Latest KFF Health News Stories
Court Ruling Geared To ‘Closely Held’ Firms, But What Is That?
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., writing for the majority, favors a tight definition for businesses that can be exempted from the health law’s contraceptive mandate. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg suggests the consequences may be farther reaching.
FAQ: High Court’s Hobby Lobby Ruling Cuts Into Contraceptive Mandate
The court says closely held corporations may be exempted from the health law’s mandate that employer health plans cover certain types of contraception at no cost to the employee.
What The Hobby Lobby Decision Means For Employers
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and legal analyst Stuart Taylor discuss Monday’s ruling on the health law’s contraception mandate, examining what the decision could mean for future challenges to the law.
Supreme Court Limits Contraceptive Mandate For Certain Employers
Critics of the 5-4 decision argued it curbs women’s freedom to make appropriate contraceptive decisions.
Washington And Other States See New Insurers On Exchanges
This story is part of a partnership that includes Capital Public Radio, NPR and Kaiser Health News. It can be republished for free. (details) SEATTLE — Washington State’s health insurance exchange is looking to be an attractive marketplace for new health insurance carriers, according to an early analysis of insurer premium rate filings by McKinsey […]
A Reader Asks: Can New Employees Be Forced To Wait 90 Days For Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist says a 90-day delay is allowed by the health law, but employees have other options to get through that time.
ACA Hasn’t Boosted Use Of Mental-Health Care Services In Philly Region
Caregivers blame Pennsylvania’s decision not to expand Medicaid, as well as the continued stigma of seeking such care.
Advocates Worry Conn. Decision Could Undermine Autism Coverage
That state has defined autism behavioral therapy as a type of medical benefit not subject to the mental health parity law, a move that allows insurers more latitude to limit the benefits they offer.
A Reader Asks: Can Our Plan Kick Off Our Daughter Because Her Job Offers Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist says the health law initially allowed some plans to do that, but that provision is no longer valid.
Survey: Most Buying On Insurance Exchanges Were Uninsured
The most satisfied were those who received subsidies; the least satisfied had their previous plans canceled.
Readers Ask: Are Insurance Premiums Capped? Do Doctors Have To Accept Medicare?
KHN’s consumer columnist answers inquiries from readers.
Say What? Many Patients Struggling To Learn The Foreign Language Of Health Insurance
Decoding premiums, co-insurance, co-pays and deductibles has some people reeling
What’s At Stake For Birth Control In Upcoming SCOTUS Decision
Many health plans could be affected by the coming high court ruling on cases challenging the mandate to provide specific types of contraception.
Mass. Inches Toward Health Insurance For All
The latest analysis shows that Massachusetts is close to having most of its eligible residents insured, some eight years after Gov. Mitt Romney signed its landmark state law. But a failed website has delayed the processing of applications, and some of those waiting may yet decide not to buy health plans.
Budget Referees Make It Harder To Evaluate Obamacare Costs
The Congressional Budget Office will no longer evaluate the fiscal implications of some parts of the Affordable Care Act, partly because of all the changes made during implementation. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and The Fiscal Times’ Eric Pianin discuss.
Coast-to-Coast Health Care Woe: Cost
On a reporter’s cross country road trip, Americans talk about all the health policy highlights
A Reader Asks: Where Can My Daughter Who Turns 26 Mid-Year Get Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist offers several suggestions to a mother worried about her adult child “aging off” the family’s work-based insurance.
A Hot Sauce Accident Leads To Health Insurance
Last December we profiled a Texas woman who was uninsured and undecided about whether to buy an insurance plan. But after a minor accident became a major problem, she decided to buy Obamacare insurance and is thrilled with it.
Frustrated By The Affordable Care Act, One Family Opts Out
Obamacare seemed like the perfect solution for the Robinson family in Dallas, Texas, until they tried to find an obstetrician who took the plan.
A Reader Asks: Can I Cancel My Marketplace Plan If My Boss Decides To Offer Coverage?
KHN’s consumer columnist notes that consumers can drop a plan from the online exchanges anytime, but there are some important factors to consider.
