Latest News On Disabilities

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Children With Disabilities Endure Long Waits For Life-Changing Medical Equipment

KFF Health News Original

Some California children with serious health care problems wait more than a year for wheelchairs, bath benches, commodes, specialized crutches and other crucial medical equipment. Critics blame the delays on a confusing bureaucratic maze of private insurers and public programs.

Can You Hear Me Now? Senate Bill Aims to Broaden Access To Hearing Services.

KFF Health News Original

The measure would allow Medicare beneficiaries to visit an audiologist to get a hearing test to diagnose a hearing problem without first being referred by a physician or nurse practitioner.

For Aspiring Doctors With Disabilities, Many Medical Schools Come Up Short

KFF Health News Original

A national survey finds that medical schools should do more to help doctors with disabilities thrive. Although some schools do make needed accommodations, others need to take basic steps to help.

Cómo Medicaid se convirtió en un proveedor de fondos para las escuelas

KFF Health News Original

El programa federal gerenciado por los estados para que las personas de bajos ingresos tengan atención de salud también apoya a estudiantes con necesidades especiales en todo el país.

State Pay Cut For Dental Hygienists Who Serve The Poor Was Illegal, Court Finds

KFF Health News Original

California officials should have obtained federal approval before they cut reimbursement rates for dental hygienists who serve frail Californians living in nursing homes and board-and-care facilities, a judge has ruled.

Home Care Agencies Often Wrongly Deny Medicare Help To The Chronically Ill

KFF Health News Original

Agencies sometimes turn away Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health problems by incorrectly claiming Medicare won’t pay for their services, say patient advocates.

Frail Patients Losing Access To Dental House Calls

KFF Health News Original

Dental hygienists who treat frail and elderly residents in nursing homes and other facilities are dropping out of California’s publicly funded dental program for the poor because of recent changes that cut their pay and create more administrative hurdles.

Fires Prey On Frail Residents Living On Their Own

KFF Health News Original

The ferocious fires in Northern California underscore the vulnerability of seniors and disabled people whose mobility is limited. Experts recommend basic precautions.
  

Counting On Medicaid To Avoid Life In A Nursing Home? That’s Now Up To Congress.

KFF Health News Original

Tighter Medicaid budgets could jeopardize states’ home-based services that help older adults and disabled people live in their homes instead of more expensive nursing homes.

Long Waits And Long Odds For Those Who Need Social Security Disability

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. government has been struggling to balance a surge in applicants for disability benefits with shrinking funds. An updated application process could make getting benefits even harder.

¿Quién cuidará de Abril si nos deportan? Padres temen por sus hijos discapacitados

KFF Health News Original

Cada vez más los padres indocumentados que tienen hijos con discapacidades severas consultan a abogados y médicos con una pregunta angustiante: cómo evitar la deportación para seguir cuidando de sus niños.