Latest News On Children’s Health

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Pediatric Practices Struggle To Adapt And Survive Amid COVID-19

KFF Health News Original

Across the U.S., pediatric practices that provide front-line care for the nation’s children are struggling to adjust to crashing revenues, terrified parents and a shortage of protective equipment — and all while being asked to care for young patients who could well be vectors for transmission without showing symptoms.

As The Country Disinfects, Diabetes Patients Can’t Find Rubbing Alcohol

KFF Health News Original

Demand has exploded for rubbing alcohol and alcohol swabs, which are being deployed in the disinfection fight against the coronavirus. Now, people with diabetes who rely on the products for infection control are left scrambling.

California Isn’t Testing Enough Children For Lead, Prompting Legislation

KFF Health News Original

A recent report by the California state auditor faults two state health departments for failing to ensure that children receive required blood lead tests and for not doing enough to reduce childhood lead exposure in high-risk areas. Lawmakers are proposing several measures to increase testing.

Now On The Menu At Closed Schools: Drive-Thru Lunches

KFF Health News Original

As schools shutter to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, many districts are still offering free meals to their most vulnerable students. In two Southern California districts, families roll through school lunch drive-thrus to grab hot meals.

Many Schools Have Closed ― But Not All. What Parents Need To Know About That Tough Call.

KFF Health News Original

Closing K-12 schools is part of a broad strategy to limit public interactions and slow the spread of COVID-19 cases. But the decision is far from easy, with conflicting science about how effective such closures are weighed against the massive disruption to families’ lives.

Despite A Birth By A Colorado Legislator, Paid Family Leave Bill Feels Labor Pains

KFF Health News Original

A Colorado lawmaker giving birth near the start of the state’s four-month legislative session highlighted the lack of comprehensive paid family leave. Yet a bill to add a statewide system that once seemed a sure thing is getting bogged down.

Maine Voters Consider U-Turn On Vaccine Exemptions

KFF Health News Original

States tried to tighten vaccine requirements last year in the midst of measles outbreaks, but a backlash against a tougher law in Maine put a referendum on the ballot there. Voters weigh in on Super Tuesday.

Tarea del día: deletrear y ponerse los anteojos

KFF Health News Original

Al menos el 20% de los niños en edad escolar en los Estados Unidos tienen problemas de visión. Pero según los CDC, menos del 15% tiene un examen de la vista antes de empezar el jardín.

Watch: One Father’s Fight Against ‘Predatory’ Drug Price

KFF Health News Original

“CBS This Morning” looks at the latest “Bill of the Month” installment. A drug implant for children has a price tag of $37,300, while one used in adults with the same active ingredient goes for $4,400.  

Hormone Blocker Shocker: Drug Costs 8 Times More When Used For Kids

KFF Health News Original

Two drug implants are nearly identical. The one for children has a list price of $37,300. For adults, the list price is $4,400. One dad fought for his daughter to be able to use the cheaper drug.

School Districts Grapple With Quarantines, Face Masks And Fear

KFF Health News Original

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, school districts, especially those with large Chinese student populations, are in uncharted territory as they apply new federal travel rules to their students. Some also are weighing requests from parents that are more about fear than science, such as whether to allow students with no travel history to stay home from school.

Call For FDA To Withdraw Preterm Birth Drug Divides Doctors and Insurers

KFF Health News Original

A study ordered by the Food and Drug Administration failed to prove that Makena, the only drug approved to prevent premature birth, is effective. While a panel of experts has recommended withdrawing the drug’s approval, many doctors are wary.

5 Things To Know As California Starts Screening Children For Toxic Stress

KFF Health News Original

California now will pay pediatricians to screen Medi-Cal patients for traumatic events known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. The program is based on research showing that children who endure chronic stress have an increased risk of developing serious health problems. Here are five things to know about the new program.