Once, Same-Sex Couples Couldn’t Wed; Now, Some Employers Say They Must
With same sex marriage legal in 35 states, some employers say they will no longer provide benefits to unmarried partners.
The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
Showing 321 - 340 of 582
With same sex marriage legal in 35 states, some employers say they will no longer provide benefits to unmarried partners.
More insurers selling Affordable Care Act plans will charge consumers higher rates for medicines that treat multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C and other serious illnesses, Avalere studies say.
In counties that are adding at least one insurer next year, average premiums for the least expensive silver plan are rising 1 percent on average, compared to 7 percent in counties where the number of insurers is not changing, KHN analysis finds.
Analysts project that 11 million people will sign up in 2015 — and more will be younger and healthier.
Gary Cohen, a former deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, says the challenge for regulators and insurers is to create networks that not only save money but also deliver better patient outcomes.
Concerns about the potential vulnerability of medical devices are getting the attention of regulators, health care providers and manufacturers.
But those who fail to enroll in insurance can face penalties and the loss of subsidies to help pay premiums.
These high-priced medications are often shifted to the top tiers of drug plans, so consumers dealing with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV and other complicated diseases can end up paying thousands of dollars for their prescriptions.
States and the federal government aim to renew coverage for 15.3 million already signed up on exchanges and Medicaid -- and enroll about 10 million more who are currently uninsured.
Those who held onto plans that didn't comply with the health law may have to choose new ones for 2015, and they could cost more.
Price transparency efforts in the Granite State help consumers and employers ask smarter questions.
Employer-sponsored insurance was largely stable in 2014, with no significant change in the percentage of firms offering health benefits.
The Treasury Department has clarified its rules as a deadline looms for people asked to confirm their citizenship or immigration status.
Some fear helping some people with their bills might keep them from getting government-subsidized insurance plans.
But insurers oppose many of the premium assistance efforts, saying they would lead to sicker enrollees who will raise costs for everyone.
Consumer groups complain people have been misled about the narrow networks of hospitals and doctors in their plans. Insurers say they are trying to hold down prices.
Stay informed by signing up for the Morning Briefing and other emails:
© 2026 KFF