Latest KFF Health News Stories
Promises To Fix Mental Health System Still Unfulfilled
Even for those with the will and drive to pursue treatment, the process remains difficult, frightening and full of holes. On the federal level, little has come from the task forces and promises that followed the Newtown shootings.
Thousands In Obamacare’s High-Risk Pools Get Month’s Reprieve
The program’s extension is one of several initiatives the Obama administration announced Thursday to make it easier for consumers to get health coverage despite balky enrollment websites.
Congress Moves Closer To Changing How Medicare Pays Doctors
Key House and Senate committees approved legislation Thursday to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate, the formula officials use to pay doctors who treat Medicare patients. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro’s Jennifer Haberkorn discuss.
Some Ski Country Coloradans Angry About Higher Insurance Rates
Health insurance costs more in the famous ski areas of Colorado than in nearby Denver, and residents are crying foul.
Why Some State Health Exchanges Worked
The most successful exchanges kept things simple, amply tested systems
Sebelius Asks Inspector General To Probe Website Problems
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and CQ Roll Call’s Emily Ethridge discuss HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, which included updates on steps officials are taking to repair the health law’s online insurance exchange.
More Than 110,000 Signed Up For Coverage Through Healthcare.gov In November
Navigators report a surge in consumer interest since the website became easier to use.
Obamacare Benefits Elusive For Many Working Poor In Northern Florida
In rural panhandle towns, people know little about the health law, and what they know they don’t like. Still, many could benefit from the law’s subsidies to buy insurance, while others will be left out because the state is not expanding Medicaid.
Some California Insurance Plans Narrow Doctor, Hospital Choices
In an effort to reduce costs, Blue Shield sent thousands of cancellation notices informing customers that the company will begin to offer newer, more limited plans at the beginning of the year.
New York’s Insurance Exchange Readies For Holiday Rush
There is a Dec. 23 enrollment deadline for insurance that starts Jan. 1, and New York is staffing up its call center and smoothing out the rough spots on its application to meet growing demand.
Minnesotans Who Think They Signed Up For Health Insurance May Not Be Enrolled
Insurance companies say information they’re getting from MNsure, Minnesota’s insurance exchange, is inaccurate and incomplete – and that time is running out to fix the problems.
What Happens If My Income Changes After I Receive An Insurance Subsidy?
KHN consumer columnist Michelle Andrews says a reader may have to repay some of the subsidy and describes how this would typically work.
In Kansas, A Fight Over Developmentally Disabled Shifting To Medicaid Managed Care
In Kansas, families are worried about three for-profit insurers taking charge of providing all home- and community-based services for 8,500 developmentally disabled people beginning Jan. 1.
Some Face Marriage Penalty In Obamacare Subsidies
Married couples earning over $62,000 are not eligible for subsidies they might have gotten as two single individuals.
Medicaid Expansion To Cover Many Former Prisoners
The Department of Justice estimates former inmates and detainees will comprise about 35 percent of the people who will qualify for Medicaid coverage in the states expanding their programs.
When Palliative Care Is The Best Care
A growing subspecialty that manages pain and stress for the seriously ill saves money, increases patient satisfaction and lengthens lives.
Many Wash. Health-Exchange Plans Exclude Top Hospitals From Coverage
Many insurers offering plans through the state’s exchange marketplace plan, Washington Healthplanfinder, have trimmed the include-all-providers networks in favor of more narrow plans.
With Three Weeks Left, Consumers Fear They May End Up Without Health Coverage On New Year’s Day
Insurance marketplace malfunctions have left some eager consumers in limbo as deadline to enroll nears. “I’m praying to God,” one says.
UnitedHealthcare Dropping Hundreds Of Doctors From Medicare Advantage Plans
The insurer has been notifying members about the network changes as the Dec. 7 deadline for choosing coverage for next year quickly approaches.
Covered California Faulted For Failing To Reach More Spanish Speakers
Dismal enrollment numbers in October spark cry for action.
