Washington’s Homeless Hide in Plain Sight, Growing Sicker and Costing Taxpayers More
The White House says encampment sweeps have enhanced the capital, but city leaders estimate nearly 700 homeless people roam by day and bed down outdoors by night. Some have scattered to the suburbs while others avoid detection, making it hard for medical providers to care for them.
What the Health? From KFF Health News: Time’s Up for Expanded ACA Tax Credits
A last-minute push from Democrats and four moderate Republicans will force a House vote on renewing enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, but not until January. That means millions will have to choose between paying dramatically more or dropping coverage next year. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially drops the federal recommendation for newborns to receive a hepatitis B shot. Tami Luhby of CNN, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, and Lizzy Lawrence of Stat join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Tony Leys, who wrote the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, and the panel discusses the year’s biggest developments in health policy.
Call 911 or Risk Losing the Baby? Raids Force Some Immigrants To Avoid Care
More immigrants in New Orleans and Mississippi are skipping important health care appointments and experiencing heightened stress amid federal immigration raids.
Worried About Health Insurance Costs? There May Be Cheaper Options — But With Trade-Offs
As the clock ticks down on the 2026 Obamacare open enrollment season, frustrated consumers may have to make sacrifices on coverage to get a price they can stomach. But cheaper alternatives come with risks.
Oregon Hospital Races To Build a Tsunami Shelter as FEMA Fights To Cut Its Funding
Columbia Memorial Hospital near Oregon’s coastline planned to add a tsunami shelter, counting on a FEMA grant. After the Trump administration cut the funding, hospital officials are building anyway, saying waiting is too risky. A judge ruled Dec. 11 that the administration unlawfully ended the program without congressional approval.
In the Vast Expanses of Indian Country, Broadband Gaps Create Health Gaps, Too
Disability Rights Lawyers Threatened With Budget Cuts, Reassignments
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Complicates State Health Care Affordability Efforts
Listen to the Latest ‘KFF Health News Minute’
Readers Make Their Wish Lists, Checking Up on Health Care
FDA Panelists Questioned Antidepressants in Pregnancy. But Doctors Call Them a Lifeline.
An Arm and a Leg: How To Pick Health Insurance — In the Worst Year Ever
Vaccine Panel’s Hepatitis B Vote Signals Further Turbulence for Immunization Policy, Public Trust
Journalists Talk Increasing Insurance Costs, From Marketplace Plans to Employer Coverage
Deadly Denials
After Series of Denials, His Insurer Approved Doctor-Recommended Cancer Care. It Was Too Late.
Eric Tennant’s doctors recommended histotripsy, which would target, and potentially destroy, a cancerous tumor in his liver. But by the time his insurer approved the treatment, Tennant was no longer considered a good candidate. He died in September.
