Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Emergency Care Programs Focus On Quality-Of-Life Issues
With training, hospital emergency department staff members can enhance their skills in pain and symptom management and improve their communication skills.
Head Of Major HMO Sees Openings For Accountable Care Organizations-The KHN Interview
Kaiser Permanente’s George Halvorson says that despite the complexity of ACO regs, some versions have the potential to save money and improve care.
Trends To Watch For Curbing Health Costs
Industry mergers, doctor-hospital cooperation, new payment models are among the changes identified by six health care experts.
Trends To Watch For Curbing Health Costs
Industry mergers, doctor-hospital cooperation, new payment models are among the changes identified by six health care experts.
Health Law Bolsters Funding For In-School Clinics
At about 1,900 schools around the country, children can get checkups, vaccinations and help with medication.
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.
