New KFF Poll Finds that Many Older Voters Are Unaware of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation, But Awareness Has Grown May 15, 2024 News Release A new KFF poll finds that many older voters are unaware of the provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that for the first time requires the federal government to negotiate the price of some prescription drugs in the Medicare program, a key campaign issue for President Joe Biden. The 48%…
Coverage of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Medicare April 30, 2024 Issue Brief This brief describes Medicare coverage of sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, and compares that coverage with private insurance plans and Medicaid. These benefits are particularly relevant to nearly 1 million women of reproductive age (20-49) who are eligible for Medicare due to having a long-term disability.
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.
Oral Contraceptive Pills: Access and Availability March 20, 2024 Issue Brief This brief provides an overview of oral contraception, discusses private insurance and Medicaid coverage, and reviews strategies to promote and expand women’s access to oral contraceptives.
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.