Julie Appleby, KFF Health News

Author's posts

There’s a New Covid-19 Variant and Cases Are Ticking Up. What Do You Need to Know?

The covid-19 virus is continually changing, and a recent subvariant, the JN.1, is rapidly climbing the charts.

Biden Wants States to Ensure Obamacare Plans Cover Enough Doctors and Hospitals

The regulatory proposal was announced Nov. 15 and is likely one of the last major ACA policy efforts of the president’s first term.

Medicare Advantage Increasingly Popular With Seniors — But Not Hospitals and Doctors

Some hospitals and physician groups are rejecting Medicare Advantage plans over payment rates and coverage restrictions, causing turmoil for patients.

Start Shopping: Enrollment Begins Nov. 1 for Most Obamacare Insurance Plans

More than 16 million Americans who buy their own health insurance through state and federal marketplaces have until Jan. 15 to compare prices, change their coverage, or enroll for the first time.

When That Supposedly Free Annual Physical Generates a Bill

Completing a routine depression screening questionnaire during an annual checkup is cost-free under federal law. But, as one woman discovered, answering a doctor’s follow-up questions might not be.

Medicare Enrollees Can Switch Coverage Now. Here’s What’s New and What to Consider.

Fall is the time when enrollees in the federal program for older people and people with certain disabilities can make changes to their health and drug plans. The decision can be complicated, but here are some key points to keep in mind.

Feds Hope to Cut Sepsis Deaths by Hitching Medicare Payments to Treatment Stats

A new rule sets specific treatment metrics for suspected sepsis cases in an effort to reduce deaths, but some experts say the measures could add to antibiotic overuse and need to be more flexible.

Timing and Cost of New Vaccines Vary by Virus and Health Insurance Status

Flu. Covid. RSV. When and how to get vaccinated against them can be confusing. Here are some of the most important things to know.

Proposed Rule Would Make Hospital Prices Even More Transparent

A Biden administration proposal would help standardize the data on prices that hospitals provide to patients, increase its usefulness to consumers, and boost enforcement. Previous rules gave hospitals too many loopholes.

Survey: Americans Want Weight Loss Drugs Despite High Cost

A new poll reveals enthusiasm for a pricey new generation of weight loss drugs, but interest drops if users potentially have to deal with weekly injections, lack of insurance coverage, or a need to continue the medications indefinitely to avoid regaining weight.