David Hilzenrath

Visit kff.org to read David's bio.

dhilzenrath@kff.org
@DavidHilzenrath

Watch: How the FDA Opens the Door to Risky Chemicals in America’s Food Supply

KFF Health News Original

To a great extent, the FDA leaves it to food companies to determine whether their ingredients and additives are safe. Some chemicals and additives are tied to health risks while others are absent from product labels. Watch this video explainer to learn more.

Trump Administration Retreats From 100% Withholding on Social Security Clawbacks

KFF Health News Original

The Social Security Administration will now withhold 50% of many recipients’ monthly benefits to claw back alleged overpayments — down from the 100% it announced in March, but way up from the 10% cap imposed under former President Joe Biden.

Junk Food Turns Public Villain as Power Shifts in Washington

KFF Health News Original

Some Trump insiders are ready to take on the food industry. It remains to be seen whether their entrée will result in any meaningful change in government oversight of “Big Food” — or in American health.

Unpacking the FDA’s Non-Recall Recalls

KFF Health News Original

When the Agriculture Department posted a recall of chicken nuggets that might be contaminated, it directed consumers to return them or throw the stuff away. When the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that poorly designed baby loungers could suffocate babies, it warned consumers to immediately stop using them. But when it comes to medical devices, […]

Social Security Chief Testifies in Senate About Plans to Stop ‘Clawback Cruelty’

KFF Health News Original

Commissioner Martin O’Malley testifies to two Senate panels that his agency will stop the “injustices” of suspending people’s monthly benefits to recover alleged overpayments. The burden will be on the Social Security Administration to prove the beneficiary was to blame.

VIP Health System for Top US Officials Risked Jeopardizing Care for Soldiers

KFF Health News Original

The historically troubled White House Medical Unit is just one part of a government health system that gives VIP care to top officials, military officers, military retirees, and families. Pentagon investigators say some were prioritized over rank-and-file soldiers.

Social Security Chief Apologizes to Congress for Misleading Testimony on Overpayments

KFF Health News Original

Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi sent the letter days after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group reported that the agency has been demanding money back from more than twice as many people as she’d disclosed in October testimony.

Social Security Clawbacks Hit a Million More People Than Agency Chief Told Congress

KFF Health News Original

More than 2 million people a year have been sent notices that Social Security overpaid them and demanding they repay the money. That’s twice as many as the head of Social Security disclosed at a congressional hearing in October.