Health Insurance

Low, Middle Income Workers Most Vulnerable To Loss Of Obamacare Subsidies

9:00pm May 11, 2015

The Supreme Court may soon rule Obamacare subsidies illegal in about three dozen states. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Linda Blumberg of the Urban Institute about the options those states would have.

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After the conversation about contraception, will there be a copay?

Health & Safety

Health Plans Often Fail To Provide Free Coverage For Women's Health

8:31pm April 30, 2015

by Julie Rovner

Insurers dispute that notion that the problems are widespread. Consumers and advocates have complained to insurers, and some policies have been changed.

St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore is one of the 131 hospitals run by Ascension Health. It's a not-for-profit, Catholic health care system that treats many low-income patients.

Expanding Medicaid Trims Hospitals' Costs Of Caring For Uninsured

4:42pm April 30, 2015

by Anders Kelto

One aim of Obamacare was to ease the financial strain on nonprofit hospitals that provide medical care to people who lack insurance and can't pay their bills. That plan is working, hospitals say.

How Getting Married Affects Health Insurance Tax Credits

10:33am April 29, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

If marriage is on the horizon, it might be wise to set aside some money for the taxman. An increase in family income after the vows can trigger repayment of a health insurance credit.

Is It Time To Make Medical And Family Leave Paid?

8:54am April 22, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Democrats in Congress have reintroduced a bill that would create a national paid leave program, covering two thirds of people's wages for up to 60 days a year. But small business owners are wary.

Californians Can Now Pay Cash For Health Insurance At 7-Eleven

12:29pm April 21, 2015

by Sarah Varney

Many people who are eligible for federal health insurance subsidies don't have bank accounts, which makes it hard to pay premiums. A system in California lets them pay with cash at stores.

Will the health plan pay for the contraceptives the doctor prescribes?

Health & Safety

Study: Insurers Fail To Cover All Prescribed Contraceptives

1:38pm April 16, 2015

by Anders Kelto

An analysis of health plans in five states found limited or no coverage for some forms of contraception. Insurers sometimes imposed copays or required women to pay the full cost of the contraceptives.

Will adult children seek care if their parents can find out about it?

Health & Safety

When Keeping A Secret Trumps The Need For Care

11:46am April 16, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Young adults covered by their parents' health plans may balk at getting treatment for mental health or other conditions they would rather not have show up on family insurance statements.

Anne Koller closes her eyes as an oncology nurse attaches a line for chemotherapy to a port in her chest. Koller typically spends three to six hours getting each treatment.

Big Bills A Hidden Side Effect Of Cancer Treatment

2:13pm April 15, 2015

by Sarah Jane Tribble

Cancer treatment is increasingly expensive, even for patients who have insurance. Some doctors advocate discussing the costs of cancer treatment as they would hair loss, pain or other side effects.

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The "My Life Check" calculator gives a personalized readout on heart-healthy behaviors.

Is That Corporate Wellness Program Doing Your Heart Any Good?

2:13pm April 15, 2015

by Nancy Shute

Most employers have a wellness program, but who knows if it's actually improving your health. The American Heart Association is proposing its own standards for improving cardiovascular health at work.