Latest KFF Health News Stories
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about how the health law and online exchanges work.
Connecticut Customers Rush To Retail Store To Buy Insurance
Obamacare business is picking up at a storefront in New Haven, where some customers are getting insurance for the first time and others are hoping to lower their premiums.
Draft Rules Would Help Protect Seniors When Medicare Advantage Plans Drop Doctors
The proposals by federal officials come in response to UnitedHealthcare’s efforts to cancel contracts with thousands of doctors in 10 states just weeks before seniors had to enroll in plans.
A Reader Asks: After I Was In The Hospital, Can I Buy Insurance To Cover My Bills?
KHN’s consumer columnist says insurance generally doesn’t apply to charges for hospital or doctors services from before you signed up, with one exception.
Justices To Weigh Contraceptive Mandate Against Religious Freedom Claims
Two businesses are challenging the health law’s birth control coverage requirement on religious freedom grounds.
Doctors Say Obamacare Rule Will Stick Them With Unpaid Bills
If a patient falls behind on premiums, insurers can hold off paying their doctor bills, and deny them altogether if the patient fails to make good.
10 States Are Critical To Administration’s Efforts To Enroll 6 Million In New Health Plans
Reaching that number might give Democrats bragging rights and make it more likely that state pools are big enough to keep down premiums.
Some Young People Won’t Get Tax Help for Obamacare Insurance
A new study shows that younger people in eight cities who make more than about $32,000 a year won’t get tax credits to help pay for insurance premiums.
Colorado Health Exchange Workers Paid More Than Similar Positions In Three Other States
Nearly half of the employees of Colorado’s health care exchange make more than $80,000 per year — outpacing peers in several states.
Warning: Opting Out Of Your Insurance Plan’s Provider Network Is Risky
Out-of-pocket spending limits and some other safeguards in the health law may not apply.
Thousands Of Young California Immigrants Eligible For Coverage — Though Often They Don’t Know It
State is one of a few nationally to offer insurance to low-income youths whose parents crossed the border illegally or overstayed visas.
Advocates Press For Insurance Subsidies For Domestic Abuse Victims
Even estranged spouses must generally file joint returns to get subsidies for health coverage, putting them at potential risk.
What Went Wrong With Minnesota’s Insurance Exchange
Here is an in-depth look at what went wrong at MNsure, the Minnesota exchange that has been plagued by miscommunication, technology failures and management mistakes.
Nearly 1 Million More Sign Up For Obamacare Plans In February
But the number of enrollees, especially those between 18 and 34, continues to lag expectations.
Union Pushes To Get Philadelphia Cab Drivers Insured
Drivers are targeted because few have health coverage.
What Will Obamacare Really Cost? They Might Be First To Know
A number of insurance companies have agreed to give an actuarial firm early information about enrollment and member health in the plans sold on the online marketplaces.
A Reader Asks: Can I Buy An Exchange Plan When My Policy Expires In May?
KHN’s consumer columnist explains that people can pick an exchange plan if their individual health insurance policies expire after open enrollment ends. Still, it’s smart to start shopping now.
IG Report Findings Could Strengthen Nursing Home Inspections
Nursing home oversight may be moving toward more effective ways to detect poor care.
Marketing Mistakes Hurt Latino Enrollment In California
Research shows that certain sales strategies resonate with American Latinos, but California’s insurance exchange didn’t try any of them initially.
Changes To Health Law Rules Include Extra Month To Enroll In 2015
Some consumers will also get more time to keep plans that don’t meet all the law’s requirements.
