New California Law Makes It Easier to Get Care for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
USE OUR CONTENT It can be republished for free. Karen Bailey’s 20-year-old daughter has struggled with depression and anxiety for years. Since 2017, she’s been […]
Insurance
Oscar Health looks to raise $1B in IPO
Insurance startup Oscar Health plans to price its IPO between $32 and $34 per share. The New York-based startup plans to trade on the New […]
New Single-Payer Bill Intensifies Newsom’s Political Peril
Use Our Content It can be republished for free. SACRAMENTO — A group of Democratic state lawmakers introduced legislation Friday to create a single-payer health […]
Why Biden Has a Chance to Cut Deals With Red State Holdouts on Medicaid
President Joe Biden has an unexpected opening to cut deals with red states to expand Medicaid, raising the prospect that the new administration could extend […]
Los mercados de seguros de salud reabrieron. Esto es lo que necesitas saber
Para quienes han estado sin seguro médico durante la pandemia, el alivio ya está a la vista. En enero, el presidente Joe Biden firmó una […]
The ACA Marketplace Is Open Again for Insurance Sign-Ups. Here’s What You Need to Know.
This story also ran on NPR. It can be republished for free. For people who’ve been without health insurance during the pandemic, relief is in […]
Tech Companies Mobilize to Schedule Vaccine Appointments, But Often Fall Short
This story also ran on Fortune. It can be republished for free. On Jan. 14 at 8:43 p.m., Patrick McKenzie tweeted a plea for tech […]
Insurance startup Oscar Health bets on its tech as it files for IPO
Oscar Health filed preliminary paperwork for an IPO on Friday. The health insurance startup is betting that its technology can give it an edge as […]
Biden to reopen ACA marketplaces for 3 months
The Biden administration established a special enrollment period to give uninsured Americans a chance to sign up for insurance on the HealthCare.gov markets. Providers and […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The Long Road to Unwinding Trump Health Policies
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. Thursday was “health day” in President Joe Biden’s sprint to launch his presidency, and he […]
Baby Blues: First-Time Parents Blindsided by ‘the Birthday Rule’ and a $207,455 NICU Bill
In the nine months leading up to her due date, Kayla Kjelshus and her husband, Mikkel, meticulously planned for their daughter’s arrival. This story also […]
Insurtech startup Sidecar Health’s valuation hits $1B
The new startup unicorn’s insurance product enables members to shop for medical services and pay directly for care. The company raised $125 million in a […]
Health Issues Carried Weight on the Campaign Trail. What Could Biden Do in His First 100 Days?
Joe Biden ran on an expansive health care platform during his 2020 presidential campaign, with a broad array of promises such as adding a government-sponsored […]
After a Decade of Lobbying, ALS Patients Gain Faster Access to Disability Payments
Anita Baron first noticed something was wrong in August 2018, when she began to drool. Her dentist chalked it up to a problem with her […]
‘An Arm and a Leg’: Host Dan Weissmann Talks Price Transparency on ‘Axios Today’
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen. As we settle into the new year, we have two small doses of good news. First, a […]
Aunque controlen el Senado, demócratas necesitarán apoyo republicano en temas clave de salud
Ante la pandemia, los demócratas han abogado por ayudas más generosas, más presión sobre las farmacéuticas para que bajen los precios y más atención al […]
Even With Senate Control, Democrats Will Need Buy-In From GOP on Key Health Priorities
Use Our Content It can be republished for free. Democrats have argued for more generous pandemic relief, more pressure on drugmakers to lower prices and […]
Trump Administration Approves First Medicaid Block Grant, in Tennessee
Use Our Content It can be republished for free. With just a dozen days left in power, the Trump administration on Friday approved a radically […]
Biden’s First Order of Business May Be to Undo Trump’s Policies, but It Won’t Be Easy
The party split in Congress is so slim that, even with Democrats technically in the majority, passing major health care legislation will be extremely difficult. […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Georgia Turns the Senate Blue
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. Surprise Democratic victories in Georgia’s two runoff elections this week will give Democrats control of […]
Illinois, primer estado en ofrecer cobertura médica a adultos mayores indocumentados
Como jefa de enfermería en uno de los hospitales más concurridos de la red de seguridad de atención médica de Chicago, Raquel Prendkowski ha sido […]
Illinois Is First in the Nation to Extend Health Coverage to Undocumented Seniors
As a nurse manager for one of Chicago’s busiest safety-net hospitals, Raquel Prendkowski has witnessed covid-19’s devastating toll on many of the city’s most vulnerable […]
‘An Arm and a Leg’: A Look Back at 2020 — What We Learned and Where We’re Headed
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen. This episode turns the tables: Host Dan Weissmann gets interviewed about what he learned in 2020 and […]
Many Health Plans Now Must Cover Full Cost of Expensive HIV Prevention Drugs
Ted Howard started taking Truvada a few years ago because he wanted to protect himself against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But the daily […]
Hospital Prices Just Got a Lot More Transparent. What Does This Mean for You?
Hospitals face the new year with new requirements to post price information they have long sought to obscure: the actual prices negotiated with insurers and […]
Democrats Are Running Hard on Health Care in Georgia’s Senate Runoffs. Republicans? Not So Much.
This story is from a reporting partnership that includes WABE, NPR and KHN. It can be republished for free. Vice President Mike Pence was the […]
After raising $140M, Oscar confidentially files for IPO
On the heels of a $140 million funding round, insurance startup Oscar Health confidentially filed for an IPO.
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: All I Want for Christmas Is a COVID Relief Bill
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. Congress appears to be inching ever closer to agreement on a long-delayed COVID-19 relief bill, […]
Readers and Tweeters Defend Front-Line Nurses and Blind Us With Science
Letters to the Editor is a periodic feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We edit for length and clarity and require full names. […]
‘An Arm and a Leg’: Shopping for Health Insurance? Here’s How One Family Tried to Pick a Plan
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen. When host Dan Weissmann and his wife set out to pick a health insurance plan for next […]
With Becerra as HHS Pick, California Plots More Progressive Health Care Agenda
SACRAMENTO — President-elect Joe Biden didn’t back “Medicare for All” during his campaign. Yet his choice of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to serve in […]
Pear Therapeutics raises $80M in push for reimbursement
SoftBank’s second Vision Fund led the recent funding round. Pear plans to use it to accelerate reimbursement coverage for its three FDA-cleared products.
Xavier Becerra en sus propias palabras: “La atención de salud es un derecho”
El presidente electo Joe Biden nombró al fiscal general de California, Xavier Becerra, para dirigir el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS) de los […]
Xavier Becerra in His Own Words: ‘Health Care Is a Right’
President-elect Joe Biden has tapped California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Becerra, who would be the […]
California Lawmakers to Newsom: Give All Immigrants Health Coverage
Use Our Content It can be republished for free. SACRAMENTO — California Democratic lawmakers so far have failed to convince Gov. Gavin Newsom that the […]
Trump Rule Gives Small Companies a New Tool to Help Workers Buy Health Coverage
Until October, Andrea LaRew was paying $950 a month for health insurance through her job at the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & Economic Development Corp. […]
During ACA Open Enrollment, Picking a Plan Invites New COVID Complications
People buying their own health insurance have even more to think about this year, particularly those post-COVID-19 patients with lingering health concerns, the “long haulers,” […]
ACA could help millions of uninsured gain free coverage
Millions of Americans without healthcare insurance could be eligible to get coverage for free, or nearly free, through financial assistance offered under the Affordable Care […]
After Kid’s Minor Bike Accident, Major Bill Sets Legal Wheels in Motion
Adam Woodrum was out for a bike ride with his wife and kids on July 19 when his then 9-year-old son, Robert, crashed. “He cut […]
Were You Notified About Missing Tax Forms for Your ACA Subsidy? Blame COVID.
The notice from the federal health insurance marketplace grabbed Andrew Schenker’s attention: ACT NOW: YOU’RE AT RISK OF LOSING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE STARTING JANUARY 1, 2021. […]
KHN on the Air This Week
KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber discussed COVID-19 surges in Wisconsin with Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Central Time” on Nov. 13. Click here to hear Weber on […]
Telehealth alone not enough to offset crushing demand for mental health services
Lightened telehealth regulations have expanded access to virtual visits for therapy and other mental health surges. But many patients still aren’t having their needs met.
Surprise Federal Drug Rule Directs Insurers to Reveal What They Pay for Prescription Drugs
Health insurance companies will have to give their customers estimated out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and disclose to the public the negotiated prices they pay […]
‘An Arm and a Leg’: For Your Next Health Insurance Fight, an Exercise in Financial Self-Defense
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen. A listener asked: ‘How do I remain cool when calling insurance companies?” So we called veteran self-defense […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Transition Interrupted
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. Five days after the election was called for President-elect Joe Biden, President Donald Trump […]
Workers Who Lost Jobs Due to COVID May Need Help Getting Coverage This Fall
Michelina Moen lost her job and health insurance in April. Only weeks earlier she had begun to feel ill and not her usual energetic self […]
Aetna, McLaren Physician Partners collaborate to extend coverage in Michigan
The health insurer and Michigan-based physician organization are partnering to expand access to in-network care for around 40,000 individual and group Medicare Advantage plan members. […]
Fiscal general de California: los jueces deben ver que ACA es “indispensable”
Sacramento.- Cuando la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos esté escuchando el martes 10 un caso que podría decidir el destino de la Ley de […]
Justices Bound to See ACA as ‘Indispensable,’ Says Californian Leading Defense
SACRAMENTO — When the U.S. Supreme Court hears a case Tuesday that could decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act, California will be leading […]
What to Know as ACA Heads to Supreme Court — Again
The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear oral arguments in a case that, for the third time in eight years, could result in the justices […]
Biden Wins, but His Health Agenda Dims With GOP Likely to Hold Senate
Former Vice President Joe Biden secured the 270 electoral votes needed to capture the White House on Saturday, major news organizations projected, after election officials […]
KHN on the Air This Week
Columnist and California Healthline senior correspondent Bernard J. Wolfson discussed the start of open enrollment for health care plans in California with KPCC’s “Take Two” […]
In claims analysis, Pear finds digital therapeutic for opioid use disorder decreased medical costs
In a review of real-world claims data, Pear Therapeutics found that its digital therapeutic for opioid use disorder resulted in a reduction in spending $2,150 […]
Longtime Health Advocate Donna Shalala Loses House Reelection Race
Rep. Donna E. Shalala of Florida, the first-term Democratic member of Congress and former Health and Human Services secretary in the Clinton administration, lost her […]
U.S. physicians split on future of payer landscape, survey shows
A new survey of U.S. physicians shows that they have differing views on how the payer market needs to evolve, but a vast majority agree […]
If They Sweep on Election Day, Dems Still Face a Challenge Meeting Health Promises
Democrats are favored to win both chambers of Congress after years of campaign-trail promises about health care. But with a pandemic, a more conservative Supreme […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: As Cases Spike, White House Declares Pandemic Over
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said this week that “we’re not going to […]
A $10,000 Obamacare Penalty? Doubtful.
“Because our family couldn’t afford health insurance, Obama/Biden penalized us about $10,000, then took that $10,000 and used it to pay for others’ free Obamacare. […]
Sen. Graham Complains That 3 Blue States Get a Third of ACA Funding
Sen. Lindsey Graham has never been a fan of the Affordable Care Act — even though it’s helped dramatically lower the number of uninsured people […]
Hospital Bills for Uninsured COVID Patients Are Covered, but No One Tells Them
When Darius Settles died from COVID-19 on the Fourth of July, his family and the city of Nashville, Tennessee, were shocked. Even the mayor noted […]
App-Based Companies Pushing Prop. 22 Say Drivers Will Get Health Benefits. Will They?
App-based driving services such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are bankrolling California’s Proposition 22, which would keep their drivers classified as independent contractors, not […]
The Trump Medicaid Record: Big Goals, Yet Few Successes
President Donald Trump entered office seeking a massive overhaul of the Medicaid program, which had just experienced the biggest growth spurt in its 50-year history. […]
Savvy Patient Fought for the Price She Was Quoted − And Didn’t Give Up
When Tiffany Qiu heard how much her surgery was going to cost her, she was sure the hospital’s financial department had made a mistake. Qiu, […]
If Trump Wins, Don’t Hold Your Breath Waiting for That ACA Replacement Plan
If President Donald Trump wins reelection next week, it seems unlikely he will unveil the health plan he’s been promising since before his election in […]
How Bind Benefits’ CEO will use $105M to upend the health insurance market
Insurance startup Bind Benefits just raised $105 million in a Series B funding round to further expand into the fully insured market. CEO Tony Miller […]
Did Trump Confuse the Public Option With ‘Medicare for All’?
During the final presidential debate, President Donald Trump claimed that 180 million people would lose their private health insurance to socialized medicine if the Democratic […]
In Tamer Debate, Trump and Biden Clash (Again) on President’s Pandemic Response
In the second and final debate of the 2020 presidential race, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden sparred over Trump’s handling of […]
Even With ACA’s Fate in Flux, Open Enrollment Starts Soon. Here’s What’s New.
Facing a pandemic, record unemployment and unknown future costs for COVID-19 treatments, health insurers selling Affordable Care Act plans to individuals reacted by lowering rates […]
Nebraska gets approval to add work requirements to Medicaid expansion
After Nebraskans cast their vote for Medicaid expansion in 2018, the state is finally expanding coverage to more residents. As part of the state’s rollout, […]
Clover’s growth projections reveal direct contracting pivot
When it announced plans to go public through a blank-check company, Clover Health shared ambitious projections for its future membership. Much of that growth is […]
Job-Based Health Insurance Costs Are Up 4% This Year, 55% in Past Decade
Health insurance costs for Americans who get their coverage through work continued a relentless march upward with average family premiums rising 4% to $21,342 this […]
Does the Federal Health Information Privacy Law Protect President Trump?
Within one day, President Donald Trump announced his COVID diagnosis and was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment. The flurry of […]
Refuge in the Storm? ACA’s Role as Safety Net Is Tested by COVID Recession
The Affordable Care Act, facing its first test during a deep recession, is providing a refuge for some — but by no means all — […]
Fighting for Patient Protections While Attacking ACA — Hard to Have It Both Ways
Throughout the 2020 election cycle, candidates’ positions on health care have been particularly important for voters with underlying and often expensive medical needs — in […]
Clover Health goes public in $3.7B SPAC deal
Medicare Advantage startup Clover Health will go public in a blank-check acquisition led by billionaire Chamath Palihapitiya. The deal will value Clover at $3.7 billion.
UnitedHealthcare plans big Medicare Advantage expansion for 2021
The insurer plans to increase the footprint for its Medicare Advantage plans by 50%, adding plans in 300 additional counties.
KHN on the Air This Week
KHN senior correspondent Sarah Jane Tribble appeared on Newsy’s “Morning Rush” on Thursday to discuss rural hospital closures and KHN’s brand-new “Where It Hurts” podcast. […]
Biden’s in the Ballpark on How Many People Have Preexisting Conditions
The first minutes of Tuesday’s presidential debate immediately turned to how President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg could undo […]
Allina, BCBS of Minnesota strike big value-based contract
The two companies had been negotiating a six-year value-based contract prior to the start of the pandemic. Allina and BCBS of Minnesota expect the agreement […]
COVID + Influenza: éste es un buen año para vacunarse, aconsejan expertos
La temporada de influenza se verá diferente este año, ya que los Estados Unidos se enfrentan a una pandemia de coronavirus que ya ha matado […]
COVID + Influenza: This Is a Good Year to Get a Flu Shot, Experts Advise
Flu season will look different this year, as the country grapples with a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 172,000 people. Many Americans are […]
Opposition to Obamacare Becomes Political Liability for GOP Incumbents
In the 2014 elections, Republicans rode a wave of anti-Affordable Care Act sentiment to pick up nine Senate seats, the largest gain for either party […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’ Replay: What’s at Stake When High Court Hears ACA Case
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. The “What the Health?” panelists are taking a break for two weeks. But since the […]
Republican Convention, Day 1: A Campaign-Style Trump Speech and More
Before the prime-time GOP showcase began, President Donald Trump took to the podium Monday afternoon and delivered an approximately one-hour campaign-style speech to delegates after […]
Veteran’s Appendectomy Launches Excruciating Months-Long Battle Over Bill
In late August 2019, Shannon Harness awoke to serious pain in the lower right side of his abdomen — a telltale sign of appendicitis. He […]
Democratic Convention, Night 4: ‘Facts Over Fiction’ in Biden’s Speech
In a near-empty arena on the river in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, former Vice President Joe Biden accepted the Democratic nomination for president, promising […]
KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Democrats in Array (For Now)
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. Democrats have shown a remarkably united front, including on health care, in their socially distant, […]
Cleveland Clinic teams up with Aetna to launch insurance plan
The Cleveland Clinic struck a partnership with CVS Health subsidiary Aetna to form a new accountable care organization (ACO). The two companies plan to launch […]
GOP Senate Ad Misrepresents Mont. Governor’s Stance on Rural Hospitals, Public Option
An attack ad, which was released in mid-July, states that Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democratic candidate for the Senate, supports a government-run health care […]
‘Pennie’-Pinching States Take Over Obamacare Exchanges From Feds
Pennsylvania is rolling out its new “Pennie” this fall: a state-run insurance exchange that officials say will save residents collectively millions of dollars on next […]
Big profits put insurers on awkward footing
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, all of the seven largest commercial insurers saw their profits rise, with some seeing their profits double. Will […]
Primary Care Doctors Look at Payment Overhaul After Pandemic Disruption
For Dr. Gabe Charbonneau, a primary care doctor in Stevensville, Montana, the coronavirus pandemic is an existential threat. Charbonneau, 43, his two partners and 10 […]
Kaiser sees Q2 net income more than double to $4.5B
For the quarter ending on June 30, when many health systems face a rising number of Covid-19 cases, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan more than […]
‘An Arm and a Leg’: Financial Self-Defense School Is Now in Session
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen. When you need medical care, it can be a lot like entering a casino — playing for […]
Whistleblower lawsuit accuses Cigna of Medicare Advantage fraud
A recently unsealed whistleblower case filed by the Department of Justice accuses Cigna of fraudulently overbilling for its Medicare Advantage plans. Allegations claim the company […]
KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Still Waiting for That Trump Health Plan
Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on SoundCloud. President Donald Trump keeps promising to unveil a comprehensive plan to replace the Affordable Care […]
Missouri Voters Approve Medicaid Expansion Despite GOP Resistance
Despite strong opposition from Republicans and rural voters, Missouri on Tuesday joined 37 states and the District of Columbia in expanding its Medicaid program. Voters […]
Covered California Announces Record-Low Rate Hike for 2021
Premiums for health plans sold through Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act insurance exchange, will rise an average of 0.6% next year — the […]
Oscar Health plans to offer individual plans in 19 new markets
Insurance startup Oscar Health plans to expand to 19 new markets next year, pending regulatory approval. The company will offer individual and family health plans […]
Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers
When COVID-19 smacked the United States in March and April, health plans feared medical costs could skyrocket, jacking up premiums drastically in 2021, when millions […]
Missourians to Vote on Medicaid Expansion as Crisis Leaves Millions Without Insurance
ST. LOUIS — Haley Organ thought she had everything figured out. After graduating from a small private college just outside Boston, she earned her master’s […]
Medi-Cal Agency’s New Head Wants to Tackle Disparities and Racism
When Will Lightbourne looked at the statistics behind California’s coronavirus cases, the disparities were “blindingly clear”: Blacks and Latinos are dying at higher rates than […]
The COVID-19 Downturn Triggers Jump in Medicaid Enrollment
Reversing a three-year decline, the number of people covered by Medicaid nationwide rose markedly this spring as the impact of the recession caused by the […]
Last Thing Patients Need During Pandemic: Being Last to Know a Doctor Left Network
NEW YORK — As the coronavirus spread silently through New York City early this year, Deborah Koeppel had an appointment with her cardiologist and two […]
With DACA Ruling, Did Supreme Court Grant Trump New Powers To Reshape Health Care?
President Donald Trump came into office vowing to repeal and replace Obamacare. While he successfully neutralized the health care law’s requirement that everyone carry insurance, […]
Humana plans to send 1 million home screening kits to its members
Humana will send 1 million screening kits to its members for managing diabetes and screening for colorectal cancer. The at-home tests are intended to offset […]
Medicaid Mystery: Millions of Enrollees Haven’t Materialized in California
The predictions were dire: Coronavirus lockdowns would put millions of Americans out of work, stripping them of their health insurance and pushing them into Medicaid, […]
Another Problem on the Health Horizon: Medicare Is Running Out of Money
Everyone involved even tangentially in health care today is completely consumed by the coronavirus pandemic, as they should be. But the pandemic is accelerating a […]
Medicare Advantage startup Clover Health plans big expansion
Clover Health said it plans to triple its footprint in the next year, pending CMS approval. But the insurer has also posted a net loss […]
Digital health startup Kaia hopes to win over insurers with results of back pain study
Kaia Health, a startup making an app to help users manage back pain, touted the results of a large, randomized controlled trial using its app. […]
Molina expands into Kentucky with $20M acquisition of Passport Health Plan
Molina will acquire Passport Health Plan’s Medicaid and dual-eligible business for $20 million. The Kentucky-based company is a long-standing provider of Medicaid managed care plans, […]
Administration Eases Rules to Give Laid-Off Workers More Time to Sign Up for COBRA
People who’ve been laid off or furloughed from their jobs now have significantly more time to decide whether to hang on to their employer-sponsored health […]
For COVID Tests, the Question of Who Pays Comes Down to Interpretation
In advance of an upcoming road trip with her elderly parents, Wendy Epstein’s physician agreed it would be “prudent” for her and her kids to […]
Must-Reads of the Week
The Friday Breeze Want to read the best and most provocative stories from the week? Welcome to the Friday Breeze, where we compile them all […]
Online insurance broker GoHealth goes public for $914 million
GoHealth, an online insurance broker focusing on Medicare Advantage plans, went public on Wednesday for $914 million. The company will trade on Nasdaq under the […]
Report: 10M could lose insurance by the end of 2020
Researchers at the Urban Institute found that up to 10 million people could lose their job-based insurance due to Covid-19 by the end of the […]
Azar Says Federal Law Had Preexisting Conditions Covered Before ACA. Not So Much.
“First off, it’s in statute already in HIPAA that preexisting conditions are covered.” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, on July 9, speaking at […]
