Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Aside From Florida Nursing Home Tragedy, Most Health Facilities Performed Well During Irma

Morning Briefing

Just 10 of Florida’s more than 300 hospitals were closed by the storm. While 150 of the 700 nursing homes lacked full power three days after Hurricane Irma struck, most had backup generators, according to the Florida Health Care Association. In Texas, a key federal official is looking at what lessons should be learned from Hurricane Harvey.

Trump Administration Embraces Partnership With Pharma To Fight Opioid Crisis

Morning Briefing

The partnership will “fast track” the development of non-opioid pain medication, as well as new medication-assisted treatment options. However, the administration still hasn’t moved forward with its opioid commission’s main recommendation, which was to declare a national emergency.

Senators Release Details Of Children’s Health Insurance Bill As Funding Deadline Approaches

Morning Briefing

The funding authority for the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expires on Sept. 30, but senators have a bipartisan proposal to extend it. Some states are getting nervous. In Medicaid news, a Republican candidate for governor in Ohio breaks with the state’s current Gov. John Kasich on Medicaid expansion.

After Government Guts Health Law Outreach Budget, Insurers Kick Off Own Ad Campaigns

Morning Briefing

“Particularly in this year of uncertainty, it’s really important for us to be in market early and and reassure the 22 million folks that are insured that it is really important to get covered,” says Sara Rowghani, insurance startup Oscar’s vice president. Meanwhile, Affordable Care Act navigators say their job is a lot more complex than the government seems to think.

CBO Warns It Won’t Have Time To Give Full Analysis On Graham-Cassidy Bill

Morning Briefing

That could make it difficult for some Republicans to throw support behind the bill, but it will also allow lawmakers to avoid any damaging headlines until after the vote. The Congressional Budget Office’s “preliminary assessment” is expected next week.

Senators’ Interpersonal Dynamics On Display As Lawmakers Try To Court Hold-Out Votes

Morning Briefing

Passing the latest repeal-and-replace bill may all come down to old friendships. Meanwhile a look at how this all came about, and how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been put into a strange position of supporting work created outside his leadership team.

As Care Shifts From Hospital To Home, Guarding Against Infection Falls To Families

KFF Health News Original

Despite a lack of medical training, relatives increasingly are assigned complex, risky medical tasks at home, such as maintaining catheters. If done incorrectly, blood clots, infections, even death can result.

Bemoaning Budget Cuts, Navigators Say Feds Don’t Appreciate Scope Of The Job

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration has dramatically trimmed money for the groups that help people enroll in marketplace plans, but those navigators say federal officials have unrealistic assessments of the tasks involved.