President Donald Trump for pushing to slash Medicare benefits. A campaign spokesperson said the claim comes from the administration’s support for a legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act that seeks to nullify the entire law.
Did Trump Confuse the Public Option With ‘Medicare for All’?
President Donald Trump was off the mark when he said Vice President Joe Biden’s health plan — which includes a public options — will terminate the private insurance of 180 million people.
In Tamer Debate, Trump and Biden Clash (Again) on President’s Pandemic Response
Trump claims the U.S. is “rounding the corner” on COVID, while Biden predicts a “dark winter.” On another front, Trump warns Biden’s health care plan will lead to socialized medicine; Biden promises private insurance isn’t going anywhere.
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Biden’s Big Health Agenda Won’t Be Easy to Achieve
Much like President Barack Obama, a President Biden could find his health policies initially sidelined by economic issues — in his case, caused by the pandemic.
Al sopesar los temas de salud, la mayoría de los votantes se inclinan hacia Biden
Los hallazgos de una nueva encuesta indican que los votantes no confían en las garantías del presidente de que protegerá a las personas con condiciones preexistentes.
Majority of Voters Tilt Toward Biden as Health Issues Weigh Heavily
More than 50% of people said they favor Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s approach to an array of health issues.
