Latest KFF Health News Stories
Georgians With Disabilities Are Still Being Institutionalized, Despite Federal Oversight
For nearly 15 years, the feds have had oversight of Georgia’s treatment of people with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Observers say the state still jeopardizes some of its most marginalized residents by not meeting the terms of its settlement with the Justice Department.
Readers and Tweeters Take a Close Look at Eye Care and White Mulberry Leaf
KHN gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.
‘So Rudderless’: A Couple’s Quest for Autism Treatment for Their Son Hits Repeated Obstacles
Amparo and Victor Rios began searching for answers about their son’s development when he didn’t hit some milestones after turning 2. Three years later, they are still trying to get their insurance to pay for expensive therapy to help him.
Journalists Cover the Gamut, From Rising Insulin Costs to Delays in Autism Care for Children
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Los retrasos en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del autismo aumentaron durante la pandemia
La pandemia retrasó muchos servicios médicos críticos, entre ellos los del autismo. Estos tratamientos son esenciales para los niños recién diagnosticados.
Delays for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Grew Even Longer During the Pandemic
Despite increased public awareness, research advances, and wider insurance coverage for autism therapies, children often wait months — in some cases more than a year — to get an autism diagnosis and begin intervention services. The waits can be longer for Black and Latino children, and families in rural areas are also disadvantaged, without access to providers.
La alta demanda de perros de servicio crea un mercado salvaje y a veces fraudulento
Estos perros aprenden a ayudar a los seres humanos, pero quedan atrapados en engaños. Muchos los usan para un mercado que abusa de los que tienen necesidades médicas.
Demand for Service Dogs Unleashes a ‘Wild West’ Market
Service dogs can help people with ailments from autism to epilepsy, but a trained dog can cost up to $40,000 — and insurance won’t cover it.
This Doctor Thought She Could Navigate US Health Care. Then Her Autistic Son Needed Help.
Dr. Mai Pham left her corporate career to spark change in a system that is failing millions of Americans with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Push Is On for States to Ban Organ Transplant Discrimination
States are passing laws that would prevent people with Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities from being denied transplants solely because of their conditions.
For Those With Developmental Disabilities, Dental Needs Are Great, Good Care Elusive
Lack of access means that people with physical and cognitive disabilities have a heavier burden of dental disease.
Renuncian a servicios de autismo para su hija por miedo a no obtener la residencia
El posible cambio a una norma de inmigración está alejando a niños de servicios médicos que necesitan para su salud y desarrollo.
With Mom’s Green Card On The Line, Family Forgoes Autism Services For Citizen Child
A Texas girl needs autism treatment, but her immigrant mother is afraid of turning to Medicaid. As more U.S. children go without health coverage, advocates blame politics of intimidation.
Nowhere To Go: Young People With Severe Autism Languish In Hospitals
Some teens and young adults are spending weeks or even months in retrofitted emergency rooms — even in mesh-covered tents — until specialized care can be found. ‘It’s a huge problem,’ one doctor says.
As Non-Medical Vaccine Exemptions Grow, Texas Parents Seek Transparency In Schools
Although the state has an overall high level of vaccinations, some people are concerned about growing pockets with high numbers of children who are not immunized.
Single Mom’s Search For Therapist Foiled By Insurance Companies
A single mom, a son with autism and a maddening search for the help she badly needed.
Despite Federal Directive, Texas Denies Medicaid Coverage For An Autism Therapy
The state’s Medicaid program quit covering the expensive therapy, called applied behavioral analysis, leaving some families scrambling to afford the treatment.
Questions Emerge About The Impact Of State Autism Insurance Mandates
New research finds that the impact of these mandates varies because of differences in states’ coverage requirements and the availability of treatment options.
Slowing Down The ER To Improve Care For Patients With Autism
A small but growing number of hospital emergency rooms are taking steps to improve quality of care for patients with autism while also adding efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Some health professionals worry that the task force’s findings could result in missed opportunities for early intervention.
