Health Insurance

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

7:23pm Nov 28, 2018

National National Health & Safety

Obamacare Sign-Ups Lag As Trump Slashes Funds For Enrollment Help

by Phil Galewitz

The Trump administration is spending $10 million this year on health care navigators — down from $63 million in 2016. Nationwide, workers are scrambling to apprise people of insurance options.
Shane Wynn for KHN

11:12pm Nov 27, 2018

Health & Safety Health & Safety

Chronically Ill, Traumatically Billed: $123,019 For 2 Multiple Sclerosis Treatments

by Jay Hancock

Shereese Hickson's doctor wanted her to try a drug called Ocrevus for her multiple sclerosis. Trained as a medical billing coder, Hickson was shocked by the six-figure bill and the share she owed.

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5:54am Nov 23, 2018

National National Health & Safety

Many Who Buy ACA Health Plans For 2019 Find Lower Prices And More Choice

by Jordan Rau

After years of price hikes, the cost of the average Affordable Care Act policy is dropping across the U.S. Competition among insurers has increased as the political uncertainty starts to settle down.

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Morgan Walker for NPR

10:44am Nov 19, 2018

National National Science Health & Safety

As Insurers Offer Discounts For Fitness Trackers, Wearers Should Step With Caution

by Stephanie O'Neill

Millions of Americans use wearable devices to monitor their diet and fitness. Some insurance companies offer incentives to use them, but privacy advocates caution customers not to share too much data.

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1:14pm Nov 16, 2018

Business Business Health & Safety

NC Hospital Chain Says It Will Stop Practices Deemed Anti-Competitive

by Associated Press

A dominant North Carolina hospital system has agreed to halt insurance practices that hindered patients from finding better health care deals, prosecutors said Thursday.
Corin Cates-Carney/Montana Public Radio

9:45am Nov 02, 2018

Politics & Government Politics & Government Health & Safety

Big Tobacco Spends Big To Block A Tax And Medicaid Expansion In Montana

by Eric Whitney

If the state's ballot initiative to fund Medicaid's expansion passes, it will mean a $2-per-pack increase in taxes on cigarettes and a new tax on electronic cigarettes.
Healthcare.gov via Screenshot by NPR

5:23pm Oct 31, 2018

National National Health & Safety

Looking For ACA Health Insurance For 2019? Here's What To Expect

by Alison Kodjak

Throughout the U.S., subsidies are available to reduce the price of 2019 policies sold on state and federal insurance exchanges. But promotion of the insurance is varying widely from state to state.

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11:30am Oct 31, 2018

Health & Safety Health & Safety

Lawsuit Claims Drug Companies Have Raised Insurance Costs In North Carolina

by Neal Charnoff

A North Carolina man is suing more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies, claiming they have contributed to the rise of insurance costs in the state.
Phil Galewitz / Kaiser Health News

5:01am Oct 23, 2018

Politics & Government Politics & Government Health & Safety

Republican Gun Store Owner And Legislator Campaigns For Medicaid Expansion In Idaho

by Phil Galewitz

Idaho is one of three conservative states where voters will decide in November whether to buck the GOP's resistance to the Affordable Care Act and implement its Medicaid expansion for adults.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

4:57pm Oct 11, 2018

Politics & Government Politics & Government Health & Safety

FACT CHECK: Who's Right About Protections For Pre-Existing Conditions?

by Julie Rovner

Consumers favor safeguards that help people with a history of health problems still get insurance. In the heat of the midterm campaigns, politicians' arguments don't always add up.
Mike Albans for NPR

6:33pm Oct 02, 2018

National National Health & Safety

A Tough Negotiator Proves Employers Can Bargain Down Health Care Prices

by Marshall Allen

A former health insurance executive has made it her mission to bring down high health care costs. She's demanding a better deal for employers — and the workers whose care they pay for.

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Abbey Lossing for NPR

3:01pm Oct 01, 2018

National National Politics & Government Health & Safety

Buyer Beware: New Cheaper Insurance Policies May Have Big Coverage Gaps

by Alison Kodjak

New short-term insurance policies will likely be cheaper than Affordable Care Act plans. But those lower prices mean they won't pay for as much health care.