Category: cost-sharing

How Much Could Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For a Hospital Stay Related to COVID-19?

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the number of people on Medicare admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 related illness is expected to rise. We analyze how much Medicare beneficiaries could pay out-of-pocket for an inpatient hospital admission u…

It May Be Time To Waive Patients’ Costs for Coronavirus Treatment

Drew Altman looks at the numbers for COVID-19 treatment, and why it may soon be necessary for Congress to waive out-of-pocket costs for treatment.

FAQs on Medicare Coverage and Costs Related to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

These FAQs provide the latest guidance on testing and treatment related to COVID-19 for Medicare beneficiaries, including questions related to out-of-pocket costs, the COVID-19 vaccine, telehealth, extended supplies of medication, skilled nursing facil…

Data Note: Public Worries About And Experience With Surprise Medical Bills

This data note captures February 2020 poll findings on the public’s worries about and experiences with unexpected and surprise medical bills.

A Polling Surprise? Americans Rank Unexpected Medical Bills at the Top of Family Budget Worries

When it comes to family budget concerns, unexpected medical bills top Americans’ list of worries, with two-thirds (65%) of the public saying they are at least somewhat worried, including 35% who say they are “very” worried, the latest KFF Health Tracki…

JAMA Forum: Don’t Be Surprised if the Next Big Health Care Debate Is About Drug Prices

In this post for The JAMA Forum, Larry Levitt examines both the Democratic candidates’ proposals and the Trump administration’s record on lowering drug prices, which remains a top issue for the public with bi-partisan support. 

Surprise Bills Vary by Diagnosis and Type of Admission

A new issue brief looks at the prevalence of potential surprise medical bills based on patient diagnosis, emergency visits, and type of inpatient admission.

Surprise Bills Often Hit in Emergencies

In an Axios column, Drew Altman previews new data highlighting that people with critical health issues are especially vulnerable to these bills. 

How Much Do Medicare Beneficiaries Spend Out of Pocket on Health Care?

This analysis presents the most current data on out-of-pocket health care spending by Medicare beneficiaries, both overall and among different groups of beneficiaries. The analysis explores how much Medicare beneficiaries spend out of pocket in total o…

Benchmark Employer Survey Finds Average Family Premiums Now Top $20,000

Annual family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose 5% to average $20,576 this year, according to the 2019 benchmark KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey released today. Workers’ wages rose 3.4% and inflation rose 2% over the same period…