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Latest KFF Health News Stories

How the Thyroid Gland Mystifies Doctors and Patients

KFF Health News Original

This illustrated report has been adapted from a KFF Health News article, “Many Autoimmune Disease Patients Struggle With Diagnosis, Costs, Inattentive Care” by Andy Miller, with artwork by Oona Tempest.

Progressive and Anti-Abortion? New Group Plays Fast and Loose to Make Points

KFF Health News Original

Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, which operates mostly in the nation’s capital, is part of a confrontational anti-abortion movement that embraces all types of media — graffiti, social media, and livestreams — to communicate a smashmouth message.

Many Autoimmune Disease Patients Struggle With Diagnosis, Costs, Inattentive Care

KFF Health News Original

Despite the prevalence of autoimmune conditions, like the thyroid disease Hashimoto’s, sometimes finding help can prove frustrating as well as expensive. There are often no definitive diagnostic tests, so patients may rack up big bills as they search for confirmation of their condition and for treatment options.

Backlash to Affirmative Action Hits Pioneering Maternal Health Program for Black Women

KFF Health News Original

A San Francisco program offers a $1,000-a-month stipend for pregnant Black and Pacific Islander women, part of an effort to address severe racial disparities in maternal health. But conservative groups have sued to shut down the Abundant Birth Project, part of a national backlash against affirmative action in health care.

What Would a DeSantis Presidency Look Like for Health Care?

KFF Health News Original

Ron DeSantis’ record as Florida governor provides some clues to how he would change the health care landscape if elected president. In his five years as governor, DeSantis has promoted stricter abortion rules and emphasized individual freedom over the benefits of public health.

Watch: A Nation in Transition

KFF Health News Original

KFF Health News editor-at-large for public health Céline Gounder discusses how families of transgender youth are uprooting their lives due to anti-trans policies and their ripple effects.

Why Long-Term Care Insurance Falls Short for So Many 

KFF Health News Original

The private insurance market has proved wildly inadequate in providing financial security for millions of older Americans, in part by underestimating how many policyholders would use their coverage.

Nikki Haley (And Her Opponents) Struggle With a Vaccine Message

KFF Health News Original

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley portrays herself as a voice of reason in the Republican Party. “Let’s find consensus,” she said about abortion during the first GOP primary debate. “Let’s treat this like a respectful issue.” It’s talk like that — and strong polling in a hypothetical matchup against President Biden — that has […]

Evolving Overdose Crisis Shakes Previously Effective Treatments

KFF Health News Original

The prevalence of synthetic drugs is undercutting a previously effective and widely embraced opioid use disorder treatment tactic. Now, the model pioneered in Vermont a decade ago and adopted at sites nationwide, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas, is being forced to evolve.

Biden Administration Nibbles at the Maternal Health Crisis

KFF Health News Original

Choosing where to give birth typically comes down to what hospital is most convenient to your home, where your obstetrician practices and your insurance company’s provider network. Now, the Biden administration has given expectant parents another factor to consider: whether their hospital has won the government’s new “birthing friendly” designation. But don’t worry — a […]

US Military Says National Security Depends on ‘Forever Chemicals’

KFF Health News Original

PFAS chemicals are found in hundreds of products and weapons used by the U.S. military. Defense Department officials say a blanket ban on these man-made substances would threaten military readiness.