Latest KFF Health News Stories
Barriers Remain Despite Health Law’s Push To Expand Access To Substance Abuse Treatment
A decades-old Medicaid restriction prevents treatment centers with more than 16 beds from billing the program for residential services for low-income adults.
Early Drug Claims Suggest Exchange Plan Enrollees Are Sicker Than Average
But experts say it’s too early to draw conclusions about the impact on premiums.
Clients Save, Insurers Get Boost From Affordable Care Act
As enrollment continues for some, insurers like Independence Blue Cross in Pennsylvania are busy trying to show new customers how to use their policies.
Obama Administration Retreats On Private Medicare Rate Cuts
But insurers still contest the claim that rates will rise slightly after arriving at their own calculations of the originally proposed cuts.
Kit Bond Works Missouri Capitol’s Halls On Medicaid Expansion
The former governor has been meeting with legislators, some of whom weren’t born when he first came to Jefferson City as state auditor in 1970.
A Reader Asks: Does My Swedish Health Plan Meet ACA Requirements?
KHN’s consumer columnist reports that foreign insurance policies must meet HHS standards for “minimum essential coverage” to be considered a replacement for marketplace plans.
State Exchange Executives Face Tough Questions From House Subcommittee
For some states, like California, things have gone well. But the rollout in states like Maryland and Oregon has been rocky. Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss what we’ve learned about why some did better than others.
Top Boston Hospital Begins To Tackle Readmissions Problem
One Boston hospital uses a Medicare fine, soul searching, and a plan for follow-up to reduce its alarming readmissions rate.
Co-op Health Insurance Plans See Early Success
Montana’s health insurance co-op is encouraged by its strong enrollment and plans to expand into Idaho next year. But some caution that it will be difficult for co-ops to grow beyond a niche player.
Obama: ‘The Affordable Care Act Is Here To Stay’
It a statement in the White House Rose Garden, the president Tuesday touted over 7 million sign-ups for health insurance on the health law’s marketplaces.
Community Health Centers May Provide Services For Those Who Remain Uninsured
People who chose to not enroll under the health law or could not afford coverage have limited options for care.
For A Family With Job-Based Insurance, Premium Subsidies Fall Far Short Of Promises
A Texas woman explains how her family’s hopes of help from the health law were dashed when they found out that they were not eligible.
What Happens Next On The Health Law?
As the first open enrollment period draws to a close, here are seven things to watch for clues about what the health law’s future might hold.
Insurance Agents Enroll More Than 4,000 Haitian-Americans in South Florida
A group of Haitian-American insurance agents have seized the opportunity to bring health coverage to their own South Florida communities, where they estimate seven out of 10 people are uninsured.
Internet Startup Offers Californians Quick Assessments Of Some Insurance Plans
Stride Health, which began operations last month, seeks to provide on-demand, personalized results that people have come to expect on the Web from the likes of Google and Amazon.
Colorado Health Exchange’s Marketing Budget Draws Enrollees, Critics
Colorado officials on both sides of the aisle are arguing over the effectiveness of the $8 million marketing spend the state’s insurance marketplace.
3 Million And Counting: Final Push Underway To Enroll Californians In Health Plans
But some residents remain unconvinced they need coverage, and others say they can’t afford it even with financial help.
Going Without Health Insurance Will Likely Cost You At Tax Time
Tax experts say the penalty for not having coverage will exceed $95 for most people and encourage consumers to apply for tax credits to offset insurance premiums.
Health Outreach Project Educates Students On California Campuses
Largely low-income and minority California State University students want health insurance but many are afraid they can’t afford it. Outreach workers are scrambling to sign them up.
Young But Not So Invincible in California
Largely low-income and minority California State University students want health insurance but many are afraid they can’t afford it. Outreach workers are scrambling to sign them up.
