Category: Insurance

Insurance Doesn’t Always Cover Hearing Aids for Kids

California’s governor vetoed a bill extending insurance coverage for kids with hearing loss, but most states now require it.

What Would a Second Trump Presidency Look Like for Health Care?

Health policy during Donald Trump’s tenure was dominated by covid-19 and a failed effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. His appointments to the Supreme Court led to the end of national abortion rights, and he took steps to increase hospital price transparency and improve care for veterans.

Mary Lou Retton’s Explanation of Health Insurance Takes Some Somersaults

The gold-medal gymnast’s explanation of why she remained uninsured has health policy experts doing mental gymnastics — because it makes little sense.

Most People Dropped in Medicaid ‘Unwinding’ Never Tried to Renew Coverage, Utah Finds

Medicaid officials in Utah conducted a survey to answer a burning question in health policy: What happened to people dropped from the program in the post-pandemic “unwinding”?

Woman Petitions Health Insurer After Company Approves — Then Rejects — Her Infusions

Even people with good insurance aren’t guaranteed affordable care, as this KFF Health News follow-up to one patient’s saga shows.

States Expand Health Coverage for Immigrants as GOP Hits Biden Over Border Crossings

More than 1 million immigrants, most lacking permanent legal status, are covered by state health programs. Several states, including GOP-led Utah, will soon add or expand such coverage.

Bold Changes Are in Store for Medi-Cal in 2024, but Will Patients Benefit?

California’s Medicaid program is undergoing major changes that could improve health care for residents with low incomes. But they are happening at the same time as several other initiatives that could compete for staff attention and confuse enrollees.

Bold Changes Are in Store for Medi-Cal in 2024, but Will Patients Benefit?

California’s Medicaid program is undergoing major changes that could improve health care for residents with low incomes. But they are happening at the same time as several other initiatives that could compete for staff attention and confuse enrollees.

When a Quick Telehealth Visit Yields Multiple Surprises Beyond a Big Bill

For the patient, it was a quick and inexpensive virtual appointment. Why it cost 10 times what she expected became a mystery.

In New Year, All Immigrants in California May Qualify for Medicaid Regardless of Legal Status

In the new year, California’s Medicaid program will open to otherwise eligible immigrants ages 26 to 49 without legal residency. They will join children, young adults, and adults over 50 enrolled in Medi-Cal through previous expansions to residents lacking authorization. The change is expected to add over 700,000 first-time enrollees.