Julie Appleby reports on the implementation of the health care overhaul law, the interplay of health care treatments and costs, trends in health insurance, and policy issues affecting hospitals and other medical providers. Her KHN stories have appeared in USA Today, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer and MSNBC, among others. Before joining KHN in March 2009, Appleby spent 10 years on the health care industry and policy beat for USA Today. She also worked at the
San Francisco Chronicle, the
Financial Times in London and the
Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek, Calif. She serves on the board of the Association of Health Care Journalists and her education includes a Master of Public Health degree. |
Contact: JulieA@kff.org
Federal and state programs drive down uninsured rate for children, but adults continue to lose job-based coverage, according to Census report.
Sep 10, 2009
Maria Bishop, age 60, pays $500 a month for health insurance. Chris Denny, 27, pays $117. In most states, insurers can charge older customers far more than younger ones. As Congress wrestles with a health care overhaul, lawmakers are debating new limits that could narrow the difference.
Aug 31, 2009
With 66 general hospitals, cancer centers, home services, clinics and nursing homes, Ascension Health is an important player in the U.S. health care system. President and CEO Anthony Tersigni has a message for Washington lawmakers: "We want to make sure we keep the agenda on the right focus - caring for all in this country."
Aug 18, 2009
In Seattle, three major hospital systems have sophisticated electronic medical records, one of the many goals of health reform. But the systems can’t talk to each other. Overcoming the obstacles will take 'federal will and money.'
Aug 10, 2009
In just the last few weeks, Karen Ignagni, the health industry’s chief lobbyist, has faced Democratic accusations that insurers are "villains" and "immoral." In an interview with KHN, Ignagni discussed her take on the Democratic political assault, her industry’s end-game strategy and her unflagging opposition to a public plan.
Aug 06, 2009
In just the last few weeks, Karen Ignagni, the health industry’s chief lobbyist, has faced Democratic accusations that insurers are "villains" and "immoral." In an interview with KHN, Ignagni discussed her take on the Democratic political assault, her industry’s end-game strategy and her unflagging opposition to a public plan.
Aug 06, 2009
As Senate Democrats scramble to finance an ambitious health care overhaul, they're exploring ways to get extract money from the insurance industry, including taxing very costly policies. They're also considering tacking a fee onto every new policy sold as a result of health reform or a flat tax on insurer profits.
Jul 24, 2009
President Obama and leading Democrats have stressed that people who like their employer-sponsored insurance would be able to keep it, under a health care overhaul. But they haven't emphasized the flip side: That people who don't like their coverage might have to keep it.
Jul 15, 2009
While advocates say insurance exchanges would stimulate price competition and give consumers new choices, there's also a risk these programs could undermine the employer-based health insurance system. Here are nine questions and answers about exchanges and their role in health reform.
Jul 10, 2009
Insurance exchanges are a critical part of proposed health system overhaul legislation. They could transform how insurance is sold. But experts warn that without the right structure and rules, exchanges could undermine the employer-based insurance system.
Jul 10, 2009