Latest KFF Health News Stories
For Some Families, ‘Cadillac’ Health Insurance Is Priceless
For two families, “gold-plated” health insurance has made a huge difference in the health care they receive. But it’s not always the rich who get these benefits, and they worry about what a possible tax on plans would do to their health coverage.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 21, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin discuss recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
Facing Aging Without Health Insurance
Fernando Arriola, 58, had full health coverage for years at his former job, but since starting his own contracting business, there are no affordable coverage options for him and his wife. Part of our special series, “Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance,” produced in partnership with NPR.
Reform’s Bottom Line: It’s All About the Money
This week, just maybe, we’ll learn whether the Democrats and their allies can come up with the money to pay for health reform.
For Federal Workers, Insurance Plan Offers Many Choices
As part of our series co-produced with NPR, Are You Covered? A look at Americans and Health Insurance, today we profile Rhonda Dorsey and her daughter Toni, 13, who feel lucky to have health care coverage that helps to pay for Toni’s diabetes medicine.
Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Explained
As part of our series, “Are You Covered? A Look at Americans and Health Insurance,” KHN and NPR examine the federal health benefits program, which is considered a model for the nation.
Public Option? Arizona Has Had One For Years
As the debate continues on what might happen if the government enacts a public health care option, Arizona’s experience may serve as a touchstone. The state has offered small businesses a public option since 1985 – and it has gotten mixed reviews. This story comes from our partner NPR News.
Some Insurers Trade In Jargon For Plain English
A number of insurers are replacing jargon with plain English. Aetna has published a book called “Navigating Your Health Benefits for Dummies.” CIGNA employees are taught, for example, that they should use “doctor” instead of “provider” in communicating with the public.
Confusing Insurance Jargon Prompts Call For Reform
Insurers sometimes make it difficult for consumers to understand and use their benefits. One U.S. senator has drafted legislation to hold insurers to higher standards, but the industry is already moving to make changes.
Economists Debate ‘Public Option’ On Health Care
The idea of creating a government-run health care plan to compete with regular insurance companies has received mixed grades among economists. The debate is over whether the plan would eliminate waste in the system as advertised.
Health Policy Experts Urge Congress To Abandon Ideological Differences On Overhaul
Veteran health policy experts urged lawmakers to put aside ideological differences and take immediate action to create broad based changes in the nation’s health care system.
Douglas: State Governors Need ‘Time, Flexibility’ For Successful Health Reform
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas commented Thursday on the newly released Senate Finance Committee health reform measure, saying the parts of it that deal with insurance reforms and exchanges “still need work,” but that overall the bill is “headed down a path that seems workable.”
Transcript: Obama At Health Care Rally ‘Fired Up And Ready To Go’
The White House released a transcript of President Obama’s remarks to a rally at the University of Maryland. He encourages the enthusiastic crowd to support his health care proposal.
Chasm In Congress Over How Much Individuals Should Pay For Health Care
One of the central issues in the health reform debate is how much Americans should be expected to spend on insurance before getting help from the government.
Baucus Plan Gives A Nod To GOP Ideas
Democrats’ latest proposal includes some Republican-inspired provisions, though in a watered-down form.
Coburn Bill Would Create Panel to Oversee Quality
Bill raises questions among some Conservatives, who worry it creates a new bureaucracy.
The Indian Health Service Paradox
The Indian Health Service serves as an example of “big” government health care that is lean and efficient.
The Predicament of Near-Seniors And Health Reform
The differing interests and preferences of seniors and near-seniors reflect the perils of incremental reform in reaching universal coverage.
Highlights Of Senator Max Baucus’ News Conference
The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., discussed his health proposal at a Capitol Hill news conference today. He acknowledged the lack of Republican support, but expressed confidence that some members of the GOP would sign on, saying: “At the end of the day, we all share a common purpose, that is to make the lives of Americans better tomorrow than they are today, and to get health-care reform done, which means the time to come for action is now.”
Baucus Releases Bill: No Public Option
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus unveiled a health care bill today that would require most people to have health insurance and would bar insurance companies from discriminating against people with medical problems.
Video Highlights Of The News Conference | Mary Agnes Carey Discusses What The New Bill Means
