New Health Plans Offer Twists on Existing Options, With a Dose of ‘Buyer Beware’
By Julie Appleby
Fueled by consumer frustration with high premiums and deductibles, two new offerings promise a means for consumers to take control of their health care costs. But experts say they pose risks.
What Do We Really Know About Vaccine Effectiveness?
By Julie Appleby
Reports of waning effectiveness and mixed messages about booster shots fuel the politicization of vaccination.
¿Qué sabemos realmente sobre la eficacia de las vacunas contra covid?
By Julie Appleby
¿Lo esencial? Vacunarse con cualquiera de las tres vacunas disponibles en los Estados Unidos disminuye la posibilidad de infectarse en primer lugar y reduce de manera significativa el riesgo de hospitalización o muerte si se contrae el coronavirus y se desarrolla covid-19.
Insurance Focused on Virtual Visits? The Pros and Cons of a New Twist in Health Plans
By Julie Appleby
New, often lower-cost plans capitalize on the convenience of telemedicine — and patients’ growing familiarity with it. But consumers should weigh costs and care options before enrolling in a “virtual-first” plan.
Surprise-Billing Rule ‘Puts a Thumb on the Scale’ to Keep Arbitrated Costs in Check
By Julie Appleby
Patients soon will not have to worry about the prospect of these often-costly unexpected bills, a federal law promises. Some experts say the new policy could also slow the growth of health insurance premiums.
Biden Releases a New Plan to Combat Covid, but Experts Say There’s Still a Ways to Go
By Victoria Knight and Julie Appleby
There’s agreement that the plan includes important action items but also elements that will trigger political opposition.
Census: Insured Population Holds Steady, With a Slight Shift From Private to Public Coverage
By Victoria Knight and Julie Appleby
The Census Bureau on Tuesday released its 2020 findings regarding Americans’ income, poverty and health insurance coverage.
Journalists Explain Ramifications of Theranos Trial and Texas’ New Abortion Law
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Telehealth’s Limits: Battle Over State Lines and Licensing Threatens Patients’ Options
By Julie Appleby
Televisits took off during the worst days of the pandemic, but states are now rolling back the temporary rules that facilitated them. That’s adding fuel to debates about states’ authority over medical licensing.
If the Unvaccinated Want to Work, They Face a Series of Hurdles
By Julie Appleby
As employers create safety protocols for workers who refuse vaccination, we ask experts if they really work. Or is the point to pressure employees into getting a shot?
