On Their Own, Self-Employed Search For Health Care
Cindy Richards and her husband Scott Fisher at their home in Oak Park, Ill. Richards is a freelance writer and editor who buys health insurance to cover herself and her family.
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Cindy Richards and her husband Scott Fisher at their home in Oak Park, Ill. Richards is a freelance writer and editor who buys health insurance to cover herself and her family.
Both the House and Senate health care proposals would expand Medicaid eligibility to about 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Although the measures would help the states cover the costs, governors are worried that the additional federal money simply won't be enough. KHN's Mary Agnes Carey offers her insight.
As a part of our "Are You Covered?" series, KHN and NPR examine how a health overhaul would affect the individual insurance market.
Freelance writer Cindy Richards buys insurance on the 'individual market' - from a broker - to cover herself and her son and daughter. Her husband had to buy a policy separately. Between them, they pay $500 a month in premium costs and have a yearly deductible of over $10,000. She believes it's "too difficult" to get health insurance in America.
When Gracie Scarrow, 94, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure she didn't have the money to pay for the care she needed. With her daughter Lela's help, Gracie turned to Medicaid. The program pays for her nursing home, and they couldn't be happier with the care.
As a part of our "Are You Covered?" series, KHN and NPR examine how a health overhaul would affect Medicaid recipients.
Exchange design doesn't get the attention of controversies like the public option, abortion, or supposed death panels. In the long run, though, it could be far more decisive in whether reform works.
Lyn Robinson owns Zenith Holland Gardens, a wholesale plant nursery. She chooses not to buy insurance and says she likes deciding where and when to spend her medical dollars. Part of our series "Are You Covered?" co-produced with NPR.
Fifty-two year old Lyn Robinson says she works out, takes good care of herself and doesn't think she needs to buy health insurance.
KHN's Eric Pianin talks with former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., about his new book, "A Heart to Serve, The Passion to Bring Health, Hope, and Healing."
Pursuing sensible change requires a clear understanding of what's driving the status quo.
In 2007, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed covering the state's uninsured with a plan similar to the one Congress is now considering. By January 2008, his plan was killed by a state Senate committee. While Obama's prospects remain stronger than Schwarzenegger's ever were, the current effort is hitting roadblocks reminiscent of the California experience.
For employers, the Senate Finance Committee health bill says size matters. Small businesses that don't offer coverage would get tax credits while the bigger ones could face fines.
The Finance Committee today thwarted efforts by liberal Democrats to include a government-run health insurance option in major health care legislation, as the Senate appears to be dividing into three important camps: those who are solidly behind Chairman Max Baucus, those reluctantly leaning in his direction and a handful of wild cards who will wield great influence. UPDATED
For some Americans, insurance is what it's supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage. |
As a part of our "Are You Covered?" series, KHN and NPR examine employer-sponsored health insurance.
In not too many years, long-term care nursing home beds may be as rare as Republicans in Massachusetts.
At least 25 million Americans are underinsured - their health benefits don't adequately cover their health costs. The major proposals being debated in Congress would require insurers to provide a minimum set of benefits, which would take care of most patients' needs.
A study comparing U.S. treatment outcomes and other indicators among 30 developed nations found "no hard evidence" that American system stands out.
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