Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Harvey Likely To Trigger PTSD For Survivors Of Similar Storms

Morning Briefing

The mental health of those who are not even in the direct path of the storm can be affected by remembering similar tragedies. Especially in Texas, where many Katrina victims moved temporarily or permanently after the 2005 hurricane. Meanwhile, some Houston hospitals have had to close or evacuate because of the flooding.

Medicare Rejects Several Requests From Insurers For Changes In Proposed Advantage Plan Rules

Morning Briefing

Insurers sought some relief on the proposals, which are now being evaluated by the Office of Management and Budget. Meanwhile, CBS News offers some tips for consumers thinking about purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan when open enrollment begins in October.

Nevada, Where 20% Of People Are On Medicaid, Keenly Watches Federal Health Debate

Morning Briefing

Las Vegas Review-Journal examines the growth of Medicaid in Nevada. Also, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead tells the Casper Star-Tribune that he worries the state has suffered financially because lawmakers refused to expand Medicaid, and a Lincoln, Neb., social service organization is likely to lose some Medicaid funding.

Instances Of Elderly Abuse Rampant, HHS IG Investigators Find

Morning Briefing

Investigators in the the Health and Human Services Inspector General’s Office have been auditing cases of abuse in nursing homes. They issued an “early alert” on their finding because the situation was so dire.

In An Era Of A Deeply Divided Washington, VA Secretary Wins Rare Bipartisan Accolades

Morning Briefing

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, an Obama-era holdout, wasn’t President Donald Trump’s first pick for the job. He wasn’t even his second or third. But since Shulkin has taken over the position he’s made changes that have won him praise from both sides of the aisle.

Trump Indefinitely Extends Ban On Transgender Recruits, But Leaves Wiggle Room For Those Already Serving

Morning Briefing

According to one official, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has been directed to take a number of factors into consideration such as “military effectiveness,” budgetary constraints and “unit cohesion,” as well as others he deems “relevant.”

Sanders Continues To Beat Single-Payer Drum As Congress’ Attention Shifts Toward Tax Reform

Morning Briefing

Republicans are mocking Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for his health care plan, but polls show the lawmaker has better favorability ratings in states that Donald Trump won than the president. Meanwhile, Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) is under attack from both sides for the role he played in the health law debates over the summer.

Stark Rural-Urban Disparity Found In Teen Vaccination Rates

Morning Briefing

In other public health news: the effect suicide has on surviving siblings, as well as articles on stem cells and hair loss, adherence to a medication routine, antibiotics, gut bacteria, obesity and more.