Retiree Health Benefits: Going, Going, Nearly Gone? April 12, 2024 Issue Brief This data note analyzes five national surveys to assess trends in retiree health coverage among people ages 65 and older. These five surveys produce somewhat different estimates of retiree health coverage, but together paint a clear picture: the share of Medicare-age adults with employer- or union-sponsored retiree health coverage has been shrinking and appears to be on the way to extinction.
Gaps in Medicare Advantage Data Remain Despite CMS Actions to Increase Transparency April 10, 2024 Issue Brief The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently taken actions to increase transparency in Medicare Advantage, however substantial data gaps remain that limit the ability of policymakers and researchers to conduct oversight and assess the program’s performance, and for Medicare beneficiaries to compare Medicare Advantage plans offered in their area.
Upcoming SCOTUS Case Could Weaken the Impact of Regulation on Key Patient and Consumer Protections April 9, 2024 Issue Brief This brief discusses the longstanding legal doctrine, Chevron deference, being challenged in two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and includes examples of what could be at stake for health care consumers should federal courts no longer use this doctrine to address litigation related to federal health regulations. The focus here is on patient and consumer protection regulation, but overturning the Chevron deference would have implications in all areas of health care.
More On Health and Politics: The Peculiar Timing of Republican Health Policy Plans April 9, 2024 From Drew Altman In this column, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman examines the conservative Republican Study Committee’s sweeping proposals to remake Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and their potential to make waves in this year’s elections. Whether former President Trump ignores, embraces, or repudiates their ideas will be key.
Election 2024 April 5, 2024 Topic Landing Page This topic page houses KFF resources that are relevant to policy debates in the 2024 elections, including those about abortion, the Affordable Care Act, and Medicare.
Experience of the Five Largest Publicly Traded Companies Operating Medicaid Managed Care Plans During Unwinding April 3, 2024 Issue Brief This brief takes a closer look at the five largest publicly traded companies (also referred to as “parent” firms) operating Medicaid MCOs, which account for half of Medicaid MCO enrollment nationally. This analysis presents the latest enrollment and financial data (through the end of 2023) as well as key takeaways from the firms’ unwinding experience.
The Symbolic Manipulation of Health Issues in Elections March 15, 2024 From Drew Altman KFF President and CEO Drew Altman explains why data and facts, policy plans and lists of accomplishments do not connect with many voters. Understanding the symbolic dimensions of politics and issues is critical for experts. We can reach a share of the public with facts and data but need additional strategies to reach everyone, including storytelling and trusted messengers.
Medicare Households Spend More on Health Care Than Other Households March 14, 2024 Issue Brief This brief examines the financial burden of health care spending among households where all members are covered by Medicare compared to non-Medicare households.
FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation March 11, 2024 Issue Brief These FAQs address questions related to prescription drug importation, including the current status of importation proposals, details of Florida’s importation program recently authorized by the FDA, and concerns and challenges with this approach.
Access to Adult Dental Care Gets Renewed Focus in ACA Marketplace Proposal March 8, 2024 Blog Adult dental care can lead to high out of pocket costs for consumers, especially for those with private insurance coverage. This post analyzes a proposed provision in the HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025, and possible implications for consumers who have Marketplace coverage.