Latest KFF Health News Stories
Medicaid is front and center in the debate on overhauling the U.S health system and expanding coverage to the uninsured. With 60 million enrollees, Medicaid dwarfs other insurance programs, including its cousin, Medicare, which covers 44 million elderly and disabled people. Here’s a chance to test your knowledge of Medicaid.
Some Doctors Cut Deals With Struggling Patients
Doctors across the country are reducing their charges and offering payment plans to patients who have lost health insurance or income. This helps people stay well, but it also helps doctors maintain their practices at a time when many financially struggling Americans are deferring care. Patients who don’t pay their bills still run the risk of hearing from bill collectors.
Why Higher Taxes Will Improve Your Health
Already, you can hear the opponents of health care reform making a familiar argument: It will mean huge new taxes. Although they’re exaggerating–the tax hikes wouldn’t be “huge”–you should be willing to pay these new taxes. Happily.
Message From Massachusetts: Insurance Requirement Can Provoke Anger
If Congress wants all Americans to get health insurance, it will have to win over people like Gary Cloutier, owner of Cloots Auto Body Shop in Westfield, Mass. He says he just can’t afford it.
New College Grads Scramble For Insurance In Faltering Economy
Young adults who are ousted from their parents’ health plans are among the largest and fastest-growing groups of uninsured.
New Jersey Program Finds Alternatives for ER ‘Super Users’
Emergency room doctors noticed the difference. Many of their “super user” patients weren’t coming around much anymore.
People young and old crowd the hallway outside the locked door of the Arlington Free Clinic. They grip small pieces of paper that will determine whether they get in — or give up and go home.
Americans Ensnared By Medical Debt
The rising costs of care and a failing economy drive more Americans into medical debt.
Bankrupted by nearly $100,000 in medical debt, the Eaker’s are now barred from a large clinic.
Salary: $52,000. Debt: $55,000
One woman’s medical bills and debt from an emergency hospitalization exceed her annual salary.
The Single Mother and Bad Credit
For single mom, credit card was no panacea for an Orthodontist’s Bill.
Jim and Jackie Eyler, of Westminster, Md., are employed, insured and unable to pay down a $10,000 credit card balance.
The Clifford’s struggle to pay for treatment of their serious medical problems.
