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Latest KFF Health News Stories

Your Neighbor Has Backyard Chickens. Should You Be Worried?

KFF Health News Original

The latest outbreak of bird flu has upended egg, poultry, and dairy operations, sickened dozens of farmworkers, and killed at least one person in the U.S. KFF Health News national public health correspondent Amy Maxmen explains why scientists are worried.

She Co-Founded the Office That Became DOGE. Now, She Sees ‘Irresponsible Transformation.’

KFF Health News Original

As a deputy chief technology officer in the Obama administration, Jennifer Pahlka brought Silicon Valley talent to Washington to streamline public access to government services. She believes better government technology could both ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted and that people who need health care and food assistance receive it.

Millions in US Live in Places Where Doctors Don’t Practice and Telehealth Doesn’t Reach

KFF Health News Original

Nearly 3 million Americans live sicker, shorter lives in the hundreds of rural counties where doctor shortages are the worst and poor internet connections mean little or no access to telehealth services.

Medicaid Advocates Say Critics Use Loaded Terms To Gain Edge in Congressional Debate

KFF Health News Original

As policymakers in Washington debate potentially steep funding cuts to Medicaid, Republicans are using terms such as “money laundering” and “discrimination” to make their case. Language experts and Medicaid advocates say their word choice is misleading and designed to sway the public against the popular program.

To Patients, Parents, and Caregivers, Proposed Medicaid Cuts Are a Personal Affront

KFF Health News Original

At a town hall in Orange County, California, angry residents said Congress should keep its hands off Medicaid. The cuts contemplated in a House budget blueprint would bore a giant hole in California’s version of the safety net health insurance program, Medi-Cal, which covers nearly 15 million residents.

For Seniors With Hoarding Disorder, a Support Group Helps Confront Stigma and Isolation

KFF Health News Original

Hoarding disorder disproportionately affects older people. As baby boomers age, it is a growing public health concern. Effective treatments are scarce, and treating hoarding can require expensive interventions that drain municipal resources. Some experts fear a coming crisis.

Years Later, Centene Settlements With States Still Unfinished

KFF Health News Original

At least 20 states have settled disputes with health insurance giant Centene since 2021 over allegations that its pharmacy benefit manager operation overcharged their Medicaid programs. Two holdouts appear to remain: Georgia has not yet settled, and Florida officials won’t answer questions about its Centene situation.

Por qué los despidos en salud pública ponen en peligro a todos

KFF Health News Original

La decisión de la administración Trump de despedir repentinamente a empleados de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades destruyó los programas de capacitación a lo largo del país

Trump Vowed To End Surprise Medical Bills. The Office Working on That Just Got Slashed.

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration’s first round of sweeping staff cuts to federal agencies eliminated dozens of positions at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, which is tasked with implementing the No Surprises Act.

Law and Order or Bystander Safety? Police Chases Spotlight California’s Competing Priorities

KFF Health News Original

California’s governor is pressuring Oakland to allow more police pursuits as part of a crackdown on crime. But more pursuits mean a greater risk to public health, with more potential injuries and deaths among bystanders. Policies in cities including New York and San Francisco reflect divergent local priorities.

States Facing Doctor Shortages Ease Licensing Rules for Foreign-Trained Physicians

KFF Health News Original

Amid doctor shortages, several states have stopped requiring foreign-trained providers to repeat residencies before they’re fully licensed. Critics say patients could be harmed because of the loosened training requirements.