worlds Insurance blog

This analysis outlines the potential reach of a prominent conservative proposal — widely seen as a blueprint for another Trump administration — that recommends expanding the Mexico City Policy to include virtually all U.S. foreign assistance. It looks at the amount of funding, the number of organizations, the range of foreign assistance sectors, and other variables that could be affected should the proposal be implemented. from KFF https://ift.tt/C5NOZqM

In discussions of Medicare’s financial condition, attention frequently centers on one specific measure—the solvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) trust fund, out of which Medicare Part A benefits are paid. Based on current projections from the Medicare Board of Trustees, the HI trust fund is projected to be depleted in 2036, 12 years from now. These FAQs answer key questions about Medicare financing and trust fund solvency. from KFF https://ift.tt/IFaKYd5

As of May 21, 2024, half of all U.S. states have enacted a law that prohibits or limits youth access to gender affirming care. This Data Note examines the uptick in this lawmaking, which was slow at first but then quickened, increasing 7-fold in an eight-month period in 2023. from KFF https://ift.tt/do6OeBL

Oral health is key to overall health and well-being, and the use of dental services helps prevent and treat dental disease and improves oral health. The prevalence of unmet oral health needs is higher among people with low incomes, including those with Medicaid. This issue brief describes Medicaid dental coverage, examines the use of dental services for children and adults in Medicaid, and discusses current challenges and policy changes that impact access to oral health care for Medicaid enrollees. from KFF https://ift.tt/zdk2GNT

This Health Policy 101 chapter explores the federal government’s role in health policy for the fragmented U.S. health care system. It examines the impact of the three federal branches and goes into further detail about the Department of Health and Human Services structure and the major congressional committees dealing with health care. It also briefly outlines the federal budgetary and regulatory process. from KFF https://ift.tt/n1wb5GA

This tracker provides regularly updated information on U.S. government funding for global health. It includes historical trends and tracks funding levels throughout the appropriations process. Data can be customized by fiscal year, sector, and U.S. agency.  from KFF https://ift.tt/DpuZtLK

This analysis examines performance metrics to assess utilization of 988’s LGBTQ service (which SAMHSA refers to as the LGBTQI+ subnetwork), compared to usage of 988’s main service, from December 2023 to March 2024 (the most current and comprehensive data available). It finds high demand for the specialty services but also certain challenges (e.g. higher call abandonment rates and longer call wait times than for the main 988 service). from KFF https://ift.tt/6JTYwbm

This analysis examines the extent to which states are providing health benefits to their Medicare-eligible retirees through Medicare Advantage arrangements. In 2024, a majority of states offer Medicare Advantage plans to their state retirees, with 12 offering Medicare Advantage exclusively. from KFF https://ift.tt/n0eCKGA

In 45 states, fewer than half of nursing facilities currently meet all three staffing minimums required in the final federal rule that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released in April, and in 28 states, less than a quarter do, according to a new KFF analysis. The share of facilities that meet these … More from KFF https://ift.tt/VsyG0pP

This analysis discusses the provisions of the final rule, including changes made by the Administration from the proposed rule, and examines the percentage and characteristics of nursing facilities that currently meet the minimum staffing requirements in the final rule, which takes effect beginning in May 2026 for some facilities. from KFF https://ift.tt/mZ0fx4I

Prices for medical services typically rise more quickly than the broader economy, but the reverse has been true recently as general inflation rose rapidly. This analysis finds that overall prices grew by 6% in February 2023 from the previous year, while prices for medical care increased only 2.3%. from KFF https://ift.tt/bxetCDr

In the U.S., 26 million people have limited English proficiency, representing about 8% of people ages 5 and older. Those with limited English proficiency report worse overall health status than those who are English proficient, but data suggests that having access to providers who speak their preferred language may help these disparities and can improve health care experiences. from KFF https://ift.tt/V4UupSx

KFF’s Larry Levitt discusses waning awareness of the Affordable Care Act’s provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions and examines the Republican Study Committee's budget proposal, which proposes to repeal the provisions. from KFF https://ift.tt/9AdeDG7

In 2024, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment hit a new record high, reaching over 21 million people. This policy watch discusses the the factors contributing to the increased enrollment in the fastest growing marketplaces. from KFF https://ift.tt/j0mMT2l

The states with the fastest recent growth in ACA Marketplace signups also had among the highest uninsured rates previously, as enhanced subsidies helped to make coverage more affordable for many consumers, particularly in southern states that did not expand their Medicaid programs to cover low-income adults, a new KFF analysis finds.  The enhanced premium subsidies … More from KFF https://ift.tt/U8AoROg

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% of voters ages 65 and … More from KFF https://ift.tt/Gem1ARV

Voters are split largely along partisan lines in terms of who they trust in regard to various health care issues, but Biden captures more than Trump trust from Independent voters. Biden is also more trusted by older adults when it comes to entitlement programs. Voters are still largely unaware of the drug pricing provisions of the Inflation reduction Act. Large majorities of voters, particularly Democratic voters, support a federal right to abortion. from KFF https://ift.tt/p4gqFK5

KFF’s latest Health Tracking Poll examines the public’s views and use of an an increasingly popular class of prescription drugs used for weight loss and to treat diabetes or prevent heart attacks or strokes. The poll finds 12% of adults report having taken one of these GLP-1 drugs, which include Ozempic, Webovy and Mounjaro. This includes 6% who say they are currently taking one of the drugs. from KFF https://ift.tt/3Z1QMCu

This analysis examines the share of new mothers who have significant medical debt (in excess of $250), compared to other young women who did not recently give birth, using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). from KFF https://ift.tt/6MeV82B

A new analysis of data from KFF’s Survey on Racism, Discrimination, and Health shows Black women are more likely than other groups to report being treated unfairly by a health care provider in recent years because of their race and ethnicity and that these experiences have health consequences. For example, among Black women who used … More from KFF https://ift.tt/wnmY5Sg

This page displays an interactive map of the current status of state decisions on the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion. Additional Medicaid expansion resources are listed (with links) below the map. from KFF https://ift.tt/XoETsw7

This page tracks recent state actions to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage, including approved and pending 1115 waivers, legislation that will require the state to seek federal approval through a SPA or 1115 waiver, submitted and approved SPAs, and coverage financed solely with state funds. from KFF https://ift.tt/rAwDcdE

This brief examines Black women's experiences in health care, including unfair treatment by providers due to race and their health outcomes as a result of this treatment. The brief also explores the association between racially concordant providers and positive health care experiences among Black women. from KFF https://ift.tt/qmKW2SY

A growing number of states have added Medicaid coverage of non-traditional pregnancy-related care and services in recent years, such as doula services, lactation services, and home visiting programs, to promote better maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce racial/ethnic health disparities. This brief explores state strategies and challenges in promoting access to these services. from KFF https://ift.tt/BhwtFMV

More states are providing fully state-funded health coverage to some individuals regardless of immigration status.  An updated KFF analysis shows that as of March 2024, 12 states and Washington D.C. provide fully state-funded coverage for income-eligible children regardless of immigration status. These states include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode … More from KFF https://ift.tt/liAzdwy

In a new brief, KFF explores how abortion bans and restrictions in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision can further complicate pregnancy loss.  Pregnancy loss, which includes miscarriage and stillbirth, is common, and for many people, it is a physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing experience. The medical interventions used to manage miscarriages … More from KFF https://ift.tt/qbOAIw9

This brief examines pregnancy loss management in the Dobbs era and explores how limiting or banning abortion may have negative consequences on people experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth. from KFF https://ift.tt/doLnml5

This brief examines the final CMS regulations governing prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, Marketplace, Medicaid, and other plans, how they might address some current consumer concerns, and some issues that remain. from KFF https://ift.tt/NqLKD7o

Noncitizen immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented, face significant barriers to accessing health coverage and care and are significantly more likely than citizens to be uninsured. Some states have taken up options in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to expand coverage for lawfully present immigrants and/or established fully state-funded programs to fill gaps in coverage for immigrants. This brief provides an overview of state health coverage programs for immigrants regardless of status and examines how health coverage for immigrants vary by state coverage policies using data from the 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants. from KFF https://ift.tt/nYE6KSQ

Our updated explainer provides an overview of comprehensive managed care, the most common way states deliver Medicaid services to enrollees, as well as new federal rules that strengthen managed care access standards. from KFF https://ift.tt/WuafPNl

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires new private health insurance plans to cover many recommended preventive services without any patient cost-sharing. This tracker presents up-to-date information on the adult preventive services nongrandfathered private plans must cover, by condition, including a summary of the recommendation, the target population, the effective date of coverage, and related federal coverage clarifications. from KFF https://ift.tt/EGQlq3o