Latest KFF Health News Stories
Birth Control Without Copays Could Become Mandatory
Is birth control part of preventive care for women? That’s the question before an independent panel of experts. And their decision could force insurance companies to fully cover the cost of the pill and other prescription contraceptives
HHS Sets Rules For Consumer-Controlled Health Plans
Supporters hope the nonprofit co-ops will increase competition and cut prices.
Medical Loss Ratio: What Does It Mean For Consumers And Brokers?
In this Kaiser Health News video, Michelle Andrews talks about medical loss ratio, the amount of money an insurer must spend on health care as opposed to administrative costs and profits. The ratio could help ensure consumers are getting the most value for their health insurance premium dollars, Andrews says.
PhRMA Chief Says Support For Health Law ‘Was Right Decision’-The KHN Interview
But John Castellani, who came to the drugmakers’ lobbying group after the health care debate, also warns officials against further cuts to the industry.
Medicare Payment Board Draws Brickbats
The health care overhaul law calls for an independent board to make recommendations for ways to reduce Medicare payments without cutting benefits or increasing costs to beneficiaries. But Congressmen from both sides of the aisle are growing doubtful that such a board will work.
Insurance Usually Covers Diagnosis, Treatment Of Most Sleep Problems
As awareness of the issue has increased, so has expensive testing.
After Much Scrutiny, HHS Releases Health Insurance Exchange Rules
Industry and consumer groups are poring over more than 200 pages of long-awaited proposed federal rules on state-based insurance exchanges, a critical element of the federal health law.
Q&A: Can I Get Medical Treatment And Hospice Care At The Same Time?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader who wonders if there are states where they can get both curative care and hospice care at the same time. The health law may provide some solutions, Andrews says.
Alan D. Aviles, the longest serving president of the nation’s largest municipal health system, discusses his efforts to stabilize HHC’s finances in the face of dramatic budgetary challenges — including the health law’s reduction in special funding for safety net hospitals and state efforts to reduce Medicaid costs.
Utah Health Exchange Is Geared To Small Business Employees-The KHN Interview
Patty Connor, the director of the state’s exchange, says officials designed it for a specific audience but if it has to be expanded to meet federal requirements, the state will do it.
Health On The Hill: Democrats, Republicans Stake Out Positions On Debt Limit
Jackie Judd and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discuss what congressional leaders said
Health Law Provision Could Cost Delaware Hundreds Of Insurance Jobs
Cigna and other insurers are upset coverage for Americans living abroad is not exempted from health law.
Federal Officials Try Again To Bolster Plans For People With Medical Conditions
The administration sets a second premium reduction hoping to entice more enrollees.
Consumers Add Their 2 Cents To Health Law’s Plan Labels
Focus groups evaluate standardized, plain English forms that plans may have to provide customers starting next March.
The State Of School-Based Health Care
Michelle Andrews, author of KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” weekly feature, talks with Jackie Judd about how schools are meeting the growing health care needs of children, from nurses to comprehensive clinics.
Q&A: Should I Consider The High-Risk Pools For Insurance Coverage?
Michelle Andrews answers a question from a reader who wonders if they should look for catastrophic insurance coverage if traditional coverage is out of reach. Consider high-risk pools, Andrews says.
Health On The Hill: Obama Confers With Senate Leaders On Budget
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about President Obama’s separate meetings with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in which the trio is trying to find common ground on Medicare cuts and other controversial proposals to lower the deficit.
Health On The Hill Transcript: Obama Tries To Aid Deficit Talks With Meetings
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about President Obama’s separate meetings with Senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid in which the trio is trying to find common ground on Medicare cuts to help lower the deficit.
A(nother) Bad Month For Obamacare (Guest Opinion)
The month of June has been a tough one for Obamacare. With a variety of reports questioning a range of its provisions, one must wonder how many more months like this it can endure before it becomes a former law?
Berenson: Take Small Steps Now To Lower Medicare Costs
Robert Berenson, an Urban Institute fellow and former official at the Department of Health and Human Services, says a number of small Medicare initiatives are “low-hanging fruit” that could be pursued now in order to control the program’s spending.
