Latest KFF Health News Stories
Consumers May Be Unaware Of Their Right To A Review Of Health Plan Decisions
Millions of Americans gained the right under the federal health law to appeal insurance denials to an independent arbiter but many may not know they have that option.
Some Programs OK’d By Health Law Lacking Funding
Some provisions in the new health law may never get off the ground due to lack of appropriations.
Blue Shield Of California Sets Profit Cap Other Insurers May Not Imitate
Blue Shield of California’s decision to cap profits at 2 percent was widely applauded, but other health insurers aren’t likely to follow suit.
Another Day In Court For The Individual Mandate (Guest Opinion)
Could the health law be overturned on the basis of the requirement that nearly everyone obtain health insurance? Sure. But it would be one more sign that the courts are establishing new limits on federal power, rather than recognizing existing ones. That is not something conservative judges, in particular, say they like to do.
Berwick: “I’ve Got The Back” Of Medicare Beneficiaries – The KHN Interview
Embattled CMS administrator says partnering with providers will improve care and reduce costs.
Berwick: “I’ve Got The Back” Of Medicare Beneficiaries (Video)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick discusses the GOP proposals for controlling the costs of Medicare and “the way out of this Medicaid dilemma.”
Soaring Health Costs Pinned On Medical Devices
The latest devices
States Turn To Foundations To Help Pay Costs of Health Overhaul
Tight budgets are driving more than a dozen states to ask foundations for financial help with setting up exchanges and taking other actions required under the federal health law.
ACO Debacle Exposes Obamacare’s Fatal Conceit (Guest Opinion)
Obamacare’s number-one idea for improving health care quality and reducing costs is to promote something called “accountable care organizations” in Medicare is sinking like a stone because it is premised on the notion that government experts can direct the market better than consumers.
Report: Big Flaws In How Medicare Pays Hospitals, Doctors
A prestigious Institute of Medicine panel says Medicare’s methods of evaluating regional costs are disturbingly imprecise and need to be overhauled.
Feds Cutting Fees, Requirements For High-Risk Health Insurance Pools
With enrollment falling far short of expectations, the Obama administration announces changes to make federally run high risk insurance plans both more affordable and more accessible.
Health On The Hill Transcript: Some States Moving Ahead With Health Insurance Exchanges
In today’s Health on the Hill segment, Christine Vestal of Stateline joins KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Jackie Judd to assess the progress
Some States Moving Ahead With Health Insurance Exchanges (Video)
In today’s Health on the Hill segment, Christine Vestal of Stateline joins KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Jackie Judd to assess the progress
Fact Check: Pat Boone On The Ryan Plan
Even as some Republicans distance themselves from the House-passed budget that would fundamentally change the Medicare program, the conservative seniors group 60 Plus’ celebrity spokesman Pat Boone is boosting the plan.
Health Law Provides Free Prevention Benefits – With Caveats (Video)
KHN’s “Insuring Your Health” columnist Michelle Andrews talks with Jackie Judd about the provisions in the health law that provide for free preventive tests. While the law doesn’t apply to all insurance plans, it should cut costs for many people.
Letter To The Editor: Health Insurance Agents Are Not An ‘Unnecessary Administrative Expense’
The author is responding to a column originally published on KHN on May 9, 2011.
Md. Health Secretary Sharfstein: Health Law Brings ‘Fast And Furious’ Opportunity
Dr. Joshua Sharfstein says his state, which is well ahead of many in implementing the overhaul, is eager to leverage federal help to improve health options.
Pawlenty: The Other Republican Health Reformer
Among the GOP’s bushel of would-be presidents, Romney’s dramatic health reforms command all the press – but rival Tim Pawlenty may have overseen the more radical changes, at least on paper.
Not All Medicare Cuts Are Created Equal (Guest Opinion)
An issue for voters — both in this week’s New York special election and in the run up to 2012 — has to do with the differences in the two parties’ visions for Medicare’s future. After all, Medicare cuts come in all different shapes and sizes.
Conservative Senior Group Comes Up Short In NY Race
Sixty Plus, a 19-year-old organization, has become increasingly active in pushing Republican candidates and causes, will be effective in next year’s elections. It tried to have an impact on this week’s congressional race in New York.