Latest KFF Health News Stories
Federal Officials Urge Marketplace Consumers To Look For Better Deals In 2015
People who bought coverage on healthcare.gov for this year could likely find cheaper premiums if they shop again.
Health Exchange Bill Fizzles In Illinois Legislature
Proponents of state-based health exchange bill say residents’ subsidies are now at risk.
Who Is Getting ACA Insurance – And Who Isn’t
About 10 million people have gained insurance, but there are still several diverse groups of people who won’t get coverage.
Growth In U.S. Health Spending In 2013 Is Lowest Since 1960
The report credits slower growth in spending for private health insurance, Medicare, hospitals, physicians and clinical services.
One Man Explains Why He Is Still Uninsured
Leaburn Alexander works two jobs and has a monster commute. There’s no wiggle room in his budget to pay a health insurance premium – and no time even to meet with an enrollment counselor.
Consumers Will Pay More Out Of Pocket Next Year For Specialty Drugs
More insurers selling Affordable Care Act plans will charge consumers higher rates for medicines that treat multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C and other serious illnesses, Avalere studies say.
If High Court Strikes Federal Exchange Subsidies, Health Law Could Unravel
Some suggest “virtual” state exchanges could be created, but scholars say that’s not likely to pass legal muster.
More Competition Helps Restrain Premiums In Federal Health Marketplace
In counties that are adding at least one insurer next year, average premiums for the least expensive silver plan are rising 1 percent on average, compared to 7 percent in counties where the number of insurers is not changing, KHN analysis finds.
Nearly Half A Million Select Obamacare Plans Through Healthcare.gov In First Week
HHS says it will provide weekly and monthly snapshots of the signups in the 37 states relying on the federal exchange.
Administration Warns Employers: Don’t Dump Sick Workers From Plans
Paying high-risk employees to buy exchange plans is declared illegal.
Marketplaces Will Automatically Renew Consumers’ Plans, But Take A Look First
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about enrollment under the health law and cautions people not to just go with last year’s choice.
Obama Officials Seek To Clarify Abortion Coverage Rules
In some states, insurance plans deviate from Congress’ health law compromise.
HHS Formally Moves To Close Loophole Allowing Plans Without Hospital Benefits
The new proposed rule would bar such plans that had once qualified under a federal calculator.
Wall Street Is Bullish On 2015 Obamacare Enrollment
Analysts project that 11 million people will sign up in 2015 — and more will be younger and healthier.
A Quarter Of Uninsured Say They Can’t Afford To Buy Coverage
Poll finds that the high cost was the biggest obstacle noted by Americans who lack insurance and don’t expect to buy it next year. About half of the uninsured hope to get coverage in 2015.
Former HHS Official Calls For ‘Smarter’ Networks That Deliver Cost-Effective Care
Gary Cohen, a former deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, says the challenge for regulators and insurers is to create networks that not only save money but also deliver better patient outcomes.
Costly Hepatitis C Treatments Help Drive 12 Percent Drug Spending Jump
Increases are expected to moderate as more brand-name drug patents expire and the impact of the liver disease treatments lessens.
Big Changes For 2015 Workplace Plans: Watch Out For These Six Possible Pitfalls
Consumers who get health insurance through their employers need to pay close attention this year to their enrollment materials.
Jonathan Gruber Video Comments Roil Health Law Politics
Videotaped comments by a former consultant on the Affordable Care Act has created serious political blowback for the Obama administration, just as the administration seeks to focus attention on the health law’s second open-enrollment season.
Insurance Exchanges Launch With Few Glitches
More than 100,000 apply for coverage of federal marketplace as year-two health law enrollment period begins.
