Health Insurance

Critics of Anthem's policy say imposing a blanket rule that gives preference to freestanding imaging centers is at odds with promoting quality and will lead to fragmented care for patients.

Anthem Says No To Many Scans Done By Hospital-Owned Clinics

11:14am September 27, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

MRI and CT scans done at hospitals for outpatients are often too expensive, says the firm, which insures patients in 14 states. The shift in policy won't apply to mammograms or X-rays, Anthem says.

Republicans in Congress say they haven't given up on getting rid of the Affordable Care Act. They're just switching tactics.

Now What? 5 Looming Challenges For The Affordable Care Act

8:39pm September 26, 2017

by Julie Rovner

Republicans in Congress have dropped their attempts to repeal the health law for now. But Obamacare supporters say the Trump administration is still undercutting the law in ways that could damage it.

A Tale Of 2 States: How California And Texas May Fare Under GOP Health Plan

8:17am September 22, 2017

In the GOP's attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, California would lose a lot of federal funding. Texas would gain a lot in the short term, but experts worry Texas would not use the money well.

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Affordable Care Act navigators helped guide those looking for insurance during an enrollment event at San Antonio's Southwest General Hospital last year. Beyond helping with initial enrollment, navigators often follow up with help later, as an applicant's

Bemoaning Budget Cuts, Health Care Navigators Say Feds Don't Get It

1:52pm September 20, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

The federal government has sharply cut funding to groups that help people enroll in health plans. But the groups say federal officials don't understand how much help and follow-up some people need.

Health insurance company Oscar has started its own ad campaign for the Affordable Care Act.

As Federal Government Cuts Obamacare Ads, Private Insurer Steps Up

10:17pm September 18, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

The federal government has cut advertising for the Affordable Care Act's enrollment period by 90 percent. So insurer Oscar Health has started its own campaign in New York and five other states.

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The new Medicare cards (right) will not use Social Security numbers for identification. Instead, they will have random sequences of letters and numbers.

Get Ready! Medicare Will Mail New Cards to 60 Million People

7:14pm September 14, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

The federal health program for seniors and the disabled is removing Social Security numbers from the ID cards of 60 million people in an effort to prevent identity theft

Job candidates take a tour of the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, N.J., during a job fair last month. The Census Bureau says increased employment is what's driving higher income numbers.

Census Bureau: Median Incomes Rose And Poverty Levels Fell In 2016

6:25pm September 12, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The number of people covered by health insurance also ticked up. The bureau says the income growth is driven by more people finding jobs rather than increases in salaries.

Sometimes customers are surprised when their insurance coverage changes, but there is help available to sort it out.

What To Do When Your Health Insurance Won't Pay The Bills

5:03am September 12, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

Insurers can reduce benefits or change how much they are willing to pay for services, but they are generally supposed to give customers 60 days' notice.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is working with Patty Murray, D-Wash. on a bill to stabilize the health insurance market.

Chastened Lawmakers Aim For Small, Bipartisan Health Care Victories

11:23pm September 05, 2017

by Alison Kodjak

Senate Republicans and Democrats are trying something new on health care. It's called cooperation.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander chairs the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee; Sen. Patty Murray is the committee's ranking Democrat.

5 Controversial Ideas For Shoring Up Health Insurance Markets

4:38pm August 30, 2017

by Julie Rovner

Lawmakers looking to stabilize the health insurance exchanges may consider a number of proposals — including pushing young adults off a parent's plan or letting people buy into Medicare and Medicaid.